A revised bill in the Kentucky state legislature has put Airbnb restrictions in Louisville at risk. The bill, which aims to regulate short-term rentals across the state, has been amended to remove key provisions that would have allowed local governments to impose their own restrictions on short-term rentals.
The original bill had included language that would have allowed cities like Louisville to establish their own regulations on short-term rentals, including requirements for licensing, zoning, and health and safety standards. However, the revised bill strips away these provisions, instead imposing a statewide framework for regulating short-term rentals.
The revised bill has sparked concern among local officials in Louisville, who argue that the city needs to be able to regulate short-term rentals in a way that addresses its unique needs and concerns. “We need to be able to regulate short-term rentals in a way that protects our neighborhoods and our communities,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms have become increasingly popular in Louisville in recent years, with thousands of listings available across the city. While the platforms have brought in new revenue for property owners and the city, they have also raised concerns about noise, parking, and other issues.
The revised bill has also sparked concern among neighborhood groups and community organizations, who argue that the statewide framework will not adequately address the unique needs and concerns of different neighborhoods and communities. “We need to be able to regulate short-term rentals in a way that takes into account the unique character and needs of our neighborhood,” said one neighborhood activist.
The bill is currently making its way through the Kentucky state legislature, with lawmakers expected to vote on the measure in the coming weeks. If the bill passes, it could have significant implications for the regulation of short-term rentals in Louisville and across the state.
Local officials and community groups are urging lawmakers to reconsider the revised bill and restore the provisions that would allow local governments to regulate short-term rentals. “We need to be able to regulate short-term rentals in a way that works for our community, not just for the interests of big corporations like Airbnb,” said Mayor Greenberg.
