Overview: STR Status in Buckeye Lake

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Buckeye Lake, Ohio with proper licensing and compliance with local regulations. The Village of Buckeye Lake has established a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework for short-term rentals and bed and breakfast operations under Ordinance 2024-22, which consolidates and standardizes all previous STR regulations.

The village defines short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts as any dwelling, building, or unit offered for rent to one or more persons for a continuous period of less than 30 days. All such operations require annual licensing, with each unit requiring its own license (e.g., a duplex requires two separate licenses).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Buckeye Lake

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

The Village of Buckeye Lake has established a structured 10-step process for obtaining STR licensure:

Step 1: Initial Application

• Visit the Village website at buckeyelakevillage.com
• Navigate to "Short-Term Rentals" under the Government tab
• Complete license application and upload required documentation through the IWorq portal
• Alternative: Pick up application packet at Village Office
• Pay application/initial license fee at time of submission
• Code Enforcement officer will contact you to schedule inspections

Step 2: Electrical Safety Inspection

• Have a licensed electrician or certified home inspector complete electrical safety inspection within the last 12 months
• Obtain signed and dated report/certification including inspector's certification/license number
• Report must specify what was inspected, repairs needed, and statement that unit passed after repairs
• Furnish completed report to Village

Step 3: Insurance Requirements

• Obtain liability insurance policy with minimum coverage of $500,000 per unit
• Provide insurance declaration page to Village

Step 4: Platform Registration Documentation

• Provide documentation for all hosting platforms where unit is listed
• Show compliance with required ordinances in advertisements
• Required advertisement wording: "All Short-Term Rentals in the Village of Buckeye Lake are governed under Ordinance #2024-22"

Step 5: Knox Homebox Installation

• Purchase and install required Knox Homebox near main entrance
• Obtain correct application at Village offices
• Must be installed prior to fire inspection
• Spare entry key must be available during fire inspection

Step 6: Fire Inspection Preparation

• Check unit complies with fire inspection checklist provided
• Keep checklist for reference

Step 7: Document Submission Verification

• All documents must be received and checked
• All fees must be paid before inspections proceed

Step 8: Fire Inspection Scheduling

• Buckeye Lake Fire Chief or Fire Inspector will contact applicant
• They will schedule required fire inspection and determine maximum occupancy
• Important: Do not contact fire department directly

Step 9: Final Inspection and License Issuance

• Code Enforcement Officer contacts applicant after fire inspection approval
• Schedule final inspection and issue STR license sticker
• License sticker must be posted on window near main entrance

Step 10: Application Submission

• Submit completed application with documentation to Village offices
• Annual license fees and bed taxes payable online or at Village offices

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents

1. Completed STR License Application (through IWorq portal or in-person)
2. Electrical Safety Inspection Report (within 12 months, from licensed electrician or certified home inspector)
3. Insurance Declaration Page (minimum $500,000 liability coverage)
4. Hosting Platform Registration Documentation showing Ordinance #2024-22 referenced in advertisements
5. Fire Inspection Documentation and compliance checklist completion

Required Licenses

• Annual STR Business License (January 1 - December 31)
• License per Unit (each unit requires separate license)
• Non-Transferable License (cannot be transferred between properties or owners)

Required Permits/Installations

• Knox Homebox installation near main entrance
• Fire Inspection by Fire Chief or designated inspector
• Code Enforcement Inspection for final approval

Required Guidelines Compliance

• Village Zoning Ordinances compliance
• Ohio Fire Code compliance
• Building Safety Standards compliance
• Advertising Requirements (must reference Ordinance #2024-22)

Specific Regulations for Buckeye Lake, OH

Insurance Requirements

• Minimum liability insurance coverage of $500,000 per property
• Must maintain coverage for entire licensing period
• Provider must issue declaration page to Village

Safety and Inspection Requirements

• Initial Electrical Safety Inspection required within 12 months prior to license issuance
• Annual Fire Inspection by Fire Chief or designee
• Fire and CO2 Alarms must be working
• Fire Extinguishers must be present and functional
• Emergency Egress Maps must be displayed
• Maximum Occupancy determined by Fire Chief per Ohio Fire Code and Village Zoning Code

Parking Requirements

• Off-street parking only - no on-street parking permitted
• Minimum 1.5 parking spaces per bedroom
• Must comply with all zoning and Village ordinances

Operational Restrictions

• Guest Limits: Maximum 2 dogs per property, must be leashed or confined by fence at all times
• Cooking Campfires: Must be enclosed in fire pit and never left unattended
• Hot Tubs/Pools/Spas: Must be clean, maintained, and comply with health/safety/permitting laws
• HOA Rules: Must be available in each unit
• License Display: License sticker must be posted on window near main entrance

Licensing Timeline

• Application Processing: Up to 60 days for inspection and license issuance
• Annual License Period: January 1 through December 31
• Renewal Required: Annually with updated documentation and inspections

Penalty Structure

• Violation Type: Third-degree misdemeanor
• License Action: May be revoked or not renewed due to excessive violations
• Enforcement: Village Code Enforcement and Fire Department oversight

State-Level Regulations (Ohio)

Tax Obligations

• State Sales Tax: 5.75% on short-term lodging
• Local Add-ons: Additional taxes may apply depending on jurisdiction
• Registration: May need to register with Ohio Department of Taxation if platform doesn't handle collection
• Filing Requirements: Vary based on revenue levels

Business Entity Requirements

• LLC Formation: If forming legal business entity, must register with Ohio Secretary of State
• Tax Registration: Required if collecting/remitting taxes independently

State Definition Framework

• Stay Duration: Generally fewer than 30 days considered transient lodging
• Local Variances: Municipalities may refine definitions through zoning or lodging ordinances
• Compliance: Must check local codes for specific jurisdiction requirements

Contact Information

Primary Local Authority

Village of Buckeye Lake Offices

• Address: 5192 Walnut Road, PO Box 27, Buckeye Lake, OH 43008
• Phone: (740) 928-7100
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm (Closed 12-1pm for lunch)
• Website: buckeyelakevillage.com

Specific Departments

Code Enforcement

• Contact: Through Village offices at (740) 928-7100
• Function: License applications, document review, final inspections

Fire Department

• Contact: Through Code Enforcement (do not contact directly)
• Function: Fire safety inspections, maximum occupancy determination

Planning & Zoning

• Contact: Through Village offices at (740) 928-7100
• Function: Zoning compliance, permit applications

Online Services

License Application and Fee Payment: buckeyelake23.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/buckeyelake23

Source Links

1. Village STR Information Page: buckeyelakevillage.com/short-term-rentals
2. STR Ordinance 2024-22: clients.municipalimpact.com/documents/334/Ordinance_2024-22_-_2024_STR_Consolidation.pdf
3. Online License Portal: buckeyelake23.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/buckeyelake23
4. Village Main Website: buckeyelakevillage.com/

Important Note for STR Investors: The Village of Buckeye Lake maintains strict oversight of short-term rentals with comprehensive licensing requirements, safety inspections, and operational standards. Budget appropriately for licensing fees, insurance requirements, safety equipment installation, and ongoing compliance costs. The 60-day processing timeline should be factored into your business planning and launch schedule.