Mayor Thomas testifies against Ohio Senate Bill 104; council moves to draft opposing resolution

Mayor Kim Thomas told Richmond Heights City Council March 11 that she testified earlier that day before the Ohio Senate Local Government Committee in opposition to Senate Bill 104, legislation she said would limit municipalities' authority over short-term rentals such as Airbnb.

"Senate Bill 104 basically seeks to diminish the power of municipalities regarding short term rentals such as Airbnbs," Mayor Kim Thomas said, reading testimony she provided in Columbus. She said the bill "is a clear violation of home rule" and argued the city needs the ability to regulate short-term rentals to address noise, parking and nuisance complaints.

Council members said Richmond Heights previously passed local legislation prohibiting short-term rentals of 30 days or less in residentially zoned districts, and several members described past problems with properties used as short-term rentals. One council member proposed that council draft a resolution opposing SB 104 and present it at the next council meeting.

Mayor Thomas said she delivered her written testimony to State Senator Kent Smith earlier in the day and characterized the issue as one of local control: "We want home rule," she said, urging the committee to reject SB 104 so municipalities can retain the authority to manage short-term rentals in a way that protects residents.

No formal council vote on the draft resolution occurred at the March 11 meeting; council members expressed support for preparing a resolution opposing the bill for consideration at a future meeting.