Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Granville, OH?

YES, short-term rentals are permitted in Granville, OH, but with important caveats.

Granville has established a regulatory framework for short-term rentals through Chapter 1182 of its municipal code. However, as of April 1, 2024, the Village is currently reviewing and revising its STR ordinances and guidelines, and no new STR applications are being processed during this review period.

The Village previously operated under a structured permitting system that allowed legal operation of STRs while maintaining community standards. Investors should expect this framework to be updated, so current operations may be affected by new regulations when the review is completed.

Key Point for Investors: While STRs are theoretically permitted in Granville, the current moratorium on new applications creates uncertainty. Any existing STR permits may be grandfathered, but new permits are on hold pending ordinance revision.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Granville

Step 1: Monitor the Moratorium Status

• Current Status: No new STR applications are being processed (as of April 2024)
• Action Required: Contact the Planning Department to determine when applications will resume
• Timeline: No specific date has been provided for the ordinance review completion

Step 2: Pre-Application Research (Once Applications Resume)

1. Market Research & Property Selection

   • Research neighborhoods with proximity to Denison University
   • Consider downtown Granville walkability
   • Analyze seasonal demand patterns around academic calendar
   • Evaluate potential ROI based on location and property type

2. Zoning & Regulation Verification

   • Contact Planning & Development Department at (740) 587-3997
   • Verify zoning compliance for intended use
   • Check for Architectural Review Overlay District requirements (Section 1161 of Zoning Code)
   • Research any HOA or covenant restrictions

Step 3: Property Acquisition & Setup

• Purchase property or secure written owner permission
• Renovate with college town appeal and family-friendly amenities
• Ensure adequate parking for university visitors
• Create spaces suitable for both prospective students and alumni

Step 4: Permitting & Insurance (When Applications Resume)

• Obtain required liability insurance from Ohio-admitted carrier
• Prepare ownership/tenancy documentation
• Submit permit application to Village Planning Department
• Ensure permit number is obtained before any advertising

Step 5: Operations Setup (Once Permitted)

• Register permit number with all hosting platforms
• Establish 24-hour local emergency contact system
• Create comprehensive guest safety disclosures
• Develop house rules emphasizing respect for residential community

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Anticipated Permit Requirements (Based on Previous Framework)

Short-Term Rental Permit:

• Required for each dwelling used as an STR
• One permit per property
• Must be obtained before any rental activity
• Valid permit number must be displayed in all advertising

Host Eligibility Requirements:

• Host must be either the property owner or a permanent occupant
• If renter, written permission from property owner required
• Must provide proof of identity
• Primary residence hosts need two pieces of evidence of residency
• Non-primary residence hosts need two pieces of evidence of ownership

Required Insurance

• Liability insurance from Ohio-admitted company or eligible surplus lines company
• Insurance company must provide 10 days notice to Village before cancellation
• Platform-provided insurance (like Airbnb's) acceptable if meeting requirements
• Cancellation of required insurance results in automatic permit revocation

Essential Documentation (When Applications Resume)

1. Valid STR Permit - Current and permit number displayed in all listings
2. Liability Insurance Certificate - Meeting Village requirements
3. Proof of Identity - Required for all permit applications
4. Property Documentation - Ownership evidence or tenancy evidence plus owner permission
5. Guest Safety Documentation - Written notice of any known dangers, 24-hour local emergency contact
6. Platform Registration - Valid permit number provided to all hosting platforms
7. Surveillance Compliance Records - Ohio Revised Code Section 2933.52 compliance

Record Keeping Requirements

• Physical address of rental property
• Name of person registering the rental
• Dates and duration of all stays
• Number of guests scheduled each night
• Daily rates charged for each rental
• All documentation supporting permit compliance

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Granville Regulations

Zoning Requirements:

• STRs subject to zoning district limitations as specified in Chapter 1182.03
• Properties must comply with existing zoning requirements
• STRs cannot circumvent other zoning restrictions
• Architectural Review Overlay District properties have additional requirements (Section 1161)
• Properties near Denison University may have specific considerations

Operational Standards:

• Maximum occupancy limits as specified by Village regulations
• Adequate parking must be provided
• Properties must meet applicable building and safety codes
• Guest safety requirements including disclosure of dangerous conditions
• Surveillance equipment compliance under Ohio Revised Code Section 2933.52

