Shaker Heights Council Passes Emergency Law to Stop Short-Term Rentals

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — A unanimous vote by Shaker Heights City Council on June 23 clarifies the city’s longstanding ban on short-term rentals, stamping out any uncertainty over whether stays under 30 days are allowed. City Law Director William Ondrey Gruber emphasized the need for precision, saying the ordinance “could provide a very clear statement to property owners as to what is and is not allowed” under the Housing Code.

Council chair Nancy Moore raised concerns about state-level interference, noting the looming bill in Columbus that would prevent new municipal rental regulations. She asked, “why is there an exemption, since state law generally trumps local law?” Gruber explained that lawmakers included a carve-out to allow existing bans to remain but declined to speculate on the legislature’s intent.

The emergency legislation also addresses public safety and quality-of-life issues in residential neighborhoods. A memo from Gruber referenced “some properties rented out as ‘party houses,’ which can severely impact neighbors with noise, trash and potential public safety concerns.” That follows a November 2024 double-fatal shooting at a driveway short-term rental on Shaker Boulevard—though Gruber clarified that incident involved a licensed, long-term rental of over 30 days, advertised by a Realtor, and therefore not in violation of city rules.

Long-term rentals of 30 days or more remain legal with a valid certificate of occupancy. Gruber said those are frequently used by university employees, hospital staff or families of patients, adding they remain “popular for persons staying in the city while teaching at one of the area’s universities, working at one of the hospitals or for families of patients at one of the area’s medical facilities.”

Councilman Sean Malone noted that despite the ordinance, some listings for short-term rentals persisted online following the 2016 Republican National Convention. He stressed that any new crackdown may require a public awareness campaign to ensure residents and property owners understand the law.

Gruber affirmed the city will continue enforcement through citations and cease-and-desist orders for non‑compliant rentals.

“Making an explicit prohibition in the Housing Code could provide a very clear statement to property owners as to what is and is not allowed on rentals in the city,” Gruber said.

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