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Oakland, MD

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STR Regulations for Oakland, Maryland

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Oakland, MD?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Oakland, Maryland, and throughout Garrett County under the county's Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU) ordinance. The county has maintained a structured regulatory framework since 2006 that permits short-term rentals operating for 14 days or less, subject to specific licensing, safety, and operational requirements.

Garrett County is unique in Maryland as the only county without countywide zoning, but has established comprehensive TVRU regulations that apply throughout the county, including Oakland. Properties must comply with the TVRU licensing requirements to operate legally as short-term rentals.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Oakland?

Oakland hosts earn a median $60,534/year with $524 ADR and 44% occupancy.

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See the full Oakland market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Oakland, MD

Step 1: Property Verification and Zoning Confirmation

  • Confirm your property is suitable for TVRU operation
  • Verify zoning compliance with Garrett County regulations
  • Note that Oakland has its own zoning requirements separate from county rules
  • Check for any deed restrictions or HOA limitations

Step 2: TVRU License Application Process

  1. Complete the Short-Term Single Family Rental Registration and License Application
  2. Submit required documentation (see permits section below)
  3. Pay applicable fees ($200 for new rental registration + $50 for 2-year license)
  4. Submit applications to: John Groves, Licensing Technician

Step 3: Safety Compliance Installation

  • Install proper egress windows in all bedrooms
  • Provide adequate parking (1 space per bedroom minimum)
  • Install bear-proof trash containers
  • Install required safety equipment (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)
  • Post quiet hours notice and emergency information

Step 4: Tax Registration and Setup

  • Register for Maryland state sales tax (6% rate)
  • Set up Garrett County accommodation tax account (8% rate)
  • Establish systems for collecting and remitting taxes

Step 5: Operational Launch

  • List property on rental platforms
  • Implement cleaning and maintenance protocols
  • Establish guest communication procedures
  • Set up local contact information for emergencies

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Requirements

  • TVRU License: Required for all properties renting for 14 days or less
    • Valid for 2 years
    • Renewal required every 2 years
    • Non-transferable except in specific circumstances

Required Documentation

  1. Completed TVRU Application Form (see source link below)
  2. Zoning Permit: Required for new construction or use changes
  3. Building Permits: For any structural modifications
  4. Maryland Sales Tax Registration: With Comptroller of Maryland
  5. Health Department Approvals: Required if property has pool, hot tub, or spa
  6. Safety Compliance Documentation:
    • Smoke detector compliance records
    • Carbon monoxide detector installation proof
    • Fire extinguisher maintenance records
  7. Well Test Results: Annual testing required for properties on wells
  8. Septic System Documentation: For properties not on public sewer
  9. Bear-Proof Container Certification: Required for all TVRUs
  10. Parking Plan: Showing compliance with 1 space per bedroom requirement

Safety Requirements

  • Egress Requirements: Proper egress window or door for each bedroom leading directly outside
  • Fire Safety Equipment: Fire extinguisher on each level
  • Emergency Information: Posted emergency exit plan and local contact information
  • Quiet Hours Notice: Posting of 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM quiet hours
  • Noise Control Plan: Required plan for managing audible disturbance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Garrett County TVRU Ordinance)

  • Occupancy Limits: Maximum of 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional persons
  • Bedroom Restrictions: Maximum of 8 bedrooms permitted
  • Structure Requirements: All living facilities must be in the principal structure
  • Parking Requirements: Minimum 1 off-street parking space (9' x 18') per bedroom
  • Trash Management: Bear-proof container required with adequate capacity
  • Collection Schedule: Weekly trash removal service required
  • Accommodation Tax: 8% county room tax on gross rental receipts
  • Licensing Period: 2-year license cycle with renewal requirements

Specific Capacity Requirements for Bear-Proof Containers

  • 1-4 bedrooms: 192 gallon minimum capacity
  • 5-6 bedrooms: 288 gallon minimum capacity
  • 7-8 bedrooms: 384 gallon minimum capacity

State-Level Regulations (Maryland)

  • Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax on short-term rentals
  • Smoke Alarm Requirements: 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms with hush feature
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements: Near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances
  • Sales Tax Registration: Required with Maryland Comptroller before first rental

Oakland-Specific Considerations

  • Zoning: Oakland has its own zoning regulations separate from county rules
  • Municipal Permits: May require additional town-level permits
  • Municipal Taxes: Check for any additional local taxes or fees
  • Contact Information: Verify specific Oakland requirements through town offices

