Public speakers urge both caution and opening for short‑term rentals; council moves ordinance to third reading

Mentor City Council on Oct. 7 heard extended public comment on Ordinance 25‑O‑088, a proposed repeal and replacement of the city’s short‑term rental chapter, and voted to place the ordinance on third reading two weeks later.

Why it matters: The ordinance would replace the city’s short‑term rental ban with a regulatory approach that backers say balances property rights and neighborhood protections. Supporters emphasized a cap and local inspections; opponents emphasized parking, safety and preserving neighborhood character. The state’s potential action on short‑term rental regulation was discussed as an unresolved constraint.

What supporters said

Brian Epps, a lifelong resident who identified himself as living on Jackson Street, urged council to approve the ordinance, calling it “balanced common sense regulation.” Epps said the city has roughly 23…