Short-term rental permit rules in Cleveland, OH — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Cleveland requires rental property registration with the Department of Building & Housing at $70/unit annually. A proposed 2024 ordinance (No. 588-2024) would create a dedicated STR license at $150/year with density caps and insurance requirements.
Currently, Cleveland requires all non-owner-occupied residential rental properties to register annually with the Department of Building & Housing at $70 per unit. A Certificate of Occupancy is also required. STRs defined as units occupied by guests for under 30 days, used more than 91 days per year. Owners must reside on property 51%+ of the year. Interior and exterior inspections are mandatory. Proposed Ordinance 588-2024 (Councilman McCormack) would require a $150 annual STR license, 15% density cap per block, local contact available within one hour, and $300,000 liability insurance. Enforcement remains limited — most listings currently operate without specific STR licenses.
Proposed fines: $1,000 for unregistered operation, escalating to $5,000 for repeat violations.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Cleveland Codified Ordinances Chapter 209 (Prope...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, anchoring, lighting hours, and blower-motor noise are governed by H...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday lighting timing, brightness, or animation. Holiday displays are governed by HOA and condo association...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Freestanding por...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no specific city ordinance restricting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Persistent severe smoke could be addressed unde...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland follows the Ohio Fire Code (OAC 1301:7-7), which incorporates the IFC. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containe...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cuyahoga County.
See how other cities in Cuyahoga County handle permit requirements.
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