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Council pauses short-term rental code change after residents oppose easing rules
Summary
After eight residents spoke against easing short-term rental rules, Hopkins City Council unanimously postponed first reading of Ordinance 2026-1234 and sent the proposal back to the Planning Commission for more study and safeguards.
Hopkins City Council on July 14, 2026, voted unanimously to pause a proposed change that would reclassify short-term rentals as a permitted use in neighborhood zoning districts and to refer the matter back to the Planning Commission for further study. Associate Planner Gallagher and City Planner Krzos presented Ordinance 2026-1234, which would remove the current Conditional Use Permit requirement and allow short-term rentals by right in neighborhood zones.
Eight residents spoke in opposition during public comment, citing concerns about allowing short-term rentals "with fewer restrictions," according to the meeting record. Those who spoke in opposition included Maggie Sedoff, Steve Kessler, Ellen Ziegler, Bill Sedoff, Don Edam, Ann VanderVorste, Chucks Watts and Jessica Drapcho; addresses were recorded in the public comment list. Council discussion focused on preserving safeguards; members indicated preference for maintaining a CUP process or creating other protective measures rather than permitting short-term rentals outright.
Council Member Kuznia moved, seconded by Council Member Goodlund, "Motion to not adopt Resolution 2026-024 approving the first reading of Ordinance 2026-1234 amending the Development Code and sending it to the Planning Commission for further discussion." The motion carried with ayes from Garrido, Goodlund, Hanlon, Hunke and Kuznia and no nays.
Next steps: the council asked staff to return with additional analysis and recommendations after the Planning Commission reviews the proposal.
