Transient rentals subject of controversy again

SANDUSKY — For a long time now, visitors booking short-term stays at homes within Sandusky residential zones has been a big issue.To clarify the rules and regulations, city officials scheduled an informational meeting Tuesday night at Sandusky High School."There is a lot of controversy regarding transient rentals almost exclusively on the Cedar Point Chaussee," city manager Eric Wobser said.Some city residents have filed complaints against their neighbors, who rent out their swanky homes to tourists.But property owners in question, citing a 2013 state court ruling, believe they're fully entitled and legally within their rights to conduct these business transactions.A few years ago, city officials launched a legal battle against select property owners, including those on the Chaussee, for renting out their homes to tourists.But a local judge and state court concluded city officials unlawfully attempted to restrict the property owners from letting others stay in their houses.The ruling rebuked city commissioners and vindicated a handful of homeowners. Officials also unsuccessfully spent $50,000 in legal fees, paid for by taxpayers, on this failed quest.Wobser stressed no decision will be made Tuesday night."Planning has been researching the subject and will make a presentation on their findings and take community feedback," he said. "From there we will make a recommendation to commission, but we have no current stance, and this first meeting is informational." Want to go?What: Transient rental informational meetingWhere: Room 301 Sandusky High SchoolWhen: 6 p.m. TuesdayContact: Sandusky chief planner Angie Byington at abyington@ci.sandusky.oh.us or 419-627-5844 Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOurielSome community members have a problem with homeowners renting out their homes to tourists, which often occurs on the Cedar Point Chaussee. Sandusky officials scheduled an informational meeting on the topic Tuesday at Sandusky High School.