Application Process:

• Applications submitted to Village Planning Department
• Requires documentation proving ownership or tenancy
• Identity verification required
• Insurance certificate required
• Application fees required (amounts not specified in available sources)

Licking County Level

Building Permits:

• Issued by Licking County Building Department on behalf of Village
• Residential Code of Ohio applies to single-family, two-family, and three-family dwelling units
• Contact: (740) 349-6671

Health Regulations:

• Licking County Health Department - Environmental Health Division
• Additional permits may be required for certain property types

State of Ohio Regulations

Tax Requirements:

• Ohio Sales Tax: 5.75% on rental receipts
• Local Sales Tax: Additional rates may apply in Licking County
• Registration required with Ohio Department of Taxation if platform doesn't collect automatically
• Village Income Tax: Granville imposes municipal income tax on rental income
• Property Tax: May be affected by commercial use classification

Surveillance Equipment:

• Ohio Revised Code Section 2933.52 compliance required
• Must notify guests of all surveillance devices
• Indoor recording requires guest consent
• Equipment must be deactivated if guest doesn't consent

State Resources:

• Ohio Department of Taxation: (800) 282-1780
• Building codes and safety standards apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Village of Granville Planning Department

Planning & Development Department:

• Phone: (740) 587-3997
• Email: planning@granville.oh.us
• General Village Phone: (740) 587-0707
• Website: www.granville.oh.us/planning
• Physical Address: 141 East Broadway, PO Box 514, Granville, OH 43023

Key Staff:

• Debi Walker Yost, ASLA - Village Planner
• Jennifer Rubal - Assistant Village Planner
• Connor Putnam - Zoning Administrator
• Dave Dudgeon - Zoning Inspector

Online Resources:

• Interactive Zoning Map: experience.arcgis.com/experience/c574b3a300c7481fba50f60f4d7c2e19
• Online Permitting Portal: app.govoutreach.com/granvillevillageoh/public/permits
• Village Resources: www.granville.oh.us/village-resources
• Codified Ordinances: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/granvilleoh/latest/overview

Supporting Agencies:

Tax Information:

• Village Income Tax: (740) 587-0707
• Ohio Department of Taxation: (800) 282-1780
• Licking County Auditor: (740) 670-5040

Building and Safety:

• Licking County Building Department: (740) 349-6671
• Licking County Health Department - Environmental Health: lickingcohealth.org/environmental-health/

Other Contacts:

• Granville Township Fire Department: Contact through Village
• Licking County Transit: (740) 670-5040
• Granville Area Chamber of Commerce: www.granvilleoh.com/

Important Source Links

1. Primary Legal Framework: local.theoffersheet.com/legal/granville-oh/ - Comprehensive investor guide with detailed STR regulations
2. Official Village Planning Page: www.granville.oh.us/planning - Official government information and current moratorium notice
3. Interactive Zoning Map: experience.arcgis.com/experience/c574b3a300c7481fba50f60f4d7c2e19 - Essential for location verification
4. Online Permitting Portal: app.govoutreach.com/granvillevillageoh/public/permits - Future application portal
5. Village Resources: www.granville.oh.us/village-resources - General information hub
6. Codified Ordinances: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/granvilleoh/latest/overview - Legal code including Chapter 1182 STR regulations
7. Licking County Building Department: lickingcounty.gov/depts/building/default.htm - Building permits and codes
8. Zoning Fee Schedule: www.granville.oh.us/s/Zoning-Fee-Schedule-2025_Council-Approved.pdf - Current fee structure

Critical Update for Investors

The current moratorium on new STR applications (in effect since April 1, 2024) represents both a risk and an opportunity:

Risks:

• Cannot currently obtain new STR permits
• Uncertain timeline for ordinance revision
• Potential for more restrictive regulations when updated

Opportunities:

• Potential for favorable regulations to be established
• Market likely to remain less saturated than unrestricted areas
• Existing STR operators may be grandfathered, creating competitive advantages

Recommendation: Monitor the Village website for updates on the ordinance revision process and maintain contact with the Planning Department for updates on when applications will resume. Consider alternative Ohio college town markets if immediate investment is required.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available information as of 2025. Always verify current regulations directly with local authorities and consult legal professionals before making investment decisions.