Short-Term Rentals

Avon Lake City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 25-161 establishing a mandatory Short-Term Rental Certification program, such as those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. All short-term rental property owners must apply for certification to lawfully operate. 

The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to: 

  • Regulate the peace, health, safety, and wellness of the public, including the short-tern rental property owners and their guests, and neighboring property owners. 
  • To ensure the continued vibrancy, character, and charm of the City of Avon Lake as a community. 
  • To protect property values,and preserve the availability of affordable housing stock for permanent residents.

Short-term rental properties will be actively monitored and properly enforced to protect and preserve the quality, character, and tranquility of residential neighborhoods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a short-term rental?
A: A short-term rental is defined as any room or dwelling that is rented wholly or partly for a fee for less than thirty consecutive days by persons other than the permanent occupant or owner from which the permanent occupant or owner receive monetary compensation. 

Q: What is the application process for short-term rental certification? 
A: All short-term rentals are required to apply for certification via the Community Development section of the City's licensing and permitting portal. An application must be submitted for each individual short-term rental property. Applications are reviewed by the City of Avon Lake's Community Development Department.  

Application requirements include: 

  • Owner address and contact information. 
  • Registered agent address and contact information, and tax ID, if applicable. 
  • Property Operator/Manager address and contact information, if applicable.
  • Address of the short-term rental property and a list of all online hosting platforms associated with the property. 
  • Proof of insurance, paid property taxes, and paid utilities. 

Once the application is submitted, the City will conduct a Life Safety Inspection of the short-term rental property within 14 days from the date the application was received. Upon successful completion of the inspection a short-term rental certificate will be issued. 

All owners are advised to review Ordinance No. 25-161 to ensure compliance. Violations may result in fines and legal action.  

Q: Do short-term rental certifications need to be renewed? 
A: Yes, owners must apply for certification renwal every 12 months. 

Q: I already operate a short-term rental property. Do I need to apply for certification? 
A: Yes, owners who have operated a short-term rental property prior to the adoption of Ordinance No. 25-161 are required to apply for certification.  

Q: Are there any distance limitations on short-term rentals? 
A: Yes, Avon Lake Ordinance Chapter 14 established a restriction of no more than one (1) short-term rental property per 1,000 feet. However, short-term rental properties in existence prior to the passage of Ordinance No. 25-161 that are less than 1,000 feet apart are exempt provided they comply with all provisions of Chapter 14.