Hocking County zoning commission reviews proposed short‑term rental permit, emergency access and impact‑fee framework

The Hocking County Zoning Commission on May 29, 2025 reviewed a package of proposed land‑use tools aimed chiefly at regulating short‑term rentals and improving first‑responder access, but did not adopt any regulations. The commission heard results from earlier public surveys and stakeholders meetings, discussed specific permit components — including a required 24‑hour local contact, standardized address numbering, driveway and parking standards, occupancy limits, mandatory insurance and noise controls — and directed staff to gather more information and consult first‑responder agencies and lodging operators before drafting enforceable rules.

Commission members said the review was prompted by extensive public outreach and stakeholder meetings conducted since the commission was formed in spring 2023 and by a separate mailing by the Hocking Hills Tourism Association. The meeting chair said the commission has received “400 plus responses” to the commission’s own questionnaire and noted that a separate HHTA mailing to roughly 17,000 households produced about 700 returned surveys; meeting presenters characterized the common finding as “over 90%” of respondents saying something should be done about short‑term rentals, though not all respondents favored the same remedies.

Commissioners and stakeholders focused on practical safety and enforcement measures rather than broad rezoning. Discussion centered on six clusters of measures: emergency contact and notification; location and address signage; driveway, turnaround and access standards for emergency vehicles; occupancy, parking and contract requirements; building‑code enforcement and inspection responsibility; and potential impact fees to fund EMS, fire and other…