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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County STR cap
None for cities
Transient stay limit
29 days maximum
'Family' rule
Under 4 unrelated persons
Capacity governed by
Building/property maintenance code
Applied through
Conditional Use Permit

Summary

Lorain County sets no STR headcount limit for incorporated cities. Lorain's code caps a 'transient guest' stay at 29 days and defines 'family' so that a group of four or more unrelated people cannot occupy a dwelling as one household.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

FAMILY: One (1) or more persons occupying a dwelling unit, living as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit; provided, a group of four (4) or more persons who are not within the second degree of kinship shall not constitute a family.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025-01: Local legislation current through September 2, 2025 | State legislation current through June 5, 2025).

Full Breakdown

There is no county STR occupancy cap; limits flow from city zoning and building codes. Lorain Cod. Ord. 1537.05 defines a short-term rental as guest lodging for no more than 29 days, and defines 'family' to exclude a group of four or more persons not within the second degree of kinship. Practical guest capacity is governed by that household definition plus the Ohio building/property maintenance code's habitable-space requirements, applied through the Conditional Use Permit. Unincorporated townships follow ORC 519 zoning. Confirm exact limits with your city building department.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding lawful occupancy is enforced as a property-maintenance or zoning violation by the Chief Building Official and can support Housing License revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lorain cap the number of guests?
Not by a fixed number. Occupancy is limited by the 'family' definition and the building code's habitable-space standards, reviewed during the conditional use process.
How long can a guest stay?
A short-term-rental guest is a transient guest occupying the dwelling for no more than 29 days; longer stays fall outside the STR definition.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lorain County rules

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