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Council deadlocks on two vacation-rental licenses; mayor breaks tie to deny approvals
Summary
Two vacation-rental license applications were denied after the council tied 4–4 and Mayor Biss cast the deciding vote against approval; a council member noted a pending referral on a broader moratorium.
The Evanston City Council on April 28 failed to approve two vacation-rental licenses for properties at 1726 Emerson Street and 1839 Darrell Avenue Coach House after a tie vote that the mayor broke against the applicants.
Council member Reid moved to approve the vacation-rental licenses (item PD1). The motion initially resulted in a 4–4 tie among council members present, requiring the mayor to cast a tie-breaking vote; Mayor Biss voted "no," producing a final result of 4 in favor and 5 against, and the licenses were not granted.
Council member Reid told the council he would vote "no" on the licenses because Council member Burns planned to bring a referral regarding a moratorium on vacation rentals; Reid said the council had the power to begin a moratorium immediately. Multiple council members noted competing policy considerations: housing availability, neighborhood impacts, and the need for a careful citywide review.
No formal appeals, permit conditions, or alternative actions were recorded on the record for the two specific license applications. The failed motion means the two properties will not receive vacation-rental licenses at this time; applicants may pursue further administrative or legislative options outside the meeting record.
