I am a Lakewood homeowner who has operated a City-permitted, owner-occupied STR since 2024. I support reasonable regulation of noise, unsafe occupancy, illegal parking, and disruptive parties. But several provisions of Ordinance 28-2026 lack a clear link to demonstrated harms.
We live on-site, provide off-street parking, strictly prohibit parties/events, and host couples and families visiting relatives or here for work/events. These visitors spend money in Lakewood rather than neighboring cities—important given Lakewood’s lack of conventional hotels.
I strongly oppose the 3-night and 14-night annual limits. What neighborhood problem occurs on night four that did not exist on night three? Noise, parking, overcrowding, and disorder can be regulated. A peaceful fourth night is not misconduct.
The 1,500-foot school restriction also demands justification. What makes an STR 1,400 feet from a school problematic but one 1,600 feet away acceptable? Ohio uses 1,000 feet for residency restrictions applicable to registered sex offenders, yet grandparents staying with us for two weeks to visit family would be 500 feet too close?
Complaints cannot equal violations. One neighboring household has in the past called police regarding our property and guests, yet the alleged nuisances were not substantiated. In fact, police have warned this neighbor that continued unsubstantiated calls could result in a citation. Enforcement must be based on verified violations, not complaint volume.
Finally, existing City-permitted STRs should be grandfathered. We followed Lakewood’s rules, obtained permission, and invested in reliance on it. Existing operators should remain subject to safety, noise, parking, and nuisance laws, but should not lose a previously lawful use absent actual violations.
Please regulate demonstrated problems, not responsible operators. Lakewood can protect neighborhoods while preserving responsible STRs and the economic activity they bring to our city.
I am a Lakewood homeowner who has operated a City-permitted, owner-occupied STR since 2024. I support reasonable regulation of noise, unsafe occupancy, illegal parking, and disruptive parties. But several provisions of Ordinance 28-2026 lack a clear link to demonstrated harms.
We live on-site, provide off-street parking, strictly prohibit parties/events, and host couples and families visiting relatives or here for work/events. These visitors spend money in Lakewood rather than neighboring cities—important given Lakewood’s lack of conventional hotels.
I strongly oppose the 3-night and 14-night annual limits. What neighborhood problem occurs on night four that did not exist on night three? Noise, parking, overcrowding, and disorder can be regulated. A peaceful fourth night is not misconduct.
The 1,500-foot school restriction also demands justification. What makes an STR 1,400 feet from a school problematic but one 1,600 feet away acceptable? Ohio uses 1,000 feet for residency restrictions applicable to registered sex offenders, yet grandparents staying with us for two weeks to visit family would be 500 feet too close?
Complaints cannot equal violations. One neighboring household has in the past called police regarding our property and guests, yet the alleged nuisances were not substantiated. In fact, police have warned this neighbor that continued unsubstantiated calls could result in a citation. Enforcement must be based on verified violations, not complaint volume.
Finally, existing City-permitted STRs should be grandfathered. We followed Lakewood’s rules, obtained permission, and invested in reliance on it. Existing operators should remain subject to safety, noise, parking, and nuisance laws, but should not lose a previously lawful use absent actual violations.
Please regulate demonstrated problems, not responsible operators. Lakewood can protect neighborhoods while preserving responsible STRs and the economic activity they bring to our city.
-Conor O’Malley