Definitions
Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 686B.02
in effect§ 686B.02 Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(a) “Accessory use” shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 325.02.
(b) “Bedroom” means a room intended for sleeping purposes, separated from other spaces in a dwelling unit by one or more functional doors, and not used as a kitchen, bathroom, living room, closet, hallway, utility space, entry way, garage, patio or breezeway.
(c) “Booking agent” means any person or entity that facilitates reservations or collects payment for short-term rental accommodations on behalf of or for an owner or operator, through a website, mobile application or by other similar means. Merely publishing an advertisement for short-term rental accommodation does not make the publisher a booking agent.
(d) “City block” shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 510.01.
(e) “Commissioner” means the City Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses, unless stated otherwise.
(f) “Dwelling unit” shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 325.20.
(g) “Local contact” means an individual designated to serve as the local representative for the owner or operator, and who shall respond to any complaints regarding the condition, operation or maintenance of the short-term rental. The local contact must at all times be available in person or by phone while transient guests are on the premises of a short-term rental. If contacted, the local contact must be able to be present at the premises within one (1) hour of receiving a call. The local contact must be authorized to make decisions regarding the premises and the transient guests.
(h) “Operator” means the owner or local responsible party designated to manage a short-term rental property on behalf of the owner. The operator shall be the person designated to receive legal notice from the city related to operation of the short-term rental.
(i) “Owner” means the individual or entity that owns a property operating as a short-term rental, or a tenant of that property who has written authorization through a lease agreement to operate a short-term rental.
(j) “Short-term rental” means the temporary rental for compensation of a dwelling unit by the owner, operator, or through a booking agent, for the accommodation of transient guests where such accommodation to any transient guest is for not more than thirty (30) consecutive days.
(k) “Transient guest” means the person who is the renter of a short-term rental premises and has mere use without actual or exclusive possession of the premises.
(Ord. No. 561-2026. Passed 6-1-26, eff. 11-28-26)
Source: City of Cleveland, Ohio, Codified Ordinances and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-54167Fetched: 11/1/2026