| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | 7% combined (4% Erie County + 3% City of Sandusky) |
| Night / Day Cap | 99 total permit cap citywide |
| Permit Fee | $500 |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
Short-term rentals in Sandusky, Ohio are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $500.
Short-term rental operators in Sandusky should be aware of these tax obligations: 7% combined (4% Erie County + 3% City of Sandusky).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Sandusky include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: 99 total permit cap citywide.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Sandusky but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Hard citywide cap of 99 STR permits total. Very restrictive zoning: STRs permitted only in CR, CS, DBD, GB, RB, RRB zones and within the Transient Rental Overlay (TRO) district. Conditional Use Permit
Yes. Sandusky requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Sandusky are subject to the following tax obligations: 7% combined (4% Erie County + 3% City of Sandusky).
$500/year. 99-unit citywide hard cap. Most restrictive zoning in Ohio among researched cities. Most recent update Ordinance 26-061, April 13, 2026.
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