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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Rockbridge, OH

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are defined as dwellings rented for 29 days or less. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact reachable within 60 minutes, a minimum rental period of 18 hours, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a BCI background check excluding those with felony sex crime convictions.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit the Hocking County STR application with proof of $1M liability insurance, auditor letter of good standing, lodging tax registration, health department compliance, site plan, and a BCI background check. 2) Pay the $50 annual fee and undergo a site inspection by the STR Administrator. 3) Renew the permit annually; re-inspections are only required if property circumstances change.

Regulatory Updates — Rockbridge

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2022

Hocking County STR Registration Ordinance

All Hocking County STRs must register annually ($75/year) and collect the 3% county lodging tax. Safety inspections including septic compliance are required.

Under ReviewJune 2025

Hocking Hills Infrastructure Impact Study

County reviewing road and septic capacity impacts from STR concentration in the Rockbridge and Logan area; density cap recommendations possible if infrastructure limits are reached.

ProposedOctober 2025

Ohio HB 329 — Statewide STR Licensing

Proposed Ohio legislation would create a statewide STR licensing framework; may preempt some county and municipal regulations. Status pending in the Ohio General Assembly.

Official Resources

Official Rockbridge STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Hocking Hills Tourism AssociationLocal

Local tourism organization supporting Hocking Hills STR operators as the primary driver of the region's visitor economy.

Ohio Hotel and Lodging AssociationStatewide

Statewide lodging industry association that monitors Ohio STR legislation and provides guidance for compliant operations.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Rockbridge, OH?
STRs are defined as dwellings rented for 29 days or less. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact reachable within 60 minutes, a minimum rental period of 18 hours, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a BCI background check excluding those with felony sex crime convictions.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Rockbridge?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Rockbridge. 1) Submit the Hocking County STR application with proof of $1M liability insurance, auditor letter of good standing, lodging tax registration, health department compliance, site plan, and a BCI background check. 2) Pay the $50 annual fee and undergo a site inspection by the STR Administrator. 3) Renew the permit annually; re-inspections are only required if property circumstances change.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Rockbridge?
1) Submit the Hocking County STR application with proof of $1M liability insurance, auditor letter of good standing, lodging tax registration, health department compliance, site plan, and a BCI background check. 2) Pay the $50 annual fee and undergo a site inspection by the STR Administrator. 3) Renew the permit annually; re-inspections are only required if property circumstances change.
What does Hocking County require for STR operation?
Annual registration ($75/year) with Hocking County, collection and remittance of the 3% county lodging tax, and a property safety inspection including septic compliance. Violations of noise ordinances can result in registration suspension.
Are there density caps in the Rockbridge/Hocking Hills area?
Not currently. The county infrastructure study underway in 2025 may recommend caps if road and septic capacity is found to be insufficient to support continued STR growth.
What Ohio state requirements apply to Hocking Hills STRs?
Ohio requires collection of state sales tax (5.75%) plus Hocking County's 3% lodging tax. A proposed state bill (HB 329) may establish additional statewide licensing requirements — monitor the Ohio General Assembly for updates.
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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