Bexley Council discusses impact of bed and breakfast regulations on community

The City Council of Bexley, Ohio, convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the community, particularly focusing on the regulation of short-term rentals such as Airbnbs and bed and breakfasts.

The meeting began with a reminder for public participation, emphasizing the need for speaker slips to be submitted for those wishing to comment. Council members were urged to maintain decorum during discussions.

One of the primary topics addressed was the potential impact of proposed changes to regulations governing short-term rentals. Council member Miss Saad expressed concerns about how these changes could alter the community's character. She highlighted the success of a local bed and breakfast and noted the benefits it has brought to the city. Saad indicated her opposition to the current proposal, advocating for the preservation of the bed and breakfast model rather than transitioning to short-term rental formats.

Further discussions included inquiries about the enforcement of regulations, specifically regarding the responsibilities of property owners who do not reside on-site. Questions were raised about the potential burden on the city to conduct daily site visits and the consequences for violations of the proposed use variance.

Council members also sought clarification on how the new regulations would align with existing short-term rental ordinances previously enacted by the council.

As the meeting progressed, Mister Fischel announced that a public comment had been submitted by Thomas Foodi, inviting him to share his thoughts with the council. Foodi was reminded to provide his full legal name and address before beginning his remarks.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's ongoing deliberations regarding short-term rental regulations and their implications for the community. The council plans to continue evaluating these issues in future sessions, with a focus on balancing community interests and property rights.