Short-term rental permit rules in Westerville, OH — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Westerville does not have a dedicated short-term rental licensing ordinance, but STRs must comply with residential zoning, the city lodging tax registration, and Franklin/Delaware County health and safety rules. Operators should register with the Westerville Income Tax Division for bed tax collection.
The City of Westerville has not adopted a stand-alone STR permit ordinance as of 2024. STRs operating in R-1 through R-4 residential districts are treated as accessory residential use provided they do not alter the residential character of the neighborhood. Operators are required to register with the Westerville Income Tax Division to collect and remit the city's 3% transient occupancy (lodging) tax under Codified Ordinances Chapter 183. Properties must comply with the Ohio Residential Code for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and egress windows. HOA restrictions in subdivisions such as Highlands at Hoover and Cherrington frequently prohibit STRs outright. Westerville staff have indicated STR-specific regulations are under review.
Failure to register and remit lodging tax: penalties under Codified Ordinances 183.99 including interest plus up to 15% penalty. Operating in violation of residential zoning character: zoning complaint investigation and up to $150/day civil fines.
Westerville, OH
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Westerville, OH
Westerville allows up to 4 hens on residential lots with a permit. No roosters. Coops must be setback at least 25 feet from neighboring structures. The city'...
Westerville, OH
Westerville adopts the Ohio Residential Code smoke alarm requirements. Smoke alarms required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every lev...
Westerville, OH
Westerville allows recreational fire pits under Ohio Fire Code 307.4. Fires must be under 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet high, and at least 25 feet from any stru...
Westerville, OH
Westerville requires property owners to maintain vegetation and remove dead brush under Codified Ordinance 521.08. No defensible-space wildfire rules apply a...
Westerville, OH
Backyard recreational fires permitted in Westerville under Ohio Fire Code 307.4: 3-foot diameter maximum, 25-foot setback from structures, clean wood only. M...
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