Loudonville, Ohio Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Loudonville?

Loudonville hosts earn a median $31,159/year with $248 ADR and 47% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $50,143+ per year.

See the full Loudonville market breakdown

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

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

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Ask the AI Advisor about Loudonville

Loudonville is a small village of roughly 2,800 residents in north-central Ohio, situated in Ashland County with a small portion extending into neighboring Holmes County. The village sits at the meeting point of the Mohican River and its Clear Fork branch, and it has long billed itself as the "Canoe Capital of Ohio" thanks to the steady stream of paddlers who come for the river's gentle flow through forested hills. The community functions primarily as a gateway to Mohican State Park and the surrounding Mohican Memorial State Forest, the largest state forest in Ohio. Loudonville lies about 80 miles northeast of Columbus and roughly 75 miles southwest of Cleveland, making it a reachable weekend escape for residents of either metropolitan area.

Just minutes outside town, Mohican State Park draws visitors with more than 1,100 acres of woodlands, the winding Mohican River, and a network of trails including a section that traces the ridgeline above the river gorge. The park surrounds Pleasant Valley Lake, a roughly 90-acre reservoir popular for fishing and small-craft boating, and offers a lodge, cabins, and a family campground. It is, by any measure, the marquee natural attraction in this corner of the state, and Loudonville sits essentially at its doorstep.

The Mohican River is the other half of the area's identity, and several long-established canoe liveries operate right from Loudonville, sending kayakers, tubers, and rafters downstream through the state park and forest. Trips range from short half-day floats to multi-day excursions, and the river corridor in spring and summer is busy with families and outdoor groups. For visitors who prefer to stay on dry land, the surrounding Mohican Memorial State Forest adds another 4,500-plus acres of trails, horseback-riding routes, and backcountry camping just a short drive north of the village.

Loudonville also sits on the western edge of Ohio's Amish Country, the patchwork of Holmes County farmlands dotted with markets, bakeries, and farm stands. The popular tourist villages of Berlin and Millersburg are only about 20 miles to the southeast, an easy half-hour drive, allowing visitors to pair a Mohican canoe trip or a state-park hike with a day exploring the Amish settlements to the south.

Taken together, Loudonville offers a quiet, affordable base with direct access to a major state park, a well-known paddling destination, and one of the most visited cultural regions in Ohio. For travelers who want a cabin-in-the-woods feel without giving up small-town amenities, the village provides an appealing mix of outdoor adventure and rural charm that fits comfortably within the short-term-rental market.