An Ohio appeals court on Oct 26 upheld a zoning ban on Airbnb rentals in a 140-home neighbourhood

An Ohio appeals court has upheld a local zoning ban on short-term home rentals. The ruling shuts down a property owner’s attempt to run an Airbnb business in a quiet suburban neighborhood of about 140 homes. In a decision issued on 26 October 2026, the Fifth District Court of Appeals of Ohio backed a lower court ruling against home buyer Michael A. Clevenger. The court found that local residential zoning rules legally bar short-term tourist rentals run as a business in single-family zones. The dispute began after Clevenger bought a single-family house in a housing development of about 140 properties in Stark County, Ohio. Soon after he took ownership, he listed the house on online booking sites. He advertised it for short stays to passing guests and vacationers. Nearby residents quickly raised concerns about crowded parking, noise, and safety risks. Local zoning inspectors then issued a formal notice of violation. They said he was running an unapproved business in an area zoned only for single-family homes. Clevenger appealed the enforcement action to the local township zoning board. He then appealed to the Stark County Court of Common Pleas. He argued that renting out the house di...