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  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Ohio
  6. ·
  7. Gambier

Gambier

Strict
OhioUpdated Apr 9, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 9, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals in Gambier are permitted as a conditional use only for owners who maintain their primary residence within the village for at least 10 months per year.

Restriction level

Severity 91
Classification
Strict
91
Severity

Why this classification

  • Primary residence required
  • Owner-occupied required
  • Standard permit fee: $150
  • Limited to 1 property per owner
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Gambier, you must live in the property as your primary residence for at least 10 months of the year. You are required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the Village and register for the Knox County lodging tax. Non-residents are generally prohibited from starting new short-term rentals.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceRequired
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$150
Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Non-residents are prohibited from starting new STRs (resident-only rule).
  2. 2Must reside in the village at least 10 months of the year.
  3. 3Planning Commission evaluates the density of STRs on the street and surrounding area before approval.
  4. 4A local contact person located in Knox County is required.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility7 rules
  • Gambier: Non-residents are prohibited from starting new STRs (resident-only rule).
  • Gambier does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
  • Gambier limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
  • Gambier: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Requirements13 rules
  • Gambier STR warning: A local contact person located in Knox County is required.
  • Gambier: Must reside in the village at least 10 months of the year.
  • Gambier: Hosts must report their rental activity annual to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
  • Gambier: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
Application process9 rules
  • Gambier: Planning Commission evaluates the density of STRs on the street and surrounding area before approval.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Gambier charges a registration fee of $150 (one_time).
Taxes2 rules
  • Knox charges a Knox County Lodging Excise Tax of 0.03%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.
  • Ohio has a state sales tax of 0.0575% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions5 rules
  • Gambier enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
  • Gambier: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
  • Gambier limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
  • Gambier limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional (common standard, verify with Zoning Inspector)
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Gambier requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing exits, Rules regarding off-street parking must be provided to guests.
Penalties2 rules
  • Gambier: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Gambier enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by zoning violation. Second offense: Varies by zoning violation. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $100 - $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Gambier exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
  • Gambier: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Gambier

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Residency Eligibility

Ensure you meet the primary residence requirement of living in Gambier for 10 months per year.

1 dayFree
Documents needed
  • Proof of address
  • Utility bills
Official resource
Step 2

Submit Conditional Use Application

Apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Planning & Zoning Commission.

4-6 weeks$150
Documents needed
  • Proof of $250k liability insurance
  • Property floor plan
  • Occupancy plan
Official resource
Step 3

Attend Planning Commission Meeting

The applicant must attend all applicable meetings for the review of the Conditional Use request.

1 eveningFree
Step 4

Register with Knox County Auditor

Register for the 3% Knox County Lodging Excise Tax.

1-2 weeksFree
Documents needed
  • Business details
  • Property address
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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