Short-Term Rentals in Columbus, OH (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Columbus City Code Chapter 598 requires all STR operators to obtain an annual permit before listing. Application requires BCI background check, $300,000 liability insurance, letter of good standing, and 24/7 local contact. Permit fee: $75/year primary residence, $150/year non-primary.
Columbus Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
Short-term rentals in Columbus are subject to the general noise ordinance plus additional operational standards in Chapter 599. Operators must post house rules, provide a 24/7 local contact who can respond to complaints, and can lose their permit for repeated noise violations.
STR Noise Rules in Columbus
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Columbus levies a 5.1% hotel/motel/short-term rental excise tax under Chapter 371 of the Columbus City Codes. Hosts also pay Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority lodging tax (4.9% within Columbus) plus 7.5% combined Ohio/Franklin County sales tax. Permit fees are $75/year (primary residence) or $150/year (non-primary), plus a $20 application fee and $32 BCI background check.
STR Taxes and Fees in Columbus
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Columbus City Code Chapter 598 (Hotel/Motel and Short-Term Rental Operations) does not impose STR-specific off-street parking minimums beyond the underlying zoning requirement for the dwelling. Off-street parking continues to be governed by Title 33 Chapter 3312 for the residential use, and STRs in residential zones must comply with Columbus City Code §3312.35 prohibiting commercial-vehicle and RV storage in front yards.
STR Parking Rules in Columbus
Some RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Columbus requires every short-term rental operator to obtain an annual short-term rental permit before listing on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms. The program is administered by the Department of Public Safety's License Section and enforced through Columbus City Code Chapter 599.
STR Registration in Columbus
Heavy RestrictionsHost Presence Rule
Columbus's short-term rental ordinance in CCC Chapter 597 and CCC §3367 requires every STR operator to obtain an annual license, list a local responsible party, and disclose whether the listing is owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied at registration.
STR Host Presence and Licensing
Some RestrictionsLooking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Franklin County →