Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Inspections & Code Department is tasked with enforcing regulations related to short-term vacation rentals in accordance with Chapter 4, Article 9 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

If you are seeking to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for a Short-Term Vacation Rental, please complete the Submission Checklist below. Once you have submitted all information from the Submission Checklist and have the Certificate of Occupancy approved by Inspections & Code, you will need to obtain a business license from the Business License Office.

Owners desiring to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for a Short-Term-Vacation Rental must submit the following information:

1. Submission Checklist

  • A completed short-term-vacation rental application
  • Copy of valid homeowners insurance policy with a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance on the property
  • A digital floor plan ( example)
  • A background check from the Columbus Police Department
    • If the background check is obtained from the Columbus Police Department, the fee for a background check is $20.00 each.
    • Background checks are required for the homeowner, applicant, and the 24/7 contact person.
    • Background check must be done less than 30 days prior to the date of submission to our office.
    • Applicants should contact the Columbus Police Department directly to obtain the background check.
    • If background check reveals felonies within the last ten (10) years or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude within the last five (5) years, the application will not be accepted for processing.
  • The 24/7 contact person must be customarily present at a location within the city for purposes of transacting business. This means that the person lives within 50 miles of the short-term rental.
  • If the applicant is leasing the property to use as a short-term-vacation rental, a lease signed by both parties is required and the lease must state that it can be used for a short-term-vacation rental.
  • Proof of neighbor notification in accordance with section 4.9.6 of the UDO.
  • A completed certificate of occupancy application

    • 2. Inspection

    Once all required documentation is submitted to our office an inspection of the property will be done prior to approval.
    A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $40.00 is required.

    Note

    Every house/unit you intend to use for a Short Term Rental, must obtain a separate permit. Each house/unit will be assessed the $40 short-term rental permit fee. If you submit multiple houses at one time, you only have to complete one background check.

    3. Obtain Business License

    Once you have a Certificate of Occupancy approved from Inspections & Code, you will need to go by the Business License Office to obtain a business license for Short Term Vacation Rental.

    Resources