Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Claremore, OK?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Claremore. The city’s Unified Development Code (UDC) does not specifically list “short‑term rental” or “vacation rental” as a prohibited use; properties operating as residential lodging in zoning districts that allow residential uses are generally permissible if the activity meets all applicable zoning and development standards and obtains all required permits and licenses. Hosts must follow state lodging tax rules, obtain a city business license, and comply with any applicable zoning, building, safety, and health requirements.

Sources: City of Claremore UDC; GoSummer STR overview for Claremore (hosting and regulatory commentary).

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental in Claremore (Step‑by‑Step)

• Confirm zoning eligibility:
  • Verify your parcel’s zoning district (e.g., Residential Single‑Family R‑SF 5 or R‑SF 10, Mixed Residential MX, Multi‑Family MF‑1/MF‑2, or Mixed‑Use districts like Downtown/Route 66 (DT), Old Town (OT), Will Rogers Corridor (WR), or West Bend/University (WB)) using the City’s zoning map and the UDC.
  • Ensure the intended STR use is compatible with the district’s permitted residential uses and development standards (lot coverage, setbacks, parking, etc.).
• Apply for a city business license:
  • Short‑term rentals are treated as lodging businesses under Claremore’s general licensing regime. Contact City Hall (Claremore City Clerk) to obtain a business license application and current fee schedule.
• Register for state lodging tax and set up remittance:
  • Oklahoma requires STR hosts to collect and remit a state lodging tax currently set at 4.5% of gross receipts.
  • Register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) and file/ remit lodging tax per OTC instructions.
• Assess local (county/city) lodging or hospitality taxes:
  • Additional city or county lodging/hospitality taxes may apply; the city’s business license office and Rogers County can confirm whether any local lodging tax applies in Claremore and how to register for it.
• Prepare the property:
  • Confirm the property meets building, fire, life safety, health, and accessibility requirements applicable to residential lodging.
  • Comply with UDC dimensional and development standards for the zoning district (setbacks, lot coverage, parking, signage, accessory structures, and any overlay district standards if located in DT, OT, WR, WB, or other special districts).
  • If your STR will alter or intensify an existing residential use (e.g., added parking, signage, or outbuilding), confirm approvals through City Planning/Zoning (and the Board of Adjustment if a variance/special exception is needed).
• Collect and remit taxes:
  • Collect applicable state lodging tax and any local lodging/hospitality taxes from guests at booking.
  • File and remit as prescribed by the OTC and local authorities.
• Launch and operate:
  • Post house rules, safety information, and contact details for local emergency services.
  • Maintain accurate records, keep the property compliant with codes, and renew your business license annually.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• City business license (Claremore)
  • Obtain and renew through City Hall/Claremore City Clerk; current fees and application forms are available from the city.
• State lodging tax registration (Oklahoma Tax Commission)
  • 4.5% state lodging tax on gross receipts; set up OTC account for filings and remittance.
• Zoning and development compliance (UDC)
  • Verify zoning district compliance (Article V).
  • Review use standards (Article VII) and development standards (Article VIII).
  • If within special districts (DT/OT/WR/WB), follow district‑specific standards (Article VI).
  • For subdivisions or plats, ensure compliance with Article IX.
• Building, safety, and life safety compliance
  • Ensure properties meet building and fire codes, and any applicable health and accessibility standards.
• Records and tax filings
  • Maintain booking records and lodging tax remittance documentation; file with OTC and any local authorities as required.
• Neighbor/HOA considerations
  • If located within an HOA or deed‑restricted community, confirm STR allowances and operational rules.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

• City of Claremore (UDC, effective Dec 6, 2021)
  • Zoning districts and standards: STRs must align with residential use allowances and comply with dimensional standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking) for the subject zoning district.
  • Nonconformities: Existing lawful uses that do not meet current standards are regulated under Article IV (they may continue subject to specific rules; certain changes or discontinuances can affect nonconforming status).
  • Review procedures: Zoning changes, variances, and special exceptions (where applicable) follow Article III (Administrator review, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council).
  • Special districts: Properties in DT/OT/WR/WB or other overlay areas must meet additional corridor or downtown design standards and compatibility criteria (Article VI).
  • Enforcement and penalties: Article IV details enforcement options for violations (withholding permits, stop‑work orders, citations, fines up to $200/day), appeals to Rogers County District Court, and revocation procedures.
• Rogers County
  • County zoning and subdivision controls apply outside the city limits; if your property is in the unincorporated area, consult Rogers County regulations. Within city limits, the UDC applies within the city’s territorial jurisdiction.
  • Local lodging/hospitality taxes (if any) may be administered at the county level; verify applicability and registration with Rogers County.
• State of Oklahoma
  • Lodging tax: 4.5% of gross receipts must be collected from guests and remitted to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
  • Other state regulatory obligations (sales/use tax and income reporting) may apply depending on your business structure and other taxable transactions; consult the OTC for specifics.

Local Authority Contacts (Phone, Email, Website)

• City of Claremore (City Hall / City Clerk – Business Licensing)

  • Phone: 918‑341‑1325
  • Address: 104 S. Muskogee Ave., Claremore, OK 74017
  • Website: claremore.com (business license and general municipal information)

• City of Claremore Planning & Zoning / Planning Commission

  • Phone: 918‑341‑1325 (ask for Planning/Zoning)
  • Responsible for: Zoning compliance, development standards, special exceptions/variances (via Board of Adjustment), zoning text/map amendments, site plan review

• City of Claremore Board of Adjustment

  • Phone: 918‑341‑1325 (via City Hall)
  • Responsible for: Variances, special exceptions, interpretations, and appeals of administrative decisions

• Rogers County (County Clerk / Treasurer – for potential local lodging/hospitality tax)

  • Phone: 918‑341‑0715
  • Address: 219 S. Missouri Ave., Claremore, OK 74017
  • Website: rogerscounty.org

• Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC)

  • Phone: 918‑581‑3400
  • Website: tax.ok.gov
  • Responsible for: State lodging tax registration, filings, and remittance

Links to Source Pages

• City of Claremore Unified Development Code (effective Dec 6, 2021)

  • claremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Unified-Development-Code-Final-Version.pdf

• GoSummer: Vacation Rental Management in Claremore, Oklahoma

  • www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/claremore-oklahoma

Notes:

• City‑specific STR rules: There is no separate city ordinance that expressly regulates short‑term rentals; compliance relies on the UDC zoning framework, business licensing, and state lodging tax.
• Local lodging taxes: The presence or rate of any additional city or county lodging/hospitality tax should be confirmed directly with the City Clerk’s office and Rogers County.