Permit Requirements: Columbus vs Grove City
How do permit requirements rules compare between Columbus, OH and Grove City, OH?
Grove City has fewer restrictions than Columbus.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
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.
View full Columbus rules →Grove City, OH
Franklin County
Grove City does not have a dedicated short-term rental registration ordinance as of 2026, but STR operators must obtain a Zoning Certificate confirming the use complies with applicable residential district standards and collect the Franklin County 5.9 percent hotel/motel lodging tax.
View full Grove City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | $75/yr primary; $150/yr non-primary | - |
| Insurance | $300,000 liability required | - |
| Background Check | BCI check required ($32) | - |
| Code Section | Columbus City Code Chapter 598 | - |
| City Permit | - | No dedicated STR license |
| Lodging Tax | - | Franklin County 5.9 percent |
| State Tax | - | Ohio has no state bed tax |
| Zoning | - | Verify with Development Dept |
| HOA | - | Often more restrictive |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Columbus?
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.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Columbus?
Permit Fee: $75/yr primary; $150/yr non-primary. Insurance: $300,000 liability required. Background Check: BCI check required ($32). Code Section: Columbus City Code Chapter 598.
Grove City FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Grove City?
Grove City has no specific city-level STR permit ordinance as of 2025. STRs must comply with Grove City Zoning Code (Part 11) for residential use. Franklin County occupancy tax applies. Contact Grove City Planning at 614-277-3000 to verify current requirements.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Grove City?
City Permit: Not specifically required. Zoning: Must comply with residential zone rules. Contact: Grove City Planning 614-277-3000. County Tax: Franklin County 4% occupancy tax.
Compare other topics
See how Columbus and Grove City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool