Residents who live near New Franklin’s Portage Lakes urged council to restrict short‑term rentals in dense residential neighborhoods, describing repeated noise, parking on lawns and safety concerns.

A resident who described a recent house‑party short‑term rental said vehicles parked on lawns and in neighbors’ driveways and that a call to police was required. He asked council to make enforcement practical and to consult neighbors when drafting rules. The resident urged that short‑term rentals not be allowed to “subordinate” full‑time families living in single‑family neighborhoods.

Council members and staff said they are drafting a short‑term‑rental ordinance and offered the key elements being considered: treating STRs as a conditional use subject to Planning & Zoning approval, a mandated local 24/7 contact for complaints, parking restricted to on‑site driveways/garages, posted guest information at each property, safety compliance (smoke and CO detectors and safe egress), and occupant limits tied to bedroom count.

A council member described a draft occupancy limit modeled on other Ohio communities: “2 overnight guests per bedroom plus 2 additional people,” and staff confirmed the city intends to require an on‑site contact who can respond immediately to complaints. The draft would allow the city to suspend or revoke conditional‑use permits for operators who repeatedly violate local nuisance, parking or safety rules.

Council and code staff emphasized cross‑referencing the new STR rules with existing city code (noise, parking and property‑maintenance sections) to ensure enforceability. Staff said the committee is finalizing the cross‑references and that a public hearing and formal ordinance will follow once the draft is complete.

Speakers on the dais urged a measured approach that addresses neighborhood impacts while crafting legally defensible language; the mayor said the administration is willing to pursue enforceable rules and to defend them if challenged by affected operators.