Hocking County consultant outlines draft short-term rental rules, emergency-access and enforcement plans

David Barrett, a consultant with American StructurePoint, presented a preliminary outline of short-term rental regulations and related site standards to the Hocking County Zoning Commission on a topic-focused agenda item that drew detailed discussion from commissioners, county staff and emergency-service representatives.

Barrett said the draft package centers on four items: a short-term rental permit, impact fees, a special-event permit and site standards. "The 4 things that we've identified that, that we're creating, regulations for are the short term rental permit, the impact fees, the special event permit," he told the commission. He emphasized the work is an outline, not a final ordinance, and that "the devil's in the details" in drafting enforceable rules.

The nut of the proposal is to allow short-term rentals while setting rules intended to protect neighbors and ensure emergency access. Key provisions discussed included: a mandatory 24-hour contact person who must reside in Hocking County; site plans or maps showing the location and numbering of units and cabins so dispatchers and responders can locate them; standardized addressing tied to publicly maintained roads rather than private driveways; occupancy limits tied to sleeping capacity; and a requirement that…