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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Athens, OH

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as dwelling units rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Owner-occupied rentals are permitted in R-1 residential zones, while non-owner-occupied units must comply with specific zoning, conditional-use, or Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) processes. All units must meet housing codes, designate an authorized agent residing in Athens County, and display an official Occupancy Permit and Compliance Form.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City’s CitizenServe portal or directly to the Code Enforcement Office. 2) Complete a property inspection by the Code Enforcement Office, which must occur within 30 days of application. 3) Pay the annual fee established by ordinance and renew the permit every year by January 2.

Official Resources

Official Athens STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Athens, OH?
Short-term rentals are defined as dwelling units rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Owner-occupied rentals are permitted in R-1 residential zones, while non-owner-occupied units must comply with specific zoning, conditional-use, or Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) processes. All units must meet housing codes, designate an authorized agent residing in Athens County, and display an official Occupancy Permit and Compliance Form.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Athens?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Athens. 1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City’s CitizenServe portal or directly to the Code Enforcement Office. 2) Complete a property inspection by the Code Enforcement Office, which must occur within 30 days of application. 3) Pay the annual fee established by ordinance and renew the permit every year by January 2.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Athens?
1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City’s CitizenServe portal or directly to the Code Enforcement Office. 2) Complete a property inspection by the Code Enforcement Office, which must occur within 30 days of application. 3) Pay the annual fee established by ordinance and renew the permit every year by January 2.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction