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Council declines to adopt short-term rental ban, refers Airbnb rules to committee for further review
Summary
On third reading Councilmembers voted against adopting Ordinance 2025-35, which would have prohibited short-term rentals in residential districts, and instead added the subject to the Committee of the Whole for additional study and input from the law and building departments.
Wickliffe City Council members on Sept. 22 voted against adopting Ordinance 2025-35, a proposed amendment to the city's codified ordinances to prohibit short-term rentals in residential districts, and agreed to send the topic to the Committee of the Whole for additional review.
During the meeting the ordinance was on third reading and drew public comment from local property owners and managers who asked council to consider enforceable registration and penalty provisions rather than a blanket ban. A proponent who identified himself as a property manager said owners want to be reachable and accountable and proposed escalating fines and direct-notification procedures to address parties and nuisances.
Council debate focused on whether enforceable local rules could be drafted and administered by the building and law departments. Councilman Gerhardstein (first reference) suggested tabling or voting it down and referring the matter to committee so staff could examine the enforceability of suggested rules. Council members also said they want the building department involved to review occupancy and permit issues.
Outcome and next steps
- Vote on adoption: Council declined to adopt Ordinance 2025-35 on third reading (roll-call reflected a majority "no"), so the ordinance did not pass as presented. - Referral: Council added "Airbnb"/short-term rental regulations to the Committee of the Whole agenda for a scheduled committee meeting; councilmembers directed staff to include law and building department input.
Why it matters: Council members cited concerns about enforceability and the need to craft legislation that protects neighbors while allowing responsible hosts. Public commenters warned a ban would harm owners and the local short-term rental market without addressing nuisance enforcement.
What was not decided: Council did not adopt a new short-term-rental licensing scheme or set specific penalties at the Sept. 22 meeting. The committee will review options and may propose new ordinance language in a future meeting.
