EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: SHORT-TERM RENTALS ARE ALLOWED in Circleville, OH with proper zoning compliance and permits.

I. Overview: STR Allowability in Circleville, OH

Short-term rentals are explicitly defined and regulated under the City of Circleville Zoning Code (amended 2.21.2023). The code defines a short-term rental as "a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, that is offered or provided to a guest by a short-term rental owner or operator for a fee for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive nights." This includes bed-and-breakfasts, AirBnBs, VRBOs, overnight rentals, and vacation rentals.

Key Finding: STRs are permitted subject to zoning district compliance, required permits, and ongoing regulatory requirements.

II. Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Circleville

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance

   • Confirm your property is in an appropriate zoning district
   • Review permitted vs. conditional uses for STR operations

2. Obtain Required Permits

   • Zoning Permit (required for property changes or use conversions)
   • Certificate of Zoning Compliance (required before occupancy)

3. Submit Complete Application Package

   • Provide all required documentation to Zoning Inspector
   • Pay applicable fees

4. Undergo Inspections

   • Ensure compliance with approved plans
   • Obtain final approvals

5. Maintain Ongoing Compliance

   • Annual renewals as required
   • Address any zoning violations promptly

III. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

A. Core Permits and Certifications

1. Zoning Permit (Required)

• Required for: Constructing, creating, moving, expanding, converting, or structurally altering buildings; changing use of building/land; occupying or using vacant land
• Must be obtained before establishing any STR use
• Valid for 1 year from approval date (commence work requirement)

2. Certificate of Zoning Compliance (Required)

• Required before occupancy/operation
• Confirms use conforms to approved Zoning Permit
• Must be issued after completing all work per approved permit

B. Application Requirements

Zoning Permit Application Must Include:

• Name, address, phone, email of applicant
• Property address and parcel number
• Legal description (or survey by Registered Surveyor if needed)
• Existing and proposed uses
• Zoning district identification
• Plans/drawings showing:
  • Property dimensions
  • Building dimensions and distances from property lines
  • Parking spaces (dimensions and quantity)
  • Existing/proposed signage (if applicable)
  • Existing/proposed landscaping (if applicable)
  • Building heights
  • Number of dwelling units (if applicable)
• Utility availability verification:
  • Letter from Public Utilities department (if central water/sewer available), OR
  • Letter from Pickaway County Health Department (if alternative systems required)
• Required approvals (variances, conditional use permits, site plan review, Certificate of Appropriateness if in Historic District)

C. Supporting Documentation

Additional Required Documents:

• Completed application form with fee
• Any necessary variances from Board of Zoning Appeals
• Conditional Use Permit (if required in zoning district)
• Site Plan Design review approval (if applicable)
• Certificate of Appropriateness (if property in Historic District)
• Professional Engineer-signed traffic impact study (if generating 100+ peak hour trips or 500+ daily trips)

IV. Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

A. Zoning District Compliance

STRs must comply with the specific regulations of the zoning district where the property is located. Permitted uses vary by district, with some requiring conditional use approval.

B. Development Standards

All STR properties must meet standard development requirements including:

• Setbacks (front, side, rear yards)
• Height restrictions
• Parking requirements
• Landscaping standards
• Signage regulations

C. Occupancy and Use Restrictions

• STRs are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive nights
• Must maintain residential character if in residential districts
• Subject to noise, parking, and nuisance regulations

D. Non-Conforming Use Provisions

Existing STRs operating before zoning code adoption may qualify as non-conforming uses, but must meet specific continuance criteria and expansion limitations.

V. Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contact: Zoning Inspector

Responsibilities:

• Zoning Permit administration
• Interpretation of zoning regulations
• Application completeness review
• Inspection coordination
• Certificate of Zoning Compliance issuance

Appointment: Zoning Inspector appointed by Mayor (Section 1111.02)

Administrative Bodies

Planning and Zoning Commission (7 members)

• Members: Mayor, Director of Public Service, President of Board of Park Commissioners, 4 residents appointed by Mayor
• Term: 6 years
• Responsibilities: Development plan reviews, zoning amendments, site plan approvals

Board of Zoning Appeals (5 members + 2 alternates)

• Members: City residents appointed by Council
• Term: 5 years (regular), 1 year (alternates)
• Responsibilities: Appeals, variances, conditional uses, non-conforming use determinations

Historic Review Board (7 members)

• Appointed by Council for 3-year staggered terms
• Required for properties in Historic Districts
• Responsibilities: Certificate of Appropriateness review

Contact Information

For specific contact details (phone, email, website), contact:

• City of Circleville Municipal Offices
• Planning and Zoning Department
• City Hall: 740-477-8231

VI. Source Pages and References

Primary Regulatory Documents:

1. City of Circleville Zoning Code (ADOPTED BY COUNCIL – 8.2.2022; AMENDED BY COUNCIL – 2.21.2023)
   • Location: circlevilleoh.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/City-of-Circleville-Zoning-Code-amended-2.21.2023.pdf
   • Contains all STR definitions, permit requirements, application procedures, and regulatory framework

Key Code Sections:

• Chapter 1105: Definitions (STR definition on page 19)
• Chapter 1111: Administrative Bodies and Duties
• Chapter 1113: Applications and Permit Procedures
• Chapter 1115: Violations and Penalties (referenced but not provided in full)

Regulatory Authority:

• Chapter 713 et al. of the Ohio Revised Code
• City of Circleville Home Rule Charter
• State of Ohio zoning enabling legislation

VII. Compliance and Enforcement Notes

Important Deadlines:

• Zoning Permit validity: 1 year to commence work
• Certificate of Zoning Compliance: 2 years to complete work
• Appeal periods: 30 days from denial decisions
• Application completeness: 30 days to revise incomplete applications

Enforcement:

• Violations handled by Zoning Inspector with City Law Director
• Board of Zoning Appeals provides administrative appeal process
• Failure to obtain required permits constitutes violation
• Compliance with approved plans strictly enforced

Recommendation: Engage with Planning and Zoning Commission early in the process to identify potential zoning issues, required approvals, and timeline considerations before making property acquisitions or investments.