If you’re operating—or planning to operate—a short-term rental in Logan, Ohio, you need to understand Ordinance 54. Adopted in late 2024 after nearly a year of deliberation, it’s the most comprehensive STR regulation in the Hocking Hills region. Here’s everything it covers.
The 60-License Cap
The headline rule: no more than 60 short-term rental licenses can be active at any one time in the R-2 (Residential) and R-2-B (Residential) zoning districts combined. Previously approved conditional-use permits count toward this cap.
What this means: Once 60 licenses are issued in residential zones, the door closes. If you’re considering a property in Logan’s R-2 or R-2-B districts, verify current license availability with the City Service Director before purchasing.
This cap does not apply to properties in B-1, B-2, M-1, or M-2 (business and manufacturing) districts, which have no ownership limits for STRs.
Where STRs Are Allowed
| Zone | STR Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 (Single-Family Residential) | No | Prohibited |
| R-2 (Residential) | Yes | Subject to 60-license cap |
| R-2-B (Residential) | Yes | Subject to 60-license cap |
| B-1 (Business) | Yes | No cap; exempt from spacing & parking rules |
| B-2 (Business) | Yes | No cap |
| M-1 (Manufacturing) | Yes | No cap |
| M-2 (Manufacturing) | Yes | No cap |
Spacing Requirements
In residential and B-2 districts, STRs must be at least 500 feet from any school property and 500 feet from another STR or tourist home. This prevents clustering and protects neighborhood character. B-1 district properties are exempt from these spacing rules.
Licensing Requirements
Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
Annual license fee: $500
Certificate of Occupancy: Required from the State of Ohio within one year of application
Vendor’s license: Either a State of Ohio vendor’s license OR a notarized affidavit stating you operate fewer than five STRs in Ohio
Maximum occupancy: 10 guests per property
Parking: One off-street parking space per bedroom (B-1 exempt)
License display: Must be posted conspicuously inside the rental unit
The Tax Stack
This is where many new hosts get caught off guard. You’re not paying one tax—you’re paying several:
| Tax | Rate | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Hocking County Lodging Tax | 3% | County Treasurer |
| Local Township Lodging Tax | 3% | Township Fiscal Officer |
| Ohio State Sales Tax | 5.75% | Ohio Dept. of Taxation |
| Federal/State Income Tax | Varies | IRS / Ohio DOR |
Critical: Airbnb may collect some taxes automatically, but not all. You are legally responsible for ensuring all applicable taxes are collected and remitted. Monthly county bed tax returns must be filed even in months with zero rentals, and USPS postmark is required (no metered mail).
Logan vs. Unincorporated County
Many Hocking Hills properties sit in unincorporated Hocking County, outside Logan city limits. Currently, the county has fewer STR regulations than Logan—but that’s changing. The Hocking County Zoning Commission has drafted its own countywide STR permit ordinance that would add requirements for driveway access (for emergency vehicles), safety inspections, occupancy limits based on bedroom square footage, and local contact person requirements.
The county ordinance is in its final draft stages. Regardless of when it passes, the trend is clear: regulation is coming to all of Hocking Hills, not just Logan. Hosts who proactively comply position themselves ahead of the curve.
Strategic insight: Regulation is a moat for compliant operators. Every requirement that weeds out unregulated operators reduces your competition and legitimizes the market. Embrace compliance as a competitive advantage.
Renewal & Enforcement
Renewal applications must be submitted between October 1 and December 1 each year. The City of Logan has authority to revoke licenses for any infraction of the ordinance or violations of city code or Hocking County Health Department regulations. Monitoring of online listings for permit compliance is part of the enforcement framework.
For the full text, see Logan City Code § 157.163.
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