Short-term rental expansion and legalization
Summary
One 5-acre Harrods Old Trace rental expanded to 16 guests with neighbor agreements barring firearms and drones; a Breitenstein Avenue Airbnb that's operated for four years was finally permitted. Both must register with the city within 30 days.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
Neighbors worry more short-term rentals near Churchill Downs could drive up prices and pull homes off the long-term rental market.
The property owners gain legal short-term rental operations.
Neighbors and elected officials worry about noise, parking and the loss of long-term rental housing.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Zoning Adjustment — September 28, 2026
One 5-acre Harrods Old Trace rental expanded to 16 guests with neighbor agreements barring firearms and drones; a Breitenstein Avenue Airbnb that's operated for four years was finally permitted. Both must register with the city within 30 days.
Board of Zoning Adjustment — July 20, 2026
Three short-term rentals were approved across the city, each with guest caps and registration rules. Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe pushed back on one, reflecting a broader worry about homes leaving the long-term housing stock.
Board of Zoning Adjustment — June 29, 2026
Two short-term rental permits were approved — one run by an out-of-state owner with a local manager, one by a nearby owner-manager. The ordinance requires a local contact who can respond quickly to problems.
Board of Zoning Adjustment — May 4, 2026
Neighbors near Southern Parkway and Churchill Downs say short-term rentals are eating up housing stock families need. The board weighed the 600-foot separation rule against an applicant's request for relief and sided with the neighborhood, denying the permit.
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