Medina City Council Approves New Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
MEDINA, Ohio – In a significant step towards regulating short-term rentals, the Medina City Council unanimously approved an ordinance aimed at establishing general rules for these properties. The decision follows extensive discussions that began earlier this year and culminated with official approval on November 25.
Community Planning Director Andrew Dutton noted that the proposed regulations were thoroughly reviewed by the planning commission in July and received encouragement during a public hearing in October, which saw no public input for or against the regulations. To ensure community engagement, the council held three readings of the legislation throughout October and November, providing residents ample opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns.
The ordinance introduces several changes to the city’s zoning code, particularly concerning short-term rentals, which have become increasingly common in Medina, especially near the historic district. Drawing inspiration from the approaches of other municipalities, city officials have opted for broader guidelines rather than a detailed registration process.
Under the new framework, short-term rentals will be permitted in specific areas: the C2 commercial district and the MU district, with conditional allowances in R2 and R3 residential zones located within 4,000 feet of the town center. Dutton confirmed that current short-term rental properties align with these newly established boundaries, negating any violations of the regulations.
Additionally, the new rules impose requirements for a minimum number of parking spaces and set a maximum occupancy limit based on the number of bedrooms. Hosting events at short-term rentals will not be permitted, addressing potential concerns about noise and disruption in residential areas. The council’s decision reflects a balanced approach to fostering tourism while ensuring community safety and quality of life.
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