The Oldham County Board of Adjustments on Dec. 18 approved a conditional use permit allowing an owner-occupied short-term rental at 6000 South Highway 53 in Smithfield, with binding conditions that must be met before the property may operate as a short-term rental.

Staff told the board the case had been tabled at the Nov. 20 hearing because the property was then titled to an LLC. John Hein, Planner I, said the deed transferring the property to Timothy and Mrs. Bowman had since been recorded and provided to planning staff. Hein said the board should include binding elements requiring a minor plat to separate a second dwelling on the parcel before issuance of a short-term rental property (STRP) permit and that the conditional use permit would automatically be revoked on any future sale or transfer.

The applicant’s counsel, Mike Swansberg, said the Bowmans qualify as an owner-occupied host and pointed to residency documents and security measures on the record. “The proof in the record demonstrates that mister Bowman and his wife live at the property,” Swansberg said, and added the couple plans to work with neighbors to address shared-driveway and other concerns.

Neighbors who testified in opposition said the property is functionally a farm and raised safety and liability concerns associated with outsiders using a private driveway. Jeremiah Morgan said he was especially worried about his 13‑year‑old daughter being home alone and that he and Mr. Bowman had not communicated since the previous hearing. Joe Farmer added, “If it were truly to support the neighboring business, Twin Lakes, it would just be for the weekend ... They certainly aren't looking to stay 6 months,” expressing concern that longer stays would strain infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Ryan Fisher, director of Oldham County Planning, clarified that the county’s short-term rental ordinance applies only to rentals under 30 days; owners may, without board review, rent a property for 31 days or longer. He reiterated that an STRP is required for any stays under 30 days and that the board’s approval would be limited to the application heard Dec. 18.

After deliberation the board approved the permit by a 3–1 vote. Conditions recorded in the motion require that the conditional use permit apply only to the application considered Dec. 18; that the applicant comply with Oldham County zoning regulations for short‑term rentals (section 250‑050); that the conditional use permit be automatically revoked upon any future transfer or sale of the property; that the owner obtain a short‑term rental property permit and license before renting; and that the owner file a minor‑plat application to separate the second structure into an independent parcel before issuance of the STRP permit.

The board’s action permits the applicant to proceed with applications to planning staff for the STRP and the minor plat; failure to meet those preconditions would prevent issuance of an STRP and effective operation as a short-term rental.