Solon council directs staff to draft short-term rental and accessory-structure zoning amendments

The Solon City Council voted to prepare municipal code amendments that would define “short‑term rental” and revise accessory‑structure provisions in several residential zoning districts.

Chair said the items were referred by Senior Planner Nick Parks and that council members had reviewed them in caucus. "We discussed this in caucus, and I think we were all comfortable," the Chair said, and asked Mr. Bentley to move that legislation be prepared so the proposals could be presented at a future meeting.

Mr. Bentley made the motion to prepare the legislation on the short‑term rental definition and the accessory‑structure amendments; both motions were seconded and passed on roll call. Council asked that Mr. Parks present a short staff briefing at the next meeting so members could review details before the ordinance is introduced for hearings and formal votes.

The referrals come from the Planning Commission and target Chapter 12.61 (short‑term rental definition) and Chapter 12.86 (supplemental accessory‑structure regulations) of the zoning code, and the council specifically flagged the need for clarity about where short‑term rentals would be permitted and any operational safeguards. No numeric thresholds, permit fees, or enforcement mechanisms were finalized during the meeting; the body instructed staff to draft text for future consideration.

Next steps: staff will prepare ordinance language and Mr. Parks is expected to present the proposed amendments at the council’s next meeting for committee referral, public notice and subsequent readings.