Berea cracks down on short-term rentals with new permit requirements

BEREA, Ohio (WOIO) -The city of Berea is cracking down on short-term rentals with new regulations that include mandatory permits and location restrictions.

City council members said they are implementing the new rules to get ahead of a potential influx of rental properties as the Browns expand their facilities.

Anyone who owns a short-term rental must get a permit by Aug. 31. The permit costs $100.

“We’re trying to limit it so that our houses remain open to families,” said Berea Ward Four Councilwoman Erika Coble.

Property owners must post city rules on the refrigerator for short-term rental guests.

The second piece of legislation starts in September and puts parameters on where short-term rentals can be located.

Short-term rentals will be restricted from within 1,000 feet of parks, schools and churches. They also cannot be within 500 feet of each other.

Coble said the city is trying to keep the charm and neighborhood feel in Berea.

“When we work together and collaborate it’s a stronger and safer space,” Coble said.

The new regulations are designed to address issues the city has had with trash, noise complaints and people not taking care of properties.

“It’s really hard to hold the property owner accountable for the nuisance situation because we didn’t have a permit in place for short-term rentals,” Coble said.

Coble said most people are for the changes. Those who are not are existing short-term rental owners who want to continue operating.

Coble said property owners in good standing with the city who don’t have any nuisances should be able to get their short-term rental permit.