Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rental topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council considers use variance at 519 S. Drexel; members raise questions about short-term rental model and oversight
Summary
A first reading of Ordinance 18-25 asked council to revisit the existing bed-and-breakfast variance for 519 South Drexel amid buyer interest in a short-term rental model; councilmembers requested the prospective owner appear to clarify management, guest limits and on-site oversight.
Council heard a first reading of Ordinance 18-25, which would amend the bed-and-breakfast variance for the property at 519 South Drexel Avenue.
Sponsor Councilmember Marcelino said the property, historically operated as a bed-and-breakfast beginning in 2013, was sold to Capital University in 2021 and is now back on the market. Prospective buyers have expressed interest in operating a short-term rental model resembling an online "Airbnb" listing rather than an owner-occupied B&B.
Council discussion focused on differences between an owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast and a short-term rental operator who does not live on-site. Councilmembers expressed concern about enforcement, contactability and upkeep if the owner does not reside at the property. "Capital has said that they have struggled to make it pencil with on-site employment," Marcelino said, summarizing discussions with the seller and applicants.
Draft language discussed would require an owner or principal resident to live in Bexley and would require a point of contact (employer/agent) to check on the property daily. Council asked applicants to explain operational details, including whether they would use platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO, how address/utility and parking would be managed, and whether a daily on-site check would comply with short-term rental platform rules.
Parking was also discussed; staff and the mayor said the site currently provides seven parking spaces and that the draft ordinance anticipates the same number. Councilmembers asked about guest limits and enforcement if multiple units were rented at once; staff noted the draft aims to preserve the inn-like function and prevent conversion into multiple unmonitored short-term units.
The prospective buyer or their representatives were expected to attend upcoming meetings for the second and third readings to answer operational questions. No vote was taken; councilmembers repeatedly asked staff to bring applicants and precise operational plans back for the next meetings.
