Cincinnati CMC Chapter 856 sets occupancy limits based on bedroom count. Studio units allow a maximum of 2 guests. Units with bedrooms allow 2 guests per bedroom. Rooms hosting 3 or more guests must have at least 150 square feet plus 50 square feet per additional guest. Legal bedrooms require specific egress and enclosure standards.
Under CMC Chapter 856 and its associated rules and regulations, Cincinnati establishes clear occupancy limits for short-term rental units. A studio or dwelling without separate bedrooms may accommodate a maximum of 2 guests. For units with bedrooms, the limit is 2 guests per bedroom. Where 3 or more guests occupy a single bedroom, the room must have a minimum of 150 square feet plus 50 additional square feet per guest beyond two. Legal bedrooms used to establish occupancy limits must meet specific standards: they require privacy or enclosure from common areas, two means of egress including one appropriately sized window for emergency exit, and a closet. These limits ensure guest safety and compliance with building code standards. STR operators must include occupancy limits in their guest materials and listing descriptions. Buildings with 4 or fewer units have no cap on how many can be STRs. In buildings with 5 or more units, only 4 units plus 1 additional unit per every 4 units above 4 may be registered as short-term rentals.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Cincinnati's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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