Board declines to expand recreational vehicle allowance; members flag growing Airbnb challenges
NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP — The Northfield Center Township Zoning Commission declined at its March 9 regular meeting to expand the number of recreational vehicles residents may park on their property, and flagged growing concerns about short-term rentals as a challenge the township may have limited power to address.
Under current zoning rules, residential property owners may keep one recreational vehicle — a category that includes boats — on their property. A resident had requested the commission consider allowing more. After reviewing the situation, including photos of the property in question, commission members concluded the existing variance process through the Board of Zoning Appeals was the appropriate remedy for anyone needing an exception, and that expanding the allowance outright could create problems in smaller subdivisions with tight lot lines.
The commission also discussed short-term rentals such as those listed through Airbnb. Members noted the township has limited ability to identify or track properties being used for short-term rental without active monitoring, and that proposed state legislation could further restrict local authority to regulate them. One member referenced a recent violent incident at a Bath Township short-term rental that drew hundreds of guests, noting the host township had few options even after the fact.
Commission members said they plan to continue monitoring the issue and may seek guidance from the township’s state representative.
The commission also approved administrative text updates to zoning chapters 690 and 660, replacing references to newspaper publication with the township website in accordance with Ohio Revised Code requirements.
