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Local officials, tourism and township groups urge committee to reject bill that would bar local short‑term rental rules
Summary
More than a dozen municipal and tourism representatives told the Senate Local Government Committee that Senate Bill 104 would strip cities, villages and townships of zoning tools to manage short‑term rentals, harming neighborhood stability, housing supply and public safety even as many witnesses supported platform collection of lodging taxes.
Senate Local Government Committee members heard more than two hours of opposition testimony on Senate Bill 104 on the bill—s third hearing, with local officials, township associations, convention and visitors bureaus and tourism leaders urging the committee to preserve municipal home rule.
Witnesses said the bill would prevent local governments from using zoning, registration and inspection to manage short‑term rentals where they create nuisances, safety risks or reduce long‑term housing stock. Several witnesses said they support requiring platforms to collect and remit lodging taxes but opposed the bill—s broad ban on local regulation.
The Ohio Municipal League—s Bevin Schneck said the measure would "keep local decision makers from making these local decisions" and asked senators to oppose the bill. "The Ohio Municipal League urges your opposition to Senate Bill 104," Schneck said.
Representatives of Ohio—s townships and many cities said the statewide preemption would be especially damaging in smaller communities and seasonal tourism areas. Kyle Brooks of the Ohio Township Association…
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