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The City of Covington, Kentucky, has expressed its opposition to proposed legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly that would allow out-of-state vacation rental platforms like Airbnb to operate without local restrictions. The proposal, currently outlined in Senate Bill 110, may be incorporated into House Bill 490 as it progresses through the legislative process.
Mayor Ron Washington emphasized the city's efforts over nearly four years to balance business interests with preserving neighborhood character. "Covington leaders spent almost four years engaging with its property owners and neighborhood advocates to find the proper balance that works for our unique community," he stated. The city aims to protect residential areas from negative impacts such as parties and ensure housing availability.
Covington joins other Northern Kentucky cities and the Kentucky League of Cities in urging legislators not to pass this legislation. Senate Bill 110 would prevent local governments from requiring conditional use permits or imposing density-based restrictions on short-term rentals.
These restrictions were central to Covington's discussions since December 2020, culminating in regulatory updates in June 2024. During this period, a temporary moratorium was placed on new short-term rental licenses due to concerns about neighborhoods becoming hotel districts and associated issues like parking and noise.
The pause allowed for public input through surveys and hearings, where residents overwhelmingly supported local regulation. Mayor Washington noted, "In Covington, we believe in listening to our residents and businesses." He urged legislators not to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach but instead consider Covington's unique circumstances.
