Resident asks council to allow more short-term rentals; council refers request to planning and zoning

Darlene Pitcher, a Mendon resident, asked the council during the citizen participation period to increase the number of short-term rental permits in the city to accommodate visitors attending funerals, weddings and other short events.

"I just feel like we need a couple more on the roster there," Pitcher said, describing attempts to host brief stays through Airbnb that were blocked after she learned of a limit she did not know existed.

Mayor Matt said the request was “very fair” and announced he would pass it to Ian, the council liaison to Planning and Zoning, for formal review. Council discussion noted reports that some short-term rentals may be operating without permits and that staff should look at enforcement as well as whether the cap should change.

Councilmembers and staff said they want Planning and Zoning to examine current limits, usage, enforcement and potential zoning changes before the council considers any formal amendment. "I'm gonna pass that on to Ian who is the council liaison to the planning and zoning," the mayor said, adding that the planning chair, Kehlani, could not be at the meeting but would be informed.

The council did not vote on an ordinance or make an immediate policy change; members asked staff and Planning and Zoning to prepare options and bring recommendations back to the council.

The mayor also noted enforcement capacity has improved: if code violations are documented by planning staff, the county deputy sheriff can deliver compliance notices to property owners, which the mayor said has been effective.

What happens next: councilmembers asked staff to work with Planning and Zoning and return with suggested changes to the short-term rental policy and any enforcement recommendations.