Public hearing set for short-term rentals

OAK HARBOR — A public hearing, scheduled for this week, focuses on a state bill that would block cities and towns from banning short-term rentals, such as those handled by Airbnb and Vrbo. Organized by state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, it's taking place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. It will occur from Damschroder Hall at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 Ohio 163, Oak Harbor. Local officials from Erie and Ottawa counties are expected to attend. Sizing up the bill At the forefront of this discussion is Senate Bill 104, which is sponsored by state Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, who will be there at the hearing. Discussion will be limited to that measure. A press release issued by Gavarone's office states the following: If passed, Senate Bill 104 would limit the purposes for which townships, counties and municipal corporations may regulate short-term rental properties. Officials, then, according to this proposal, can't: • Prohibit the ban of short-term rentals • Use zoning requirements to prohibit or limit short-term rental properties in areas that are zoned to allow for residential use • Require the owner of a short-term rental property to occupy the property "Additionally, the bill would require subdivisions to subject short-term rental stays to the subdivision's lodging tax, require a collection and remittance of the tax by the operator of the short-term rental platform and require the Superintendent of the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing to issue licenses to licensed real estate brokers and salespersons in electronic format," it said. Brenner introduced his bill on Feb. 14. No co-sponsors are listed. The bill was assigned a few days later to the Ohio Senate's Local Government Committee, and it's still there. Come out, provide feedback Gavarone, who has taken no position on the bill, said she looks forward to hearing from both sides about the bill and finding out how her constituents feel about it. "Short-term rentals present both opportunities and challenges to the shores and islands region in the 2nd Senate District," she said. "I am interested to hear from local stakeholders and constituents directly on how potential changes to the law impact the region." Brenner said he's trying to protect the property rights of homeowners who would like to be able to offer short-term rentals. "Short-term rentals have existed in Ottawa County for over a century. To remove them would be taking away the rights of homeowners," Brenner said. Brenner is going to lead a panel discussion at the hearing that will include an Airbnb official, Catawba Island Township trustee Diane Belden, Huron city councilman Joel Hagy and Sandusky city commissioner Jeff Krabill. After the panel explains the bill, they'll be taking questions from the audience.