Board grants owner‑occupied short‑term rental permit at 1724 Riverside Drive with standard licensing conditions

The Oldham County Board of Adjustments and Appeals on June 19 approved a conditional‑use permit for an owner‑occupied short‑term rental at 1724 Riverside Drive in Prospect, contingent on the applicant obtaining an annual short‑term rental permit and complying with Oldham County's STRP regulations.

John Hein, planner I for Oldham County Planning and Development Services, said the property is in the CO‑1 Conservation District, is 0.14 acres, and contains a three‑bedroom unit proposed for short‑term rental on the third floor. "The applicant has provided adequate documentation of residency," Hein said, citing the requirement that an owner occupied STRP must be the owner's primary residence or on an immediately adjacent lot.

Attorney Jake Thompson, representing the applicant David S. Zachman, presented documentation showing bills, payroll stubs and bank statements that list Zachman's Riverside Drive address. Zachman, sworn in at the hearing, testified he has lived at 1724 Riverside Drive since May of the prior year and that it is his only residence. "I'm home in my bed every single night," Zachman said, explaining that as a pilot he sometimes flies afternoon turns but returns overnight.

Opponents raised two issues: whether Zachman actually resides at the property and whether remediation work in the lower level following recent flooding complied with flood‑plain requirements. Cindy Harbin, speaking on behalf of Harmony Village homeowners, said neighbors had not observed the owner living there and expressed concern about lower‑level construction. County staff and the county engineer said building and flood‑plain inspections would be handled through the building‑permit and flood‑plain process if work is underway.

Board members asked about parking and learned the property has space for at least four vehicles (apron, garage and across‑the‑street parking noted by the applicant), which matches the county requirement for the short‑term rental's occupancy. The board discussed the ordinance's owner‑occupied standard and a planned staff review of documentation requirements for future applications.

A board member moved to approve the conditional‑use permit on the grounds it does not conflict with the comprehensive plan and is compatible with surrounding land uses. The board approved standard conditions: (1) the permit applies only to the application considered June 19; (2) the applicant must comply with Oldham County zoning regulations section 250‑050 concerning short‑term rental properties; (3) the CUP will be automatically revoked upon transfer or sale of the property; and (4) the applicant must apply for and be issued a county short‑term rental property permit and license before renting the property.

The board noted prior enforcement history involving an earlier owner; staff said that prior violation (Dec. 28, 2023) is recorded but distinct from the current owner's application. The board approved the conditional use and required the applicant to proceed to licensing and any necessary building/flood‑plain inspections.