Zoning staff urges public‑hearing process for short‑term rentals amid ongoing complaints

New Franklin — Zoning staff told the City Council on May 20 that complaints about short‑term rentals have continued before and after the recent ordinance change and proposed a more formal review process to improve transparency and enforceability.

The zoning official told council members that, to date, the department has received four permit applications and that shifting approvals to a public‑hearing format — reviewed by a planning commission or a small review panel — would allow applicants to testify on how the property will be used and allow neighbors to put objections on the record. ‘‘I think it should be advertised as a public hearing… the neighbors should be invited in to also testify,’’ the official said.

Councilors questioned notice procedures after staff said some on‑site notice had been posted in windows rather than yards. One council member noted that the ordinance requires yard posting and warned that failure to follow notice requirements could create legal vulnerability. Staff and councilors discussed using police reports and interdepartmental documentation to substantiate revocation decisions if properties breach rules.

The zoning official and several council members emphasized a cautious approach: monitor the ordinance’s operation for a year, track complaints and police reports, and revisit the procedure if problems persist. The zoning office said it will provide letters to adjoining property owners and coordinate with police and legal counsel as part of enforcement.

What’s next: Staff will review notice procedures and continue processing the four pending permits; council asked staff to report back if revocation or further code changes appear necessary.