Strongsville homeowner seeks rezoning and clarification after short-term rental ban; law director cites zoning, safety constraints

Deborah Thomas Lemmers told the Strongsville City Council on Feb. 18 that she and her husband have been operating part of their historic house at 9160 Albion Road as a short-term rental and asked whether a recent city ordinance prohibits their use and whether rezoning or other options could allow expanded event activity at the property.

Lemmers, who identified herself by name and address, said the house was built in 1830 and that the family occupies the property while renting a portion as a “bed-and-breakfast” style short-term rental. She told council they are present on-site when guests stay and that they would not operate the property in a manner that would cause neighborhood disturbance. “We're there and it's not the entire house,” Lemmers said, adding that she would like to explore rezoning to allow travel-service advertising and to host events such as weddings, theater rehearsals and dances in an on-site barn.

City Law Director Jamieson responded during audience participation that the owners had been advised to contact the building department before pursuing short-term rental activity. “In regards to Airbnb, that's correct. We passed an ordinance that does not allow short term rentals,” Jamieson said, adding that the ordinance contains no provisions for exceptions. Jamieson said some of the activities the Lemmers proposed would be prohibited by the current zoning for that area, neighbors would have input on any rezoning, and the owners must bring the facility up to building code before the city could consider other uses.

Jamieson also told the audience the property contains a high-pressure gas line running down the middle of the parcel that limits some types of building work and uses. He noted previous potential commercial buyers had been unable to develop the site because of that utility easement and other constraints, and he said city staff (identified in the meeting as Brent Painter and George Smarrigan) have had multiple conversations with the property owners and would continue to assist.

Lemmers asked about expanding the use of the barn for weddings, performances and other community activities and mentioned outreach from the local high-school theater group; Jamieson said the owners should coordinate with the building department and the planning, zoning and engineering department to determine what zoning changes or code upgrades would be required.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: city staff told the speakers they should contact the building department and planning staff to discuss code compliance and possible rezoning. If the owners seek formal rezoning or permits, the matter would proceed through the city's planning and zoning review process and, if required, a council public hearing.