City Council introduced legislation at its September 18 meeting that would place a moratorium on short term rentals of residential real estate. The measure was introduced by President of Council, Larry Antoskiewicz and Ward 5 Council Representative Cheryl Hannan and co-sponsored by Ward 4 Council Representative Paul Marnecheck.
According to the legislation, it was written “in accordance with the Constitution of the State of Ohio and the pertinent provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, the City of North Royalton has the power to enact planning and zoning laws that are intended to protect the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the city. Discussions at the September 18 City Council meeting between members of Council and Police Chief Kenneth Bilinovich centered around the assurance of public safety and prevention of blight in residential areas.
The ordinance states that “there has been an increase in the operation of short term residential real estate rentals in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area generated through various internet sites. Such establishments are semi-commercial uses which may be specifically permitted to operate in residential areas. Council desires to review legislation and to enact reasonable regulations as to the size, number and location of such short term residential real estate rentals in the city. This Council will be able to enact reasonable regulations more effectively if a moratorium is in place.”
Websites, such as airbnb.com, hometogo.com and homeaway.com are a few examples of the types of internet sites where residents can place their home, or a room for short-term rentals. The ordinance places a hold on short term rentals, giving Council an opportunity to research the issue and discuss what, if anything, should be done legislatively.
The legislation was introduced after Hannan received communication from a resident regarding the rental of a neighbor’s home. The resident stated that they didn’t feel safe with people coming and going and implored Council to do something about it. Hannan said that she often will look to the city’s current ordinances to see if there is something on the books that would address various issues. She spoke to Antoskiewicz and it was determined that there was nothing presently that would address the matter. The legislation was then drawn up.
“Cheryl and myself prepared this so we could study the issue,” said Antoskiewicz. “This is becoming more trendy and some communities have had problems.” Earlier this year, a home in Seven Hills was rented through an internet website and was used for a very large party that got out of hand. Police were called and the house was allegedly trashed.
Hannan said that ultimately, the case of short-term residential rentals will be a balance between the property owner’s rights versus the residential neighborhoods. “Let’s take a time out and do our due diligence.”
Ward 6 Councilman Dan Kasaris asked that the ordinance be amended to add a penalty for anyone who goes against the ordinance. “I want the penalty clause because otherwise, it is useless.” Kasaris said that those renting before the passing of the ordinance are doing so within the city’s current laws. Once the law is passed, residents could not rent until the moratorium is lifted. At that point, if an ordinance has been adopted with new regulations, they will be enforced.
“Based on discussions in committee, I don’t think a moratorium is the best way to go,” said Ward 3 Councilman, Dan Langshaw. “ Instead, I hope to work with my colleagues and administration to just introduce an ordinance before the end of the year. I like to see if we could just amend our existing rental registry and address it that way if possible.”
If approved, the moratorium would prohibit the operation of any short term rental for any amount less than 30 days, of residential real estate. If Council approves the moratorium, it could take effect until September 30, 2019. Antoskiewicz noted that the moratorium does not have to run a full year and can be removed at any time.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer