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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Loudonville, Ohio, but they require conditional use approval from the Village's Board of Zoning Appeals. Unlike larger Ohio cities such as Cincinnati and Columbus, which have comprehensive short-term rental ordinances, Loudonville operates under a case-by-case conditional use permit system. This means that while STRs are permitted within certain zoning districts, each property must receive explicit approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals before operating as a vacation rental.

The village has approved at least two conditional use permits for vacation homes, demonstrating that the municipality is willing to allow STR operations when they comply with appropriate zoning and community standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Loudonville

Starting an STR in Loudonville requires following a structured approval process through the Village's zoning system:

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your property is located in a zoning district that permits vacation rentals as a conditional use. The Board of Zoning Appeals handles these requests on a case-by-case basis.

2. Submit Conditional Use Application

Property owners must appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals to request conditional use approval. As evidenced by the May 31, 2023 meeting, the process involves:

• Submitting an application for conditional use under Ordinance 1248.01
• Attending the scheduled Board meeting
• Presenting your case for the vacation rental operation
• Addressing any concerns from neighbors or Board members

3. Address Community Concerns

Be prepared to discuss and potentially mitigate community concerns, particularly regarding:

• Parking availability
• Noise management
• Property maintenance standards
• Guest behavior policies

4. Obtain Board Approval

The Board of Zoning Appeals will vote on your conditional use request. Approval requires a majority vote of the Board members present.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Conditional Use Permit Requirements

Based on the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting records, applicants must provide:

• Conditional Use Application filed under Ordinance 1248.01
• Property ownership documentation or proof of legal authorization to operate the property
• Site plan information including parking arrangements and property boundaries
• Operational plans addressing noise control, guest management, and neighborhood impact

General Compliance Requirements

While Loudonville lacks comprehensive STR-specific regulations, operators must comply with:

• Ohio state sales tax requirements for transient accommodations
• Local lodging taxes if applicable
• General housing and zoning codes including occupancy limits
• Noise ordinances and parking regulations
• Building and fire safety codes

Tax Obligations

Hosts are responsible for:

• Ohio state sales tax on rental income
• Local lodging taxes as required by county or village
• Income tax reporting to local and state authorities

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Village of Loudonville Requirements

Conditional Use Standard: STRs in Loudonville must obtain conditional use approval under Ordinance 1248.01, which treats vacation rentals as a special exception requiring Board of Zoning Appeals approval.

Case Precedent: The Board approved conditional uses for:

• 426 South Market Street (Parcel #C09-027-0-0083-00)
• 117 South Birch Street (Parcel #C09-031-0-0004-00)

Noise Management: The Board has established quiet hours starting at 10:00 PM as a standard condition for vacation rental operations.

Parking Requirements: Properties must demonstrate adequate on-site parking to accommodate guests without impacting neighborhood parking availability.

Neighbor Communication: Approved operators have committed to providing contact information to neighbors for immediate resolution of any issues.

Ashland County Regulations

No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided sources. County-level rules would typically apply to areas outside village limits.

Ohio State Regulations

While Ohio does not require state-level registration for short-term rentals, state law does establish the framework for local regulation:

• Local Control: Municipalities have authority to regulate STRs through zoning and local ordinances
• Tax Requirements: State sales tax applies to transient accommodations
• Consumer Protection: State consumer protection laws apply to rental transactions

Cincinnati Example: Ohio's larger cities have implemented more comprehensive STR regulations, requiring permits, Fair Housing Act compliance, and specific documentation.

Columbus Example: Columbus requires permits for each STR, host eligibility verification, guest notice requirements, surveillance equipment disclosure, and short-term rental excise taxes.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Loudonville Administrative Contacts

Village Administrator:

• Name: DeWitt (first name not provided in sources)
• Phone: (419) 994-3214
• Fax: (419) 994-3213
• Email: g.dewitt@loudonville-oh.us
• Address: 156 North Water Street, P.O. Box 150, Loudonville, OH 44842
• Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM

Village Offices:

• Main Phone: (419) 994-3214
• Address: 156 North Water Street, P.O. Box 150, Loudonville, OH 44842
• Website: loudonville-oh.us

Board of Zoning Appeals

Meeting Location: Village Hall (meeting location specified as 5:15 PM start time in May 31, 2023 meeting)

Board Members (as of May 2023):

• Mr. Marotta (Chairman)
• Mr. Sprang
• Mr. Close
• Mr. Frankford
• Mr. Stephenson

Meeting Schedule: Meetings are scheduled as needed. Contact the Village Administrator for current meeting dates and application deadlines.

Additional Village Departments

Building/Zoning Department: loudonville-oh.us/building-zoning/ Police Department: loudonville-oh.us/police/ Fire Department: loudonville-oh.us/fire/

Links to Source Pages

1. Village of Loudonville Official Website: loudonville-oh.us/
2. Village Ordinances Database: loudonville-oh.us/ordinances/
3. Board of Zoning Appeals Document (May 31, 2023 Meeting Minutes): loudonville-oh.diligent.community/document/1a3c8af2-728e-41ee-b2fa-02087122a9ed/
4. Ohio STR Regulations Overview: www.proper.insure/regulations/ohio-airbnb-laws/
5. Village Ordinances Online Database: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/loudonville/latest/overview

Important Note: This guide is based on information available as of the provided sources and should be verified with current Village officials before making investment decisions. The conditional use process and requirements may evolve, and investors should confirm current zoning regulations and approval procedures with the Village Administrator or Board of Zoning Appeals.