The Local Lineup: 9/30 Housing Policy Brief

Cuyahoga County

Cleveland, OH

Legal Aid Proposal for Tenants Facing Eviction (Ord. 1031-2026)
Legislation before the Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee would authorize the city to partner with The Legal Aid Society. The partnership would provide legal representation to eligible tenants in Housing Court eviction cases. The committee took it up September 29, and it has not yet passed.

Data Center Moratorium Set to Expire October 20 (Ord. 556-2026)
The three-month pause on new standalone data centers expires October 20. Council is holding public hearings while it drafts permanent rules.

Cleveland Heights, OH

Short-Term Rental and ADU Rules Under Review
If enacted, the ordinance would require annual registration, with initial registrations due December 15, 2026. It would also cap how many short-term rentals can operate in a neighborhood. City FAQ

South Euclid, OH

Trebisky Grove Plan Changes Move to City Council (Res. 26-26)
The developer wants to swap 32 attached townhomes for 30 detached single-family homes in the approved Trebisky Grove development. The Architectural Review Board and Planning Commission both recommended the change. City Council held a first reading on September 28. The developer must still return for final site plan approval before building.

 

Summit County

Akron, OH

Minimum Lot Size Repeal Delayed
Council held public hearings September 28 on eliminating the minimum lot size for houses, then delayed the vote for at least a week, possibly longer. Current rules require 4,000 square feet for a single-family home and 7,000 for a duplex. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended it July 10. Jamie McMillen spoke in support for ACAR, saying it removes a barrier to homeownership and expands supply. Two more zoning reform proposals, on small-scale multifamily housing and reuse of older buildings, go to the Planning Commission in October. ACAR testimony

Zoning Change Proposed for Planned Development District
A proposed ordinance would update setback and other development requirements for the Class UPD-13 district. A public hearing is set for October 19, 2026.

 

Portage County

Tallmadge, OH

Tallmadge discussed a six-month moratorium on data centers while the city considers appropriate zoning regulations and potential impacts. Brimfield is similarly seeking a six-month extension of its existing moratorium while its Zoning Commission develops more detailed restrictions and determines where data centers could be located with the least impact on residents.

Ravenna, OH

Ravenna is considering new minimum size requirements for multifamily housing units, ranging from 450 sq. ft. for studios to 1,100 sq. ft. for 4+ bedrooms, along with a new definition of “bedroom.” The stated goal is to improve housing quality and support eligibility for housing grants and tax credits.