MEDINA, Ohio — The City Council is considering legislation that would regulate short-term rentals.

The legislation – which makes many diverse amendments to Medina’s planning and zoning codes – was placed on first reading at a recent council meeting.

“This was unanimously supported by (the) planning commission,” said at-large Councilor Paul Rose.

Community Planning Director Andrew Dutton said the planning commission recommended approval of the regulations, along with other zoning code changes, on July 11.

A public hearing on the amendments was held on October 15, with no one speaking in favor or against the regulation.

Dutton explained that there are currently a number of short-term rental properties in Medina near the historic district, but the city does not have regulations for short-term rentals in its zoning code.

So city officials looked at regulations put in place by other municipalities.

He said that while some municipalities have very specific regulations that include a registration process, Medina officials are seeking to implement more general rules.

The proposed regulations would allow short-term rentals in the C2 commercial district and the MU district.

They would also be authorized under conditions in the R2 and R3 residential districts located less than 4,000 feet from the center of the city.

Dutton added that all short-term rentals in Medina are currently located within these limits.

Additional regulations require a minimum number of parking spaces, maximum occupancy based on the number of rooms and would prohibit events held as short-term rentals.

Learn more about the Sun of Medina.