Announcements

 On December 16, 2025, the Berne Township Trustees voted to adopt new regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs) into the township’s zoning code. This decision follows more than two years of thorough research and extensive community input gathered by zoning officials.

The development of these regulations was prompted by an increase in public concerns regarding short-term rentals. The township believes these measures will effectively update existing zoning provisions to address evolving rental market trends, including the rise of online platforms, while prioritizing the protection of residential neighborhoods from potential disruptions that could affect residents’ quality of life.

The new rules are designed to ensure that short-term rentals and transient housing comply with local zoning ordinances, minimize neighborhood disturbances, safeguard property values, and preserve the serene residential character that defines our community. These regulations promote sustainable development and protect the tranquility valued by all Berne Township residents.

Conditional Use Permit Required

Effective immediately, anyone operating or planning to operate a short-term rental in Berne Township must contact the Zoning Inspector to apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) prior to operating.

Limited Number of Permits

Only a limited number of Conditional Use Permits will be issued moving forward in the township. If you intend to operate an STR, you should reach out as soon as possible to be considered. 

Enforcement for Non-Compliance

Any STR operating without an approved Conditional Use Permit will be considered to be operating illegally. Berne Township will enforce all applicable zoning requirements and will pursue civil and criminal penalties to the maximum extent permitted by law for STRs that remain non-compliant.

Next Steps / Contact

To discuss your STR and begin the Conditional Use Permit process, contact:

Berne Township Zoning Inspector: Lou Noice 

Phone: 740-415-6358

Email: zoninginspector@bernetownship.org

Berne Township Board of Zoning and Appeals 

The Berne Township Board of Appeals (BZA) will hold a public hearing at 6pm on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at the Berne Township Fire Department at 5872 Sugar Grove Road, Sugar Grove Ohio, 43155. The purpose of this hearing is to elect new officers and discuss any applications that have been set forth. 

Please access the township website at www.bernetownship.org. Locate the tab at the labeled zoning, and click it. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the section titled zoning minutes and applications. Click the button that says ‘Click Here’ to access zoning information. From there, select either zoning commission or zoning appeals, based on the hearing notice. Then locate the relevant property information. 

Comments may be made in person or in writing on or before the date of the hearing listed above. 

Written comments may be sent to: 

Heath Shull 

Secretary 

Berne Township Board ofZoning and Appeals 

1560 Bryan Road 

Sugar Grove, OH 43155 

The recycling bins for Berne Township are now located at 99 Bridge Street in Sugar Grove.  They have been removed from the ball fields.  

Berne Township is accepting applications for part-time firefighter/EMTB & EMTP.  Applications can be found at www.bernetownship.org or stop by our station at 5872 Sugar Grove Road, Sugar Grove, Ohio 43155

We currently are looking to fill openings for FF/EMTB, FF/AEMT or FF/Medic for 24hr and 12hr shifts. We also have every 6th day spots open.

As a part-time employee at Berne Township, you will need to have at a minimum, current certifications as a Level I Firefighter and EMT Basic, EMT Advanced, or Paramedic. 

Current pay is EMT Basic/Advanced - $19.15 hour and EMT Medic - $23.30 hourYou will have to pass a background check, physical, and substance abuse test.  Berne Township is an equal opportunity employer.

Berne Township Fire Department has created a way for our emergency responders to gain access to your residence without property damage. We have partnered with KNOX BOX to allow businesses and residents to purchase a secure box for the outside of your structure. Inside this box you can place a key to your door and only Berne Township  will have a key to gain access to these boxes. Check out the PDF file on the Fire Department site for further information.