Times they are a changin’

Short-term rental regulations are potentially coming

A three-story brick home with large front porch and staircase

Historic South Hill Mansion | Photo via Airbnb

Regulation of short-term rentals (STRs) could soon become a reality in Lexington.

Earlier this week, the General Government and Planning Committee passed a resolution (voted on unanimously) that would begin changing city ordinances pertaining to STRs. They also passed a motion to update zoning regulations.

The zone text amendment has now been moved to the city council agenda and is expected to be voted on later this month. A full breakdown of zoning amendments is available via the Committee.

Facts

Through partnerships with STR platforms like Airbnb, Expedia, and Vrbo, Fayette County collects local hotel taxes. In 2021, that number was $970,000. That money goes to VisitLex, and towards the debt from the $350 million Central Bank Center expansion, reports the Herald-Leader.

The proposed changes were created by a Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government workgroup — which included members of city council, the division of planning, the department of revenue, and research analysts. There are four key components to the draft proposal —

Fees
Structure Licensing
Enforcement and Appeals
Zoning Regulations

Between March 2022 and February 2023, the workgroup held a total of 15 meetings with STR owners and residents of neighborhoods with a higher number of STRs. This provided a platform for open dialogue + feedback, which helped draft the changes.

Proposed changes

An annual $200 license fee for one property + $100 annually for each additional property
Report annual number of stays
Maximum of 12 guests per property
Owners that host on platforms other than those listed above will remit hotel taxes to the city.
Increased regulation of where and what types of STRs are allowed

A final vote isn’t expected until the summer.

Do you think short-term rentals need more regulation?

A. Yes
B. No
C. I feel indifferent

SUBMIT YOUR THOUGHTS

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Thursday, Mar. 9

Taylor Road Live | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $10 | Danville’s own rock band Taylor Road will be putting on a high-energy indoor show accompanied by Indigo Storm and City Awake.
Jazz at the Library: Tim McCord | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Enjoy live music from Tim McCord and The Library Players who will perform an un-rehearsed show of jazz classics.

Friday, March 10

The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens by Billy St. John | Friday, Mar. 10-Sunday, Mar. 26 | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Carriage House, 154 W. Bell Ct., Lexington | $22 | Try to figure out “whodunnit” in this parlor comedy murder mystery hosted by the Studio Players.

Saturday, March 11

Signs of Spring Long Hike | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Rd., Lexington | $17.55-$22 | Kick off the spring hiking season with a long hike featuring Elk Lick Creek and Elk Lick Falls.
Second Saturday Gaming | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lexington Public Library Beaumont Branch, 3080 Fieldstone Way, Lexington | Free | Bring the whole family to drop in and learn to play a variety of board games.
DJ Best Western + Exhibit Closing Party | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 2 p.m. | Gold Crown Gallery, 128 Deweese St., Lexington | Free | Celebrate the closing of Landon Antonetti’s “Tiny Tuscany” series with the live vinyl sounds of DJ Best Western.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

3 reasons to have your baby at Baptist Health

With private rooms and attentive care, Baptist Health is there to support you and your baby in your earliest moments together. | Photo via Unsplash

Hey, expectant LEX moms. We’re guessing nothing matters more right now than the little one you’re carrying — so choosing where to deliver your baby is no small decision.

Enter: Baptist Health Lexington. The hospital that has earned a host of national accolades specializes in providing new families:

Patient-centered maternity care that puts mom and baby first.
An expert team utilizing innovative and research-based practices, like post-birth bonding + advanced NICU care.
Comprehensive classes to support new parents before and after birth. 👩‍🍼 ^

SEE MATERNITY SERVICES

Content marked with a ^ is created by our Client Success Team — see more of their work + learn how they can create engaging paid content for your brand here.

Weather

58º | Mostly cloudy | 7% chance of rain

Arts

This weekend marks the return of The Kentucky Crafted Market, bringing two days of visual and craft artists, live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Admission is free but donations are encouraged for the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.

Cause

Next Monday, March 13-Saturday, March 18 is the third annual Jake’s Birthday Book Drive benefiting the International Book Project. The campaign was initiated in honor of late city councilman and beloved community member Jake Gibbs. Accepted donations include gently used children’s books, college textbooks, as well as adult fiction + non-fiction books. 📚

Read

After losing his father to cancer, Lexingtonian Zachary Farmer has written a children’s book that honors his father and supports young children facing similar challenges. “SuperDad” shares the impact of a present and dedicated father, and helps families navigate the loss of a parent.

Eat

Local nonprofit FoodChain announced the return of FEAST — a celebration of local women chefs. Save the date for Wednesday, May 24, which will feature an evening of delicious craft cocktails, amazing local food, live music, auction items + more. Tickets will be on sale soon. 🍽️

Award

The Blue Grass Trust is seeking nominations for the 2023 Preservation Awards. The program has highlighted the impact of historic preservation in Central Kentucky for 30+ years. Learn more about requirements and nominate an individual, project, or organization by Friday, March 24.

Seasonal

Secure your spot for The Bradford Pear Bounty Program which will take place Saturday, March 25 at the UK Franklin County Extension Office. If you provide photo proof that you cut down the beautiful, yet stinky invasive tree, you’ll receive a native tree in its place. 🌳 (WKYT)

Wellness

What’s in: red light therapy. What’s out: forms of treatment that are painful and invasive. Red light therapy is non-invasive and painless, and evidence suggests it may be able to ease body aches, heal sun damage, and build collagen. Brb — we’re adding this easy-to-prop light and this facial massager to our Amazon cart. *

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The countdown is on

In their words: A preview of Lexington Sporting Club’s inaugural season

Lexington Sporting Club teammates standing in a huddle.

Lexington Sporting Club teammates huddle after a scrimmage against Georgetown College. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Sporting Club

We are just nine days away from Lexington Sporting Club’s inaugural season-opener against One Knoxville SC in Knoxville, TN, and less than a month out from their first home match on Saturday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at Toyota Stadium.

We spoke with Coach Sam Stockley and the hometown players at a recent practice to hear their thoughts on the upcoming season.

⚽ Coach Sam Stockley

On his excitement for the season —
“Difficult to put it into words at the moment. The lads are working so hard ... they’re excited, they’re bubbling, they’re full of passion, and they’re ready to go.”

⚽ Diallo Irakoze

On how it feels to be a part of the inaugural team —
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially this being my first ever professional team, it’s a really exciting thing.”

Stay tuned, we’ll have more fun quotes from the team in a future newsletter. 👀

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Molly.

Editor’s pick: This weekend is your last chance to get a preview of the Lexington Sporting Club before the regular season begins. Head to Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex this Saturday, March 11 at 3 p.m. to see our USL League One team’s final preseason scrimmage against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out six reasons to travel to Greenville, SC, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Molly Thompson, Aayat Ali, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

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