Ohio · Hotels and lodging

The hotel and lodging rules in force in Ohio now.

ORC Chapter 3731 (Hotels): State Fire Marshal license required for each hotel or SRO facility with more than five rooms; renewal application and fee due by Dec 1; all licenses expire Dec 31 each year. Enforced by Division of State Fire Marshal (hotel licensing and inspection, ORC 3731.02-3731.05); local fire officials enforce the Ohio Fire Code in hotels. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Hotels and lodging in Ohio

Checked on the source

In force

ORC Chapter 3731 (Hotels): State Fire Marshal license required for each hotel or SRO facility with more than five rooms; renewal application and fee due by Dec 1; all licenses expire Dec 31 each year

ORC 3731.03 (eff. Sept 12, 2008) and 3731.031 (eff. Apr 6, 2023), read Oct 18, 2026: State Fire Marshal license required; renewal by Dec 1 each year; fees $25 (6-25 rooms), $50 (26-50), $75 (51-75), $100 (76+, hotels); licenses expire Dec 31. The Ohio Fire Code rule states a different minimum fee; State Fire Marshal confirms fee and renewal.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Division of State Fire Marshal (hotel licensing and inspection, ORC 3731.02-3731.05); local fire officials enforce the Ohio Fire Code in hotels

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

License renewal Dec 31, 2026

Renewal application due Dec 1, 2026; licenses expire Dec 31, 2026

Dated items

Next 24 months

Dec 31, 2026

Hotel and SRO licenses expire Dec 31 each year (ORC 3731.03(D)); renewal application and fee are due to the State Fire Marshal on or before Dec 1 (ORC 3731.031(A))Division of State Fire Marshal (ORC 3731.03)

Confirmed date

Questions about the hotel and lodging rules in Ohio

Which hotel and lodging rules apply in Ohio today?

ORC Chapter 3731 (Hotels): State Fire Marshal license required for each hotel or SRO facility with more than five rooms; renewal application and fee due by Dec 1; all licenses expire Dec 31 each year. ORC 3731.03 (eff. Sept 12, 2008) and 3731.031 (eff. Apr 6, 2023), read Oct 18, 2026: State Fire Marshal license required; renewal by Dec 1 each year; fees $25 (6-25 rooms), $50 (26-50), $75 (51-75), $100 (76+, hotels); licenses expire Dec 31. The Ohio Fire Code rule states a different minimum fee; State Fire Marshal confirms fee and renewal.

Who enforces the hotel and lodging rules in Ohio?

Division of State Fire Marshal (hotel licensing and inspection, ORC 3731.02-3731.05); local fire officials enforce the Ohio Fire Code in hotels.

What changes next for the hotel and lodging rules in Ohio?

License renewal Dec 31, 2026. Renewal application due Dec 1, 2026; licenses expire Dec 31, 2026