Residents and committee members said the draft short‑term rental ordinance for unincorporated Kane County needs clearer enforcement and safety provisions, and the Development Committee asked staff to prepare a redlined version rather than vote on the measure.

At public comment, Mary Davidson of 38 West 410 Burr Oak Lane in St. Charles said a short‑term rental next door has turned her family’s house from a “retreat” to a source of constant strangers and noise. "It’s beautiful. It’s tranquil, and it’s safe," she said, adding the proposed allowance of 180 rental days a year would "sentence[] actual residents to a significantly disrupting way of life for 6 months out of every year." William Ranje, who lives on a nine‑house cul‑de‑sac, warned that high‑capacity events can block the lane and prevent first responders from reaching elderly residents.

Committee members and staff reviewed multiple redlines submitted by Dr. Iqbal, who asked that the ordinance require an identified local agent (rather than a generic emergency contact) who can accept service of process. "If an owner is out of state, we need someone who will accept the service of process," he said, asking that applications enumerate toilets, parking spaces and a maximum guest count so staff can set appropriate occupancy limits.

Staff and committee members debated technical safety language and enforcement. Mark Van Kerkhoff, building and zoning official, said the application and director authority could require certification of detector type and installation dates; the draft would cap occupancy at two guests per bedroom with an overall ceiling of 16 people, subject to the director approving higher numbers case‑by‑case. Committee members asked whether smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly or before each rental; Dr. Iqbal argued testing prior to each occupancy provides better protection, while others said monthly owner certification plus a required detector per bedroom would be more practicable.

Members also discussed registration and taxation: the county will establish a registration process (staff said no registry currently exists) and agreed to explore whether a county hotel/motel tax could apply to STR operators.

Because members requested additional clarifications — including 24‑hour agent availability, explicit inspection frequency and clearer reporting/enforcement mechanisms — the committee did not vote on the ordinance. Staff were directed to prepare and circulate a redline incorporating the committee’s edits for the next meeting.

The committee emphasized enforcement pathways for neighbors to report violations and noted the sheriff’s office would continue to be a front‑line enforcement partner for nuisance events. The committee’s next step is staff‑produced redlines and possible follow‑up changes to related codes such as the nuisance and sound ordinances.