Overview: STR Status in Grove, Oklahoma

SHORT-TERM RENTALS ARE ALLOWED in Grove, Oklahoma. Vacation Rental Homes (VRHs) are explicitly permitted under the city's zoning ordinances, with specific regulations and permitting requirements. Grove has established a comprehensive framework that allows STRs while maintaining neighborhood character and public safety.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Grove

Step 1: Determine Zoning Eligibility

Before purchasing or converting a property, verify that STR use is permitted in your target area:

• Allowed by Right: A-1 Agriculture, R-2 Two-Family Residential, R-3 Multi-Family Residential, and RMH Residential Manufactured Home districts
• Requires Special Use Permit: RE-1 Residential Estates, R-1 Single-Family Residential, and R-1S Single-Family Residential districts

Step 2: Secure Property and Ownership

• Obtain proof of ownership (warranty deed or quit-claim deed)
• Ensure the property meets building code requirements
• Confirm wastewater disposal system compliance (septic systems require testing)

Step 3: Apply for Required Permits and Licenses

• Submit Vacation Rental Home Permit application
• Obtain Occupational License
• Complete Special Use Permit application if required for your zoning district
• Submit to Building Inspector for inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Step 4: Designate Local Contact Person

• Appoint a local contact within 20 miles who can respond 24/7
• This person must have access and authority to manage the unit and take remedial measures
• Update contact information within 10 days of any changes

Step 5: Operational Setup

• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher)
• Post mandatory interior notice with permit details and rules
• Establish trash collection procedures
• Prepare for annual inspections

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Vacation Rental Home Permit

• Initial Fee: $250
• Renewal Fee: $100 (due annually by July 1)
• Application Requirements:
  • Property owner name, mailing address, email, phone
  • Physical address of VRH
  • Local contact person information
  • Number of bedrooms and square footage
  • Diagram/photos of on-site parking spaces
  • Pool/hot tub/spa indication
  • Federal Tax ID or Social Security number
  • Proof of ownership with legal description
  • Wastewater disposal verification (septic requires ODEQ test)

Occupational License

• Required for property owner or designated agent
• Maintains compliance with city business regulations
• Must be current throughout VRH operation

Special Use Permit (if required)

• Fee: $200 (non-refundable)
• Required for: Properties in RE-1, R-1, R-1S districts
• Process: Public hearing before Planning & Zoning Commission, then City Council
• Timeline: 20+ days notice period required

State-Level Requirements

Oklahoma State Department of Health Lodging Establishment License

• Required if: 4+ rooms rented individually to transient guests
• Not required if: Entire property rented as single unit
• Contact OSDH for application and compliance requirements

Safety and Building Compliance

• Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code compliance
• Working smoke detectors on each level
• Carbon monoxide detectors where required
• Fire extinguisher access
• Certificate of Occupancy from Building Inspector

Specific Regulations for Grove, OK, Delaware County, and Oklahoma

City of Grove Regulations

Zoning and Density

• Maximum Density: 5% of total households citywide may be used as VRHs
• Permitted Districts: A-1, R-2, R-3, RMH (by right)
• Conditional Districts: RE-1, R-1, R-1S (Special Use Permit required)

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum Overnight Occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom + 4 additional persons
• Excludes: Children 5 years and younger
• Determination: Building Inspector establishes bedroom count during initial inspection

Parking Requirements

• All parking must be on-site on asphalt or concrete surfaces
• Prohibited: Parking on grass, yards, or streets
• Additional: Maximum 3 boat/watercraft trailers behind front building line
• Lot Coverage: Cannot exceed Maximum Lot Coverage Percentage per zoning

Operational Restrictions

• Use Limitation: Property limited to lodging use only
• Commercial Activities: Prohibited on VRH premises
• Noise: Must comply with city noise ordinances
• Trash: Rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids required

Advertising Requirements

All advertisements must include:

• Number of bedrooms available
• Maximum occupancy allowed
• Maximum number of boat/watercraft trailers
• City VRH permit number

Mandatory Interior Notice

Posted on inside of front door:

• Copy of VRH Permit
• Standard Conditions summary
• Managing agency/agent/owner contact (24-hour availability)
• Maximum occupants permitted
• Maximum vehicles and trailers allowed
• On-site parking location
• Prohibition on street parking
• Violation notice
• Emergency dialing instructions (911)

Inspection and Compliance

• Annual Inspection: City staff verifies compliance
• Complaint Response: Right of entry for investigations
• Violation Response: 30-day written response requirement
• Penalties: Misdemeanor charges, fines up to $500 plus court costs, permit revocation

Delaware County Regulations

No county-specific STR regulations were identified in the provided sources. County-level requirements may apply for septic systems and other infrastructure.

Oklahoma State Regulations

• Lodging Tax: State lodging tax applies to short-term rentals
• Health Department: OSDH licensing for properties renting individual rooms
• Environmental Quality: ODEQ septic system testing requirements
• Building Codes: State minimum building standards apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Grove - Community Development Department

Primary Contact: Darrin Hull, Code Enforcement Officer
Address: 1201 NEO Loop, Grove, OK 74344
Phone: 918-786-6107
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (Closed National Holidays)

Applications and Forms

Online VRH Application: www.cityofgroveok.gov/cd/webform/vacation-rental-home-permit-line-application
Business License Application: www.cityofgroveok.gov/cd/webform/businessoccupation-license-line-application

City Website Resources

Main Website: www.cityofgroveok.gov/
Community Development: www.cityofgroveok.gov/cd
City Code: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/groveok/latest/overview

Current VRH Map

Active Vacation Rental Homes: gmsacog.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=e8e301ebecc24390a2311a1ffe79d23f&locale=en

Links to Source Pages

• City of Grove Vacation Rental Homes Page: www.cityofgroveok.gov/cd/page/vacation-rental-homes
• Vacation Rental Homes Ordinance: www.cityofgroveok.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/1398/vacation_rental_homes_-_ordinance_sup.pdf
• City Code Library: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/groveok/latest/overview
• VRH Online Application: www.cityofgroveok.gov/cd/webform/vacation-rental-home-permit-line-application
• Business License Online Application: www.cityofgroveok.gov/cd/webform/businessoccupation-license-line-application
• Current VRH Map: gmsacog.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=e8e301ebecc24390a2311a1ffe79d23f&locale=en

Investment Recommendation: Grove offers a favorable environment for STR investment with clear regulatory framework, tourist-focused economy, and growing market performance. Success requires careful compliance with zoning, permitting, and operational requirements while capitalizing on the area's recreational amenities and tourist attractions.