What should Gambier hosts know about non-residents are prohibited from starting?

Non-residents are prohibited from starting new STRs (resident-only rule).

What are the key requirements for Gambier hosts?

Must reside in the village at least 10 months of the year.

What should Gambier hosts know about planning commission evaluates the density?

Planning Commission evaluates the density of STRs on the street and surrounding area before approval.

What should Gambier hosts know about a local contact person located?

A local contact person located in Knox County is required.

Gambier, OH Short-Term Rental Regulations & Compliance Guide

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 9, 2026

Summary

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

⛔

Strict

Score: 91 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•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.

Requirements(13)

•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 Process(9)

•Gambier: Planning Commission evaluates the density of STRs on the street and surrounding area before approval.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Gambier charges a registration fee of $150 (one_time).

Taxes(2)

•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 & Restrictions(5)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(2)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Ohio Markets

Cincinnati

Ohio

Moderate

The City of Cincinnati requires all short-term rental operators to register annually and pay a $75 fee. The city imposes a 7% total tax (4% city excise + 3% county lodging tax) on stays under 30 days, which is typically collected by major platforms.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Athens

Ohio

Moderate

Athens requires short-term rental operators to obtain an annual rental permit from the Office of Code Enforcement and pay a 3% city transient guest tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Dayton

Ohio

Permissive

Dayton does not currently have specific short-term rental regulations or a dedicated permit system, though the city is actively monitoring the market for future legislation.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Brooklyn

Ohio

Permissive

The City of Brooklyn, Ohio, does not currently have a dedicated ordinance governing short-term rentals (STRs). While STRs are unregulated at the municipal level, hosts must still comply with general building codes, noise ordinances, and municipal income tax requirements.

Gambier

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Ohio Markets

Cincinnati

Athens

Dayton

Brooklyn

Gambier

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Gambier?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Gambier?

3Are there residency requirements for hosts in Gambier?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Gambier?

Related Content

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Cincinnati

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Dayton

Brooklyn