New London — The City Council on Monday reversed a previous decision and voted unanimously against a proposed ordinance designed to address short-term rentals.

A response to parking complaints in the beachfront community, the proposed ordinance would have allowed city police to hand out citations and fines for parking motor vehicles, motor homes or trailers on lawns. Zoning regulations already forbid the practice but the city does not have the manpower for zoning enforcement on weekends, when the problems usually surface.

City officials had deemed the ordinance as the first step toward regulating the rising number of homes advertised for rent and marketed by places like Airbnb or VRBO. Several homeowners have voiced complaints at recent meetings about the use of properties for so-called party houses with associated noise and garbage.

But Elliot Avenue homeowner Peter Reilly