Freeport council rejects ordinance to remove short-term rentals from single-family zones

Freeport — The City Council rejected an ordinance to remove short-term vacation rentals from single-family residential zones after public comment and an extended council debate on Monday night.

The ordinance (second reading of Ordinance 2025-58) would have amended city code chapters addressing licensing and zoning of “vacation rentals” to eliminate those uses from R-1 through R-4 zoning districts, removing the ability to operate short-term rentals in single-family areas. The ordinance failed on a roll-call vote; the final tally was a defeat by 6–2.

The ordinance drew several hours of public testimony before the council voted. Ashley Heilman, a real-estate professional and property manager who said she represents owners with short-term rentals, told the council that responsible owner-occupied short-term rentals provide housing flexibility and support local tourism. “Many of…