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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Logan, OH

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted only in R-2, R-2-B, B-1, B-2, M-1, and M-2 districts. Requirements include a 500-foot setback from schools, occupancy limits of 10 guests, and a mandate that owners or designated agents reside within 25 miles of the city.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an application to the Service Director including a site plan, $50 application fee, and $500 annual license fee. 2) Obtain a certificate of occupancy from the State of Ohio within one year of application. 3) Register for Hocking County lodging tax and remit monthly payments.

Regulatory Updates — Logan

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2024

Hocking County STR Registration Program Launched

Hocking County adopted an STR registration program requiring all vacation rental operators to register with the county, pass a safety inspection, designate a local contact, and comply with occupancy, septic, and noise standards. The program applies to unincorporated county areas where most Hocking Hills cabin STRs are located.

PassedJune 2024

Septic System Compliance Required for STR License

Given that most Hocking Hills STR properties use private septic systems rather than central sewer, Hocking County added a mandatory septic inspection and capacity verification requirement to the STR registration process. Properties where septic systems cannot support the listed maximum occupancy may face occupancy cap reductions.

Under ReviewApril 2025

City of Logan STR Zoning Review

The City of Logan initiated a review of its zoning code to determine whether STR activity in residential neighborhoods requires additional regulation, following concerns from full-time residents about commercial activity in residential zones and the impact of STR guests on city infrastructure.

Official Resources

Official Logan STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Hocking Hills Tourism AssociationLocal

Destination marketing and advocacy organization for the Hocking Hills region. Monitors county and city STR regulatory developments and provides compliance resources for vacation rental operators.

Ohio RealtorsStatewide

Statewide association tracking property and land-use regulations across Ohio including STR-related zoning changes in Hocking County and other emerging vacation rental markets.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing compliance resources and regulatory monitoring for vacation rental managers in Midwest nature-tourism destinations like the Hocking Hills region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Logan, OH?
STRs are permitted only in R-2, R-2-B, B-1, B-2, M-1, and M-2 districts. Requirements include a 500-foot setback from schools, occupancy limits of 10 guests, and a mandate that owners or designated agents reside within 25 miles of the city.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Logan?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Logan. 1) Submit an application to the Service Director including a site plan, $50 application fee, and $500 annual license fee. 2) Obtain a certificate of occupancy from the State of Ohio within one year of application. 3) Register for Hocking County lodging tax and remit monthly payments.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Logan?
1) Submit an application to the Service Director including a site plan, $50 application fee, and $500 annual license fee. 2) Obtain a certificate of occupancy from the State of Ohio within one year of application. 3) Register for Hocking County lodging tax and remit monthly payments.
What permits are required to operate a short-term rental in the Hocking Hills area?
Most Hocking Hills vacation rentals are in unincorporated Hocking County rather than the City of Logan. Operators in unincorporated county areas need a Hocking County STR registration, which requires a safety inspection (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors), a local contact designation, and a septic system compliance inspection. Operators within Logan city limits also need a City of Logan business license. Ohio state sales tax registration is required for all operators.
What taxes apply to Hocking Hills short-term rental income?
Ohio imposes a 5.75% state sales tax on short-term rental income. Hocking County may impose an additional county lodging tax. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Ohio state sales tax on behalf of hosts through Ohio's marketplace facilitator requirements. Operators booking directly must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation independently. Confirm current Hocking County local tax rates with the county auditor's office, as local rates are subject to change.
Why is the Hocking Hills cabin market growing so fast and what does that mean for regulations?
The Hocking Hills State Park system — including Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Rock House — drew over 8 million visitors in 2023, making it one of Ohio's most-visited destinations. This visitor surge has driven explosive demand for private cabin rentals in the surrounding rural area. The rapid growth has outpaced local infrastructure capacity (roads, septic, emergency services) and drawn community pushback from long-term rural residents. Expect continued regulatory tightening as Hocking County works to manage density and safety — particularly septic capacity requirements and occupancy caps.
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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