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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Athens County, OH

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rental (defined as a dwelling unit offered for rent in part or in its entirety for less than 30 consecutive days per occupant) is permitted under Athens City Code but subject to Title 29 housing and zoning controls (zoning compliance verification required). The code requires designation of an authorized agent residing in Athens County, sets maximum occupancy as determined by code/ordinances, requires an occupancy permit/compliance form to be posted, and requires annual inspections and renewal; zoning/zone-specific limits (including owner-occupancy restrictions and BZA conditional-use processes) are applied by zoning provisions and Board of Zoning Appeals review.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a rental/STR permit application to the City of Athens Code Enforcement office via the City’s online portal (CitizenServe link on the City’s Rental Housing page). 2) Provide zoning compliance verification, designate an authorized agent (must reside in Athens County), pay the STR permit fee (see City Fee Schedule), and undergo the required inspection (inspected within 30 days of application). 3) Post the City Occupancy Permit & Compliance Form at the unit and renew annually on January 2 (failure to pay results in cancellation; reinstatement requires payment and fees).

Official Resources

Official Athens County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Athens County, OH?
Short-term rental (defined as a dwelling unit offered for rent in part or in its entirety for less than 30 consecutive days per occupant) is permitted under Athens City Code but subject to Title 29 housing and zoning controls (zoning compliance verification required). The code requires designation of an authorized agent residing in Athens County, sets maximum occupancy as determined by code/ordinances, requires an occupancy permit/compliance form to be posted, and requires annual inspections and renewal; zoning/zone-specific limits (including owner-occupancy restrictions and BZA conditional-use processes) are applied by zoning provisions and Board of Zoning Appeals review.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Athens County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Athens County. 1) Submit a rental/STR permit application to the City of Athens Code Enforcement office via the City’s online portal (CitizenServe link on the City’s Rental Housing page). 2) Provide zoning compliance verification, designate an authorized agent (must reside in Athens County), pay the STR permit fee (see City Fee Schedule), and undergo the required inspection (inspected within 30 days of application). 3) Post the City Occupancy Permit & Compliance Form at the unit and renew annually on January 2 (failure to pay results in cancellation; reinstatement requires payment and fees).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Athens County?
1) Submit a rental/STR permit application to the City of Athens Code Enforcement office via the City’s online portal (CitizenServe link on the City’s Rental Housing page). 2) Provide zoning compliance verification, designate an authorized agent (must reside in Athens County), pay the STR permit fee (see City Fee Schedule), and undergo the required inspection (inspected within 30 days of application). 3) Post the City Occupancy Permit & Compliance Form at the unit and renew annually on January 2 (failure to pay results in cancellation; reinstatement requires payment and fees).

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