Mount Washington sits in northeastern Bullitt County, with Louisville directly to the north. The town started as a crossroads where two stagecoach routes met, and that crossroads shape is still the first thing to understand about its commercial property. Roads are the primary way in and out, and the highways that cross in the center of town decide where storefronts, offices, and service businesses make sense. This page covers where commercial property is, what drives demand, and how the city's own zoning and permit process works. For the region as a whole, see our Louisville commercial real estate guide.

Where commercial property is in Mount Washington

Four routes explain most of the map. U.S. Route 31E and U.S. Route 150 pass through the city and continue south toward Bardstown. Kentucky Route 44 and a road signed as U.S. 31EX meet in the center of town. A bypass on the east end carries the main U.S. 31E line and creates a second north-south route.

• The center of town. The older business district around the crossing of KY 44 and U.S. 31EX is where central business zoning applies. A fire in November 1940 burned much of the business district, so what stands there today largely dates from after that rebuilding.
• The through routes. Properties along the highways and the east bypass are where the city's highway business zoning matters most.
• Industrial zones. The city's zoning code includes dedicated industrial districts, which is worth checking if you need warehouse or shop space.

Because the bypass moves through traffic away from the center, a lot's frontage and access can matter more here than its address.

What drives demand here

Mount Washington is described as a commuter town of Louisville. The population grew from 2,020 in 1970 to over 9,000 by the 2010 census, after General Electric's Appliance Park opened in Louisville and brought new residents to the area. Commercial demand follows that daily traffic: service businesses, offices, and shops that serve people living in the city and passing through on the highways.

The city also publishes a business directory, a new business guide, and information on occupational taxes, which tells you it expects owner-operators to open here. If you are an investor, remember that a stable local customer base matters most for small-tenant retail and office buildings. Ask any seller for lease terms and tenant history, and compare returns using our cap rate explainer.

Zoning and permits in Mount Washington

Mount Washington runs its own building and permit process, but zoning compliance starts at the county. The city's published steps are:

• Get a Zoning Compliance Certificate from Bullitt County Planning and Zoning before you apply with the city.
• Submit a building permit application and an encroachment permit application to the city, with scope of work, plans (electronic preferred), fees, and a copy of the zoning compliance certificate. New single-family dwellings also need a stamped survey.
• Expect state involvement on some projects. The state Department of Housing, Building and Construction handles plumbing, elevators, institutional uses, and large buildings over 100 occupants and 20,000 square feet.
• Make sure contractors and subcontractors hold a current City of Mt. Washington business license and liability insurance.
• Build within the time limit. Permits expire 12 months after issuance.

The city's zoning documents list B-1 (Highway Business), B-2 (Central Business), industrial zones, R1 through R4 residential zones, agricultural and conservation regulations, and a Community Planning Area under a Smart Code. The city also has an online zoning map. Businesses operating in the city also need a city business license, and alcohol sales need a city ABC license.

Types of commercial property you will find

• Central business district storefronts and small office buildings.
• Highway business properties on or near U.S. 31E, U.S. 150, and KY 44.
• Industrial and shop buildings in industrial zones.
• Small mixed-use buildings. Any property with two or more units counts as commercial, including duplexes and apartment buildings.
• Land for development along the through routes.

Before you buy any of these, walk through our commercial due diligence checklist. Older buildings in the central district deserve a close look at systems and access.

Buying or selling a business that owns its building

In a smaller city, the business and its building are often one decision. A restaurant, shop, or service company that owns its property can be sold as a package, or the owner can sell the operation and lease the building to the buyer. Both approaches affect your tax treatment, financing, and price. Our guide on buying or selling a business with real estate explains how those deals are structured, and our overview of commercial real estate loans in Kentucky covers financing options.

Working with Winner Realty in Mount Washington

Winner Realty is a Louisville brokerage run by Rob Bergeron, a licensed Realtor in Kentucky. We work with owners and investors across Bullitt County and the surrounding region. Start with a free commercial property valuation if you are thinking of selling, or tell us what you want to buy and we will watch for it. If you are selling an investment property, see our 1031 exchange guide.

Also see our pages for Shepherdsville and Bardstown, both reached from Mount Washington by road.

Frequently asked questions

Do I start with the city or the county for zoning?

Start with Bullitt County Planning and Zoning for a Zoning Compliance Certificate, then apply to the City of Mt. Washington for the building permit and attach that certificate.

What commercial zoning districts does Mount Washington use?

The city lists B-1 Highway Business and B-2 Central Business, along with industrial zones. Check the city's online zoning map or ask the city's zoning contact to confirm a specific parcel.

Which highways serve Mount Washington?

U.S. 31E and U.S. 150 pass through the city and continue south to Bardstown. KY 44 and U.S. 31EX meet in the center, and a bypass on the east end carries the main U.S. 31E line.

How long does a building permit last?

Permits expire 12 months after issuance, and renewal costs the same as the original fee, according to the city.

Have a Mount Washington property in mind? Use our commercial inquiry form, or text or email Rob at (502) 305-8915 or Rob@thewinnerrealty.com.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Kentucky real estate licensing is governed by KRS Chapter 324, and you should talk with an attorney about your specific situation.