Cleveland Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Deer management survey
After two public hearings, council gave first reading to a USDA Wildlife Services agreement to cull 200 deer in 2027 at a cost not exceeding $66,907.55 — cheaper than many expected. Culls run January–March and October–December, with meat donated to a local food bank.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Council is finalizing rules to allow ADUs in residential districts: conditionally permitted (not by right), owner-occupied properties only, attached or detached only, with the Planning Commission's recommendation to waive the 5-foot setback for existing structures. A public hearing will be scheduled before a final vote.
Sidewalk Repair
A pilot using ARPA money will fix broken sidewalk panels on streets already being repaved, starting with Greyton and Altamont. Council wants a bigger, possibly assessment-based city program in the 2027 budget, focused first on economically distressed areas.
Opposition to Ohio House Bills 2642 and 281 and Senate Bill 172
Councilman Posch relayed a warning from State Rep. Juanita Brent about four Columbus bills that would require local agencies to share information with ICE, let ICE into hospitals, and force schools to report students' immigration status. He urged residents to email state legislators.
Landmark Commission ordinance revision
The proposed overhaul would update how historic properties get designated and reviewed — including dropping owner consent in favor of written notice, adding demolition safeguards, an appeal process, and landmark commission comment on construction near landmarks. Council is split on removing owner consent, and a revised draft plus public meeting are planned before any legislation.
Short-Term Rentals Ordinance
More than 140 STRs operate in Cleveland Heights with no local rules. The draft ordinance creates registration, neighbor notification, nuisance penalties, and a 3% transient occupancy tax that Airbnb may collect directly. Look for public hearings and final action in early September.
Flock safety cameras privacy concerns
Council passed new rules for the Flock cameras: 30-day data retention, no immigration-enforcement data sharing without a warrant, and restricted third-party access. Supporters cited solved hit-and-runs and fraud cases; critics said the city should cancel Flock entirely over hacking and data-sharing concerns.
Property Assessment
Cleveland Heights is hiking the tree service fee on your property tax bill, meaning you'll be shelling out a bit more cash this year. It's a noticeable bump that directly impacts your local housing costs.
Flock license plate reader contract
Council passed rules clarifying how the city's Flock cameras operate, including barring data sharing for civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Residents and some council members want stronger limits, noting other agencies on the Flock network may access data.
Director of Human Resources Appointment
Voters changed the charter in November to create a real HR department with a director, instead of dumping HR duties on the finance director. The nominee would oversee 400+ full-time employees and build performance evaluations from scratch.
Body-worn camera grant for police
Council accepted a state body-worn camera grant and authorized a Motorola Solutions agreement, with Councilwoman Cohen recused.
Ranked choice voting public hearing
Council is exploring a ranked-choice voting charter amendment, with a town hall April 22 and a council hearing April 29 to hear from the public and get legal analysis before deciding whether to put it on the ballot.