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Kelleys Island

Ohio · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Kelleys Island Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateOhio state sales tax applies; verify local bed/lodging tax with Village of Kelleys Island
Minimum StayNot specified; STRs defined as rentals to transients (less than 30 days per Ohio norms)
Permit Fee$600.00 annual Transient Rental Program fee; new applicants must also obtain a certified home inspection (cost varies by inspector)
PenaltiesOperators who fail to renew by the deadline are not permitted to operate an STR on the Island; additional penalties under Village code enforcement app
Occupancy LimitMaximum occupancy required to be posted/listed per property; specific formula not detailed in available official source
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Kelleys Island Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Kelleys Island Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Kelleys Island, Ohio are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $600.00 annual Transient Rental Program fee; new applicants must also obtain a certified home inspec.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Kelleys Island

Short-term rental operators in Kelleys Island should be aware of these tax obligations: Ohio state sales tax applies; verify local bed/lodging tax with Village of Kelleys Island.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Kelleys Island

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Kelleys Island include: Occupancy limit: Maximum occupancy required to be posted/listed per property; specific formula not detailed in available official source. Minimum stay: Not specified; STRs defined as rentals to transients (less than 30 days per Ohio norms).

Zoning and Location Requirements in Kelleys Island

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Kelleys Island: STRs are regulated island-wide under the Village's Transient Rental Program. No confirmed zoning-based ban on STRs. All operators must register regardless of zone.. Density rules: Not specified in current official sources. Insurance: Yes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Kelleys Island

Hosts who fail to comply with Kelleys Island's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Operators who fail to renew by the deadline are not permitted to operate an STR on the Island; additional penalties under Village code enforcement apply.

Platform Obligations in Kelleys Island

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Kelleys Island: No platform-specific obligations confirmed.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
$600.00 annual Transient Rental Program fee; new applicants must also obtain a certified home inspection (cost varies by inspector)
Occupancy Limit
Maximum occupancy required to be posted/listed per property; specific formula not detailed in available official source
Tax Rate
Ohio state sales tax applies; verify local bed/lodging tax with Village of Kelleys Island
Zoning Restrictions
STRs are regulated island-wide under the Village's Transient Rental Program. No confirmed zoning-based ban on STRs. All operators must register regardless of zone.
Minimum Stay
Not specified; STRs defined as rentals to transients (less than 30 days per Ohio norms)
Density Rules
Not specified in current official sources
Insurance Required
Yes
Platform Obligations
No platform-specific obligations confirmed
Compliance Notes
Village of Kelleys Island enacted Ordinance 2024-O-23 (November 2024) establishing a formal Transient Rental Property chapter, repealing the prior 2004 ordinance. Operators must: (1) complete a registration/renewal application by the annual deadline (May 30, 2026 was the 2026 deadline), (2) pay the $600 annual fee, (3) provide proof of insurance showing at least $300,000 personal liability coverage, and (4) for new applicants, obtain a certified home inspection. Failure to complete by the deadline means the operator cannot legally operate an STR on the Island. The program is administered by the Village Clerk (Transient Rental Program, 121 Addison St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438). Ordinance 2025-O-22 was also passed in 2025 (amendment/update); review both 2024-O-23 and 2025-O-22 for current requirements.
Effective Date
Ordinance 2024-O-23 enacted November 9, 2024; amended by 2025-O-22
Key Notes
Kelleys Island is a small Lake Erie island village with a well-established and actively enforced STR registration program. The $600 annual fee and $300,000 insurance requirement are firm requirements. Missing the annual application deadline results in loss of operating permission for that season.
Penalties
Operators who fail to renew by the deadline are not permitted to operate an STR on the Island; additional penalties under Village code enforcement apply
Additional Context
Kelleys Island is Erie County, Ohio. The village also requires a general vendor/business license for anyone doing business on the island. Ohio HB 563 (pending) could affect future regulatory changes.
Sources
Village of Kelleys Island official website — Transient Rental Program: http://kelleysisland.us/departments-2/transient-rental-program/
Village of Kelleys Island Ordinances page: http://kelleysisland.us/ordinances/
Ordinance 2025-O-22 PDF: http://kelleysisland.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ordinance-NO-2025-0-22.pdf
American Legal Publishing (Kelleys Island Code): https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/kelleysisland/latest/overview
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Kelleys Island?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Kelleys Island with proper registration and permits. Village of Kelleys Island enacted Ordinance 2024-O-23 (November 2024) establishing a formal Transient Rental Property chapter, repealing the prior 2004 ordinance. Operators must: (1) complete a regist

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Kelleys Island?

Yes. Kelleys Island requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Kelleys Island?

Short-term rental hosts in Kelleys Island are subject to the following tax obligations: Ohio state sales tax applies; verify local bed/lodging tax with Village of Kelleys Island.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Kelleys Island?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Kelleys Island may face enforcement. Operators who fail to renew by the deadline are not permitted to operate an STR on the Island; additional penalties under Village code enforcement apply.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Kelleys Island?

Kelleys Island is a small Lake Erie island village with a well-established and actively enforced STR registration program. The $600 annual fee and $300,000 insurance requirement are firm requirements. Missing the annual application deadline results in loss of operating permission for that season.

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