Overview

Short-term rental status in Blountstown, FL: Based on the available regulatory documents reviewed, there are no specific short-term rental (STR) regulations identified in the Calhoun County Land Development Code for Blountstown, Florida. However, short-term rentals would likely fall under existing lodging and accommodation regulations and would require standard development permits and compliance with general land use requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

General Development Process for STR Operations

Based on the Calhoun County Land Development Code, any short-term rental operation would need to follow these general steps:

1. Preapplication Conference - Contact the Administrative Official(s) to discuss your proposed STR business and determine requirements
2. Land Use Determination - Verify that your property zoning allows for lodging/ accommodation uses
3. Development Permit Application - Submit appropriate applications based on the scope of your operation
4. Building Permit Process - Obtain necessary building permits for any construction or renovation
5. Compliance Review - Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations

Types of Development That May Require Permits

• New Construction - Building a structure specifically for STR use
• Conversion - Converting an existing structure to STR use
• Renovation - Significant alterations to existing STR properties
• Accessory Structures - Adding guest houses, pool houses, or other STR-related buildings

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Application Requirements

For development approval, applicants must submit:

Basic Application Package:

• Completed application form (provided by Administrative Official's Office)
• Legal description of the property
• Location map
• Site plan showing:
  • Property dimensions and boundaries
  • Existing and proposed structures
  • Setbacks and parking
  • Height and size of structures (where applicable)

For New Single-Family Dwellings:

• Survey prepared by Florida registered land surveyor (if directed by County Commission)
• Tap fee receipt for public water supply connection
• Wastewater disposal certificate or permit (septic or municipal sewer)

For Commercial/ Lodging Development:

• Legal survey by Florida registered land surveyor
• Topographic map with 1-foot contour intervals
• Detailed site plan showing:
  • Wetlands and flood-prone areas
  • All structures with setbacks and height
  • Parking and circulation
  • Utilities and infrastructure
  • Number of units/rooms
  • Intended use specifications

Additional Requirements When Applicable:

• Building plans prepared by licensed architect/engineer (as required by building codes)
• Stormwater management plan
• Environmental permits (Army Corps of Engineers, DEP, Water Management District)
• State Highway access permits (for FDOT roads)

Required Permits

1. Development Permit - Initial approval for land use and development
2. Building Permit - Required for construction, renovation, or structural changes
3. Special Use or Conditional Use Permit - May be required for lodging uses in certain zoning districts
4. Sign Permit - For any exterior signage
5. Septic Tank/Well Permits - If not connected to municipal systems

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Land Use Considerations

Lodging Definitions from the Code:

• Hotel: Building with sleeping rooms for temporary occupancy with no cooking facilities in individual rooms
• Motel: Similar to hotel but designed for direct vehicular access to rooms
• Lodging or Boarding House: Building designed for more permanent occupancy of multiple lodgers with or without meals
• Guest House: Accessory building for occupants' pleasure or non-paying guests only
• Guest Room: Room designed for occupancy by guests without cooking facilities

Development Standards

General Requirements:

• Must comply with all applicable land use district requirements
• Must meet setback, height, and density requirements for the zoning district
• Must comply with parking requirements
• Must meet stormwater management requirements
• Must comply with floodplain regulations if applicable

Potential Zoning Districts: Short-term rentals would likely be considered in zoning districts that allow:

• Commercial lodging uses
• Residential with accessory uses (for home-sharing arrangements)
• Tourist/Recreation districts (if applicable)

Review Process Requirements

Staff Review (for minor developments):

• Single-family homes with STR use
• Accessory structures for STR use
• Minor alterations to existing structures

Planning Review (for medium developments):

• Commercial lodging developments
• Multiple-unit STR properties
• Developments in sensitive areas

Full Review (for major developments):

• Large commercial lodging facilities
• Developments exceeding certain size/unit thresholds

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Calhoun County Administrative Official:

• Primary contact for development applications and zoning questions
• Handles preapplication conferences and development review
• Provides guidance on permit requirements

Calhoun County Building Inspector:

• Issues building permits
• Conducts construction inspections
• Enforces building codes and technical standards

Calhoun County Planning Commission:

• Reviews development applications
• Makes recommendations to County Commission
• Ensures compliance with comprehensive plan

Calhoun County Commission:

• Final approval authority for major developments
• Issues special use and conditional use permits
• Handles appeals and variances

Contact Information

Note: Specific phone numbers, emails, and websites were not provided in the reviewed document. Contact information should be obtained directly from Calhoun County offices.

Calhoun County Administration:

• Address: Calhoun County Courthouse
• Contact the County Clerk's office for current contact information
• Website: www.calhouncountyfl.gov

State-Level Regulations for Florida

Since no specific STR regulations were found at the local level, investors should be aware of statewide requirements:

Florida State Requirements

Business Registration:

• Florida business registration may be required
• Florida Department of Revenue tax registration
• Local business tax receipt (occupational license)

State Lodging Regulations:

• Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61C (if applicable)
• Health Department requirements for public lodging
• Fire safety requirements for transient accommodations

Taxation:

• Florida sales tax (typically 6% for transient rentals)
• Local tourist development taxes (varies by county)
• Professional accommodation tax (if applicable)

Important Limitations and Next Steps

Document Limitations

The reviewed Calhoun County Land Development Code does not contain specific short-term rental regulations. This document provides the general framework for development and land use but may not address:

• Specific STR licensing requirements
• Operational regulations for short-term rentals
• Maximum stay limitations
• Local business tax requirements for STRs
• Registration or compliance programs

Recommended Next Steps

1. Contact Local Authorities - Reach out to Calhoun County offices directly to inquire about any STR-specific regulations or processes
2. Verify Zoning - Confirm that your property can legally be used for short-term rental purposes
3. Research State Requirements - Ensure compliance with Florida state regulations for transient accommodations
4. Review HOA/Covenants - Check for any private restrictions that might prohibit STR use
5. Consult Legal/Professional Help - Consider consulting with local land use attorneys or real estate professionals familiar with Calhoun County regulations

Source Document Reference

• Calhoun County, Florida Land Development Code
• Source: www.calhouncountyfl.gov/uploads/2023/03/land-development-code-03-2023.pdf
• Note: This document provides general land development regulations but does not contain specific short-term rental ordinances or regulations.

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the provided land development code document. Investors should verify current regulations and requirements with local authorities, as regulations may have been updated or additional STR-specific ordinances may exist that were not included in the reviewed document.