Short-term rental permit rules in Columbus, OH — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
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.
Columbus City Code Chapter 598 (Hotel/Motel and Short-Term Rental Operations) governs all rentals under 30 nights. No person may list a dwelling on any hosting platform without a valid STR permit number. Application requires: notarized application, BCI background check ($32), Letter of Good Standing from Columbus Income Tax Division (via CRISP), liability insurance ($300,000 minimum), documentation of all hosting platforms used, 24/7 local contact with residential address. Permit automatically revoked if insurance lapses. City employs third-party monitoring for unlisted properties.
First offense: $250 fine. Second and subsequent: $500 fine. May be required to remit all gross revenue collected during non-compliant period to city.
Columbus, OH
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Columbus, OH
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
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