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Applicant seeks conditional-use permit to operate two‑bedroom short-term rental at 320 Lakeside Avenue
Summary
At a public hearing, applicant George Lopez asked the planning commission to approve conditional use permit 01-2025 to operate a two‑bedroom short‑term rental at 320 Lakeside Avenue. Council members and neighbors raised residency, management and parking concerns; the public hearing was closed for later decision by the commission.
George Lopez, the applicant, told the Lorain Planning Commission at a public hearing that he is seeking conditional use permit 01-2025 to operate a two‑bedroom short‑term rental at 320 Lakeside Avenue, in an R‑3 high‑density residential district (Chapter 1143.04 G).
Lopez said he and his family recently bought the cottage across from Mile Long Pier as a vacation property and intend to rent it occasionally. "It's really just we bought it for ourselves... but we like to use it as a short term rental as well," Lopez said. He told the commission the unit is two bedrooms, enclosed by a privacy fence, and that his plan is to screen guests and to prohibit parties and pets.
The application drew concerns from elected officials and neighbors who said they prefer short‑term owners to live in the city and be available to manage problems. Mary Spring, a member of the Lorain City Council at large, said she would oppose permitting owners who do not live in Lorain until they move into the city. "I would be more comfortable if you had brought this forward after you had already moved to Lorraine... I would be opposed to this for anybody that is not living in Lorraine," Spring said, citing past problems on the street with pets, parties and blocking access to the nearby marina.
A speaker identified as Thomas (role not specified in the record) told Lopez that under the city's ordinance a short‑term rental owner who lives outside Lorain County must have a property manager while outside the county. Lopez said local neighbors, identified as Leslie and Rick, agreed to act as his local contact while he is not living in the city.
A staff member at the hearing noted the application includes a registered agent who lives in Lorain. After questions from the commission and public comment, the chair closed the public hearing; the transcript shows no final permit decision at that meeting.
The commission did not vote on the conditional use permit at the hearing. The application record submitted for the hearing lists the cited ordinance (Chapter 1143.04 G) and the applicant's intent to use a local contact/registered agent while Lopez completes his relocation to the city.
The planning commission will consider the submitted application, including any additional information about management arrangements and compliance with Chapter 1143.04 G, at a future meeting before taking a final vote.
