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West Chester Township adopts zoning change limiting short‑term rentals in single‑family zones
Summary
Trustees approved a text amendment to the township zoning code that bars short‑term rentals in R‑1 residential districts; existing listings remain in place but future conversions will be restricted. The board approved companion updates to the comprehensive plan and the property‑maintenance code during the same meeting.
West Chester Township trustees voted April 8 to adopt a zoning text amendment that prohibits short‑term rentals in single‑family (R‑1) residential districts while leaving existing short‑term rental operations subject to a review process.
The changes were passed as Resolution O‑5‑2025 after a public hearing at which residents and local property owners offered competing views on the impact of short‑term rentals. The board also approved companion measures updating the comprehensive land‑use plan and adopting a 2025 property‑maintenance code.
Why it matters: Trustees said the restriction aims to protect neighborhood stability and the expectations of long‑term residents in single‑family neighborhoods; opponents warned it could reduce lodging options for visitors and convert properties into long‑term rentals. The township’s authorities said the code changes are meant to modernize zoning language and clarify enforcement processes.
During the public hearing, resident Paul Waslowski, who identified himself as a real‑estate investor and West Chester resident, argued that "STRs are not housing. They're no different from hotels. They are businesses. They should be prohibited in residential areas." He told the board many short‑term units are run as investments rather than by homeowners living on‑site.
Several other residents spoke against a blanket ban. Joel Herzog and resident David Bayer said short‑term rentals serve families, groups attending local events and visitors who need alternatives to hotels. Jason Ross, who said his company operates furnished short‑ and mid‑term rentals, described cases where short‑term housing served medical visitors and corporate travelers and urged a regulatory approach rather than an outright ban.
Trustee Bruce Jones noted the township lacks the same enforcement levers that a city like Cincinnati uses (registration, inspections and fines) and said existing short‑term rentals would not be immediately outlawed, a point he urged the public to understand. Staff and trustees said the zoning change would not retroactively remove existing listings but would guide future approvals and clarify the process for properties that seek to continue operations.
The motion to adopt ZTA‑05‑2025 (Resolution O‑5‑2025) passed on a roll‑call vote with trustees voting yes: Mister Welch, Missus Becker and Mister Wall. The board also approved related resolutions updating the comprehensive land‑use plan (O‑6‑2025) and adopting the 2025 property‑maintenance code (O‑7‑2025) at the same meeting.
Trustees and staff said implementation details — including registration, any required inspections, and enforcement steps — will be addressed in administrative procedures and follow‑up guidance. The trustees recommended residents report specific violations to township enforcement staff so cases can be investigated.
Looking ahead: The township will publish the revised zoning text and maps and provide guidance about how existing short‑term rentals will be handled under the updated rules.
