Overview: Are STRs allowed in Logan, OH?

Yes—short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Logan, Ohio, under City Ordinance 54-2023, adopted October 24, 2023. STRs are permitted in designated zoning districts subject to licensing, operational standards, and tax obligations. Logan balances tourism growth with neighborhood protection, which means compliance is mandatory for legal operations and profitability.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Logan

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

• Confirm the property sits in an approved district:
  • Allowed: R-2 (Residential), R-2-B (Residential), B-1 (Business), B-2 (Business), M-1 (Manufacturing), M-2 (Manufacturing).
  • Prohibited: R-1 (Single-Family Residential).
• Check buffer rules:
  • 500 feet from schools/educational facilities.
  • 500 feet from another STR in R-2.
  • 300 feet from another STR in R-2-B, B-2, M-1, M-2.
  • B-1 District STRs are exempt from STR-to-STR distance requirements.
• Plan for parking: one off-street space per bedroom (B-1 district exempt).

Step 2: Register for County Lodging (Bed) Tax

• Register with Hocking County Lodging Tax Department.
• Complete Lodging Tax Registration Form and submit via email.
• Set up monthly filing procedures for the 6% bed tax (3% to county, 3% to local township).

Step 3: Apply for City License

• Submit STR license application to the Logan Service Director.
• Pay $50 application fee and $500 annual license fee.
• Provide required documentation:
  • Site plan showing building locations and parking.
  • Address list within 300–500 feet (if near schools/certain districts).
  • Ohio vendor’s license OR affidavit affirming fewer than 5 STRs statewide.

Step 4: Obtain State Certificate

• Secure Ohio Certificate of Occupancy within one year of city application.
• Complete any required safety inspections to verify building code compliance.

Step 5: Begin Operations

• Post the license conspicuously in the rental.
• Begin collecting/remitting taxes: county bed tax (monthly) and city income tax (annual).
• Maintain ongoing compliance with all operational standards.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Logan

• Short-term rental license (required before operations)
  • Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
  • Annual license fee: $500 (due upon issuance and each year)
  • License must be posted in the rental unit
• Site plan (buildings and parking spaces)
• Property address list within 300–500 feet (as applicable)
• Owner/property manager designation if owner resides beyond 25 miles
• Annual reporting to Logan Income Tax Department
• Compliance with nuisance and signage rules (one informational wall sign allowed)

State of Ohio

• Certificate of Occupancy (within one year of city application)
• Vendor’s license (required if operating 5+ STRs statewide; otherwise file an affidavit)
• Sales tax obligations (if applicable)

Hocking County

• Lodging Tax Registration
• Monthly Lodging Excise Tax Returns (due last day of each month; USPS postmark required)
• Payments: separate checks to County Treasurer and local Township Fiscal Officer

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Logan, Hocking County, and Ohio

Location Restrictions

• STRs prohibited in R-1 (single-family residential).
• Minimum distances:
  • 500 feet from schools/educational facilities.
  • 500 feet from another STR in R-2.
  • 300 feet from another STR in R-2-B, B-2, M-1, M-2.
  • B-1 District STRs are exempt from STR-to-STR spacing requirements.

Ownership and Management

• Owner must reside within 25 miles of the STR; otherwise designate a local property manager within 25 miles.
• Ownership caps:
  • Maximum of 3 STRs per person/entity in R-2 or R-2-B districts.
  • Overall cap: 60 STR licenses combined across R-2 and R-2-B districts (grandfathered prior conditional-use permits count toward the cap).
  • No ownership limits in B-1, B-2, M-1, M-2.

Operational Standards

• Maximum occupancy: 10 guests.
• Parking: one off-street parking space per bedroom (B-1 exempt).
• No new driveway or curb cuts allowed.
• Signage: one informational wall sign permitted with address and property name.
• License must be displayed for renters.
• Nuisance prevention: no unreasonable noise, trash, odors, or other disturbances.
• Accessory-only rentals (e.g., pools, courts, recreational areas) without renting the main dwelling are not permitted.

Tax Obligations

Hocking County Bed Tax

• Rate: 6% total (3% to Hocking County; 3% to local township).
• Filing: monthly returns due last day of each month; USPS postmark required (no metered mail).
• Payment: separate checks to County Treasurer and Township Fiscal Officer; online payment available for county portion.

City of Logan

• Income Tax: annual reporting to Logan Income Tax Department.
• City lodging tax: 7% (as cited in investor guidance); confirm current rate with the city.

State of Ohio

• Sales tax: 5.75% state + 1.5% local (Hocking County) = 7.25% total when applicable.
• Income tax: subject to standard Ohio requirements.

Compliance Timeline and Grace Periods

• Renewal applications: October 1–December 1 annually.
• Certificate of Occupancy: one-year grace period granted due to state processing delays.
• Enforcement: city can revoke licenses for violations of ordinance, city code, or health department regulations.

State-Level STR Context (Ohio)

• No statewide short-term rental registry; local cities govern STR rules.
• Certificate of Occupancy and inspections verify safety and building-code compliance.
• Sales and lodging taxes apply based on services provided and jurisdiction.

Contact Information

City of Logan

• Service Director
  • Address: Logan City Hall, 72 E. Main Street, Logan, OH 43138
  • Phone: (740) 385-4311 (City Hall main)
  • Website: cityofloganohio.com

Hocking County Lodging Tax Department

• Administrator: Josh Givens
• Address: 93 West Hunter Street, Logan, OH 43138
• Phone: (740) 380-4100
• Email: lodgingtax@hocking.oh.gov
• Payment portal (county portion): hocking.oh.gov/lodging-tax/payment

Additional Contacts

• Logan Income Tax Department: (740) 385-4636
• Zoning Department (City of Logan): cityofloganohio.com/zoning-department
• Ohio Department of Taxation: tax.ohio.gov; (800) 282-1780

Source Links

• STR Regulations overview and application details: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/OH/logan
• News coverage confirming Ordinance 54-2023: www.logandaily.com/news/council-finally-adopts-new-short-term-rental-rules/article_3e9cc560-735f-11ee-81bb-53d00fb05d1a.html
• Investor-oriented local STR regulation summary: local.theoffersheet.com/legal/logan-oh/
• Hocking County Lodging Tax FAQs and forms: hocking.oh.gov/lodgingtax/Frequently-Asked-Questions

Important Notes and Considerations

• The city is conducting a comprehensive zoning code review; regulations and district classifications may evolve.
• The 60-license cap in R-2/R-2-B includes previously approved conditional-use permits, protecting existing operators.
• Monthly county bed tax returns must be filed even with zero rentals (USPS postmark required).
• Maintain accurate tax records and ensure all required taxes are collected and remitted; platforms may not collect all applicable taxes.
• Verify current requirements with city authorities before investing or launching operations.