Montgomery County, OH Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Ohio counties have no countywide zoning authority for unincorporated land - R.C. Chapter 519 grants that power to townships. The Montgomery County Planning Commission only acts as platting authority and gives advisory comments on township zoning amendments, so there is no countywide STR occupancy ordinance for unincorporated areas. Each township sets its own rule. Washington Township (Centerville area), confirmed by reporting on a 2024 Township Zoning Board enforcement decision, treats short-term rentals (under 30 days) in residential districts as a Conditional Use only. The Conditional Use Permit can be revoked by the Township Zoning Inspector if more than three calls for service for the property occur within 12 consecutive months, after which the dwelling may only be rented for stays of 30+ days. Other Montgomery County townships (Butler, Clay, German, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Miami, Perry) each adopt their own zoning resolutions; some are silent on STRs, which means hosts default to the underlying residential use definition and Ohio Residential Code occupant-load minimums (typically 200 sf per first occupant + 200 sf per additional). Within incorporated cities, Centerville now permits STRs only in the Architectural Preservation District under its 2024 Unified Development Ordinance amendment; Dayton has no current STR registration but is collecting data via Avenu STR IP LLC. Hosts must verify the specific township or city resolution before listing.