Overview and Explicit Statement

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in McConnelsville, Ohio and throughout Morgan County. There are no city- or county-specific licensing prohibitions identified in the provided sources. STR operators must comply with county-level lodging tax registration, reporting, and payment rules and, where applicable, local lodging taxes.

Note on terminology: For the additional 3% lodging tax, the county source lists “Homer Township” and the “Village of McConnelsville.” You should verify your property’s exact jurisdiction boundaries before remitting local lodging taxes, as some properties within postal McConnelsville may sit outside the Village limits and fall under Homer Township or another township.

How to Start an STR Business in This Market

1. Confirm zoning suitability of your property. The Village Code of Ordinances is the controlling zoning framework in McConnelsville (Ordinance 13-02 adopts the 2013 Ohio Basic Code as the village’s codified ordinances). If your listing includes a zoning category (e.g., residential district, R-1, etc.), obtain confirmation from the Village that STR use is permitted. If you lack specific zoning documentation, contact the Village and provide your parcel address for a written determination. If your property lies in an unincorporated area, check the applicable township zoning rules.
2. Register your STR with Morgan County within 30 days of beginning operations. Registration is annual (renew by January 31) and costs $20. The Morgan County Auditor issues a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate; post it visibly on the property.
3. Collect, report, and remit lodging taxes as follows:
   • Countywide 3% lodging tax to the Morgan County Auditor, quarterly.
   • If your property is within the Village of McConnelsville or Homer Township, collect an additional 3% local lodging tax and remit per those jurisdictions’ instructions.
4. Prepare to file quarterly even if no occupancy occurred that quarter. This is required to remain in good standing.
5. Maintain records for four years. Keep guest logs, receipts, tax filings, and proof of payments.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The provided sources do not list a general business license, safety inspection, or zoning permit specifically required to operate an STR in McConnelsville. Municipal zoning confirmation is prudent, but the county program centers on lodging tax compliance. Below are the documents and steps that apply to all STRs:

• Morgan County Transient Occupancy Registration:
  • Complete the Lodging Tax Registration Application and submit to the Morgan County Auditor with the $20 fee. A certificate will be issued to post on the property.
  • Renewal is annual by January 31. A prorated fee applies for first-time registrations; coordinate with the Convention & Visitors Bureau for the amount.
• Quarterly Reporting and Payment:
  • File the Quarterly Reporting Form to the Morgan County Auditor by the 30th day of the month following each calendar quarter, even if you hosted no guests.
  • Checks payable to: Morgan County Treasurer.
  • Mail to: Morgan County Auditor, 155 E. Main St., Room 217, McConnelsville, OH 43756.
• Local lodging taxes (if applicable):
  • Properties in the Village of McConnelsville and/or Homer Township must collect an additional 3% local lodging tax and remit to the respective jurisdiction’s fiscal office per their instructions. If your property sits inside the Village limits, obtain Village procedures; if in Homer Township, follow the contact instructions below.
• Resources to download:
  • Morgan County Lodging Excise Tax Code of Regulations.
  • Lodging Tax Registration Application.
  • Quarterly Reporting Form.

Specific Regulations and Tax Obligations

• Countywide 3% Lodging Tax (Morgan County)
  • Applies to all overnight stays; collected by the host from the guest and remitted quarterly.
  • Due dates:
    • Q1 (Jan–Mar): due April 30
    • Q2 (Apr–Jun): due July 30
    • Q3 (Jul–Sep): due October 30
    • Q4 (Oct–Dec): due January 30
  • Reporting is mandatory even in quarters with no revenue.
  • The program is administered by the Morgan County Auditor. Hosting platforms do not collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of hosts in Morgan County.
• Additional 3% Local Lodging Tax
  • Applies in the Village of McConnelsville and Homer Township (see “Overview” note on verifying jurisdiction).
  • Collected from guests and remitted locally; payment procedures vary by jurisdiction.
• Permitting and Certificates
  • A Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate confirms compliance with the Morgan County Lodging Excise Tax Code; it is not a building or zoning permit.
• Posting and Compliance
  • The registration certificate must be visibly posted at the property.
• Municipal Codification
  • The Village’s codified ordinances (2013 Ohio Basic Code) govern local zoning, but the provided content does not enumerate STR-specific zoning rules. If you cannot locate zoning text for your parcel, request a written determination from the Village before listing.

State-Level Context (Ohio)

State law does not prohibit STRs; these are generally a property use matter. Given the Village has codified ordinances, zoning rules within the Village likely control permissible uses for STRs. Properties in unincorporated areas will be governed by township zoning. The provided sources focus on county lodging tax; for zoning specifics, obtain written confirmation from the Village or the relevant township.

Contact Information and Procedural Guidance

• Morgan County Lodging Tax Registration and Reporting
  • Mailing Address: Morgan County Auditor, 155 E. Main St., Room 217, McConnelsville, OH 43756
  • Make checks payable to: Morgan County Treasurer
• Morgan County Visitor Center (Convention & Visitors Bureau)
  • Website: www.visitmorgancountyohio.com
  • Phone: Available on the Visitor Center’s contact page
  • The CVB can help you understand the registration process, prorated fees, and overall lodging partner obligations.
• Additional Local Lodging Tax – Homer Township
  • Contact: Cathi Jones
  • Phone: 740-541-8309
  • Email: homerfiscal@yahoo.com
• Additional Local Lodging Tax – Village of McConnelsville
  • Website: www.vomcc.com
  • Visit the site to confirm the current fiscal officer contact, payment instructions, and any local forms.
• Morgan County Government
  • Website: www.morgancounty-oh.gov
• State and Regional Resources
  • Tourism Ohio (state tourism): ohio.org
  • Morgan County Economic Development: morganohio.com

Source Links (as provided)

• Morgan County Lodging Tax Portal: www.visitmorgancountyohio.com/Short-Term-Rental/
• Village of McConnelsville Official Site (for local lodging tax instructions): www.vomcc.com
• Morgan County Government Site: www.morgancounty-oh.gov
• Village of McConnelsville Code of Ordinances (2013): www.vomcc.com/files/2013_ORDINANCES.pdf
• Tourism Ohio (Ohio.org): ohio.org
• Morgan County Economic Development: morganohio.com

Notes:

• Confirm your property’s jurisdiction and any local lodging tax obligations before opening.
• Download and retain the Morgan County Code of Regulations, Registration Application, and Reporting Form prior to your first booking.
• If you are new, contact the CVB to confirm your prorated registration fee and to review the filing schedule.