Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals, also known as “Airbnbs”, are roughly defined as any rental of less than 30 days. Short-Term Rentals are operated out of an individual’s home, often in unused space or extra rooms/floors, but sometimes encompass entire homes.

Recognizing the place STRs occupy in the fabric of a vibrant community, The Village of Granville does not wish to keep STRs from operating. Rather, The Village has decided to adopt common-sense rules to protect both property-owners’ right to use their property as they wish, as well as the right of adjacent property owners to enjoy their homes free of potential nuisance. The rules, adopted in the form of Chapter 1182 of the Zoning Code, work to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods while also protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Operating an STR in Granville requires some paperwork, a Conditional Use Permit, and a small fee of $75. A Conditional Use Permit requires a hearing before the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. This hearing allows adjacent property owners to give input as to how the operation of an STR will affect the use and enjoyment of their property.

Short-Term Rental Permitting Packet (PDF)

Short-Term Rental Map (PDF)

Short-Term Rental ordinances (Chapter 1182) (External Link)

Allotment of Permits: STRs are allowed in the Suburban Residential Districts, Village Residential District, Planned Unit District (PUD), Village Business District, and Planned Commercial District (PCD). Each zoning district is allowed a specific number of STRs based on the number of residences in that district. Council determined that STRs may not account for more than 5% of current housing stock in any one district. As a result, each district has a specific cap, as shown in the map below. Therefore, there is potential for all permits to be taken.

Wait List: In the event that all permits are accounted for, the Planning & Development Department will maintain a wait list. This list is ordered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Properties on the wait list may not operate an STR, and must wait for a permit to become available before their application is processed and brought to a public hearing. Payments are not required to be added to the waitlist, only completed applications. Note that an application must be complete, including all required documentation, exhibits, and forms, before being accepted onto the wait list.

Expiration of Permit: Conditional Use Permits for STRs expire two years from the date of Board of Zoning & Building Appeals approval. Notice will be send to the permit holder at the address on file approximately three months prior to expiration. Permit holders will be given a 30-day grace period after expiration to renew their permit. Once that grace period has expired, the permit will be allotted to the next applicant on the wait list, if one exists. The previous permit holder must then re-apply. If a wait list exists, the previous permit holder will be added to the bottom of the list.

Transfer of Permit: Permits are non-transferrable. Permits do not run with the land; IE when the permit holder sells the property, the permit is no longer valid.

Revocation of Permit: Permits can be revoked if any section of Chapter 1182 is violated. This includes a pattern of criminal activity or a high volume of calls for police service.

Listing Your Property: Permitted STRs may advertise on any number of web platforms, such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc. The listing on any given platform must contain the Granville STR Permit Number, or it will be considered in violation of Zoning Code and may be subject to fine or revocation of permit.