Port Clinton, Ohio (Jan. 3, 2024) – The City of Port Clinton, Ohio, has established new operating rules and registration program for operators of short-term rentals—residential units offered to the public for rent for less than 30 days—following the passage of Ordinance 24-23 by City Council. 

The registration program and operating rules were instituted to promote the safety and desirability of Port Clinton for residents and visitors 365 days per year. These actions will ensure that short term rental properties meet minimum safety and sanitation requirements and minimize potential nuisances to neighbors.

Rentals subject to the new rules include, but are not limited to, those marketed using popular online booking platforms Airbnb and Vrbo, among other services and companies. Such rentals have increased in number within the city limits the past decade.

The new registration program and operating rules promote safe operations and will improve the short-term rental experience for both renters and neighbors:

• Requires functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers
• Requires local person to quickly respond to emergencies and complaints
• Mandates compliance with trash collection requirements
• Limits parking demand to that of the surrounding neighborhood
• Limits noise to levels reasonable for the time of day
• Limits occupancy to two (2) guests per bedroom plus two (2) additional guests
• Provides mechanism for nuisance rentals, tax and utility bill-delinquent rentals to be penalized, including suspension of operations, among other penalties

All short-term operators must register annually with the City of Port Clinton and be issued an operating certificate prior to rental activity. A registration year begins March 1 of each calendar year and concludes the last day of February the following calendar year (e.g., operators seeking to rent on March 1, 2024, will require an operating certificate valid March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025). Initial registration fee is $300.00. Rental operators can contact City Hall to begin the registration process today.

About Port Clinton

The City of Port Clinton, originally platted in 1828, is the county seat and largest municipality in Ottawa County, Ohio, and home to 6,176 residents across two square miles along Lake Erie. The city enjoys a Mayor-Council form of government. Port Clinton is a destination to hundreds of thousands of visitors during peak travel season and holidays.

Contact: Sandye Ostheimer, 419-734-5522, ext. 239, email: pcadmin@portclinton-oh.gov