Tax Obligations

  • Garrett County Accommodation Tax: 8% of gross rental receipts
  • Maryland State Sales Tax: 6% of gross rental receipts
  • Total Tax Burden: 14% combined rate
  • Filing Requirements: Monthly or quarterly filing depending on revenue volume
  • Registration: Required before first rental with both state and county

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary TVRU Licensing Authority

John Groves, Licensing Technician

  • Department of Planning & Land Management
  • Address: 203 S. Fourth Street, Room 208, Oakland, MD 21550
  • Phone: 301-334-1981
  • Email: jgroves@garrettcountymd.gov

Planning & Land Management Division

  • General Contact: planning@garrettcountymd.gov
  • Phone: 301-334-1920
  • Fax: 301-334-5023
  • Address: 203 South Fourth Street, Room 207, Oakland, Maryland 21550

Garrett County Government

  • Main Phone: 301-334-8970
  • Main Fax: 301-334-5000
  • General Email: info@garrettcountymd.gov
  • Address: 203 South Fourth Street, Oakland, Maryland 21550

Tax Collection

Lori Paugh (Accommodation Tax Inquiries)

Amanda Klotz (Tax Supervisor)

Maryland State Agencies

Maryland Comptroller (State Sales Tax)

  • Phone: 410-260-7980
  • Website: marylandtaxes.gov

Important Notes and Compliance Considerations

Application Timeline

  • TVRU applications expire if not approved within one year of application date
  • If expired, new application and fees required
  • Plan sufficient time for permit processing

Renewal Process

  • TVRU license renewals are billed every two years
  • Bills mailed to current address on record
  • For license updates (owner change, management change), submit updated application to jgroves@garrettcountymd.gov

Enforcement

  • County takes compliance seriously with complaint-based investigations
  • Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation
  • Property owners responsible for guest behavior and compliance

Special Considerations for Oakland Properties

  • Oakland has specific zoning that may differ from county standards
  • Verify requirements with both county and town authorities
  • Properties near Deep Creek Lake have additional watershed regulations

Source Links and Additional Resources

Primary Government Sources

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on available sources. Regulations may change, and specific circumstances may require additional permits or compliance measures. Always verify current requirements with local authorities and consult legal professionals before making investment decisions.

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Oakland

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
2/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Oakland Market Analysis

Photos of Oakland

Overview of Oakland

Oakland is a small town in western Maryland that serves as the county seat of Garrett County, set amid the forested ridges and hollows of the Appalachian Plateau. The community has a year-round population of roughly 1,900 residents and maintains the quiet, small-town character typical of the Mountain Maryland region, with a walkable historic core and a pace shaped by the surrounding outdoors. It is best known as the gateway to Deep Creek Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state, and to the network of state parks, ski slopes, and wilderness areas that draw visitors throughout the year. The nearest major city is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, located approximately 85 miles to the northwest across the border.

Just a few miles north of town, Deep Creek Lake anchors the area's tourism economy. The roughly 3,900-acre reservoir is a year-round destination, popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside rentals in the warmer months and transforming into a hub for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other cold-weather pursuits in winter. Its shoreline communities, public swimming beaches, and a variety of waterfront restaurants make it the single largest draw for visitors to the region, and its proximity to Oakland means guests can enjoy both the convenience of in-town services and the recreational spread of the lake.

A short drive west of Oakland brings visitors to Swallow Falls State Park, one of Maryland's most photographed natural sites. The park is home to Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state, along with the Tolling Gate and Swallow Falls themselves, all set within old-growth hemlock and white pine forest along the Youghiogheny River. Roughly a 15-minute drive from town, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a year-round campground that fills quickly during the summer leaf season.

Just down the road from the lake, Wisp Resort is the area's primary four-season mountain resort. In winter it operates Maryland's only ski mountain, with downhill and cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating, while the warmer months bring mountain coasters, zip lines, golf, and chairlift rides with views over the lake. Its base area at the foot of Marsh Mountain places it within about a ten-minute drive of Oakland, giving visitors a full slate of resort amenities without having to leave the area.

Oakland's appeal as a short-term rental base comes from this rare combination: a small, authentic mountain town with a walkable historic main street, immediate access to Deep Creek Lake, and a deep bench of outdoor attractions within a short drive in every direction. Guests who stay here can spend the morning on the water, the afternoon chasing waterfalls, and the evening back in town for a local restaurant, all without long transfers between destinations.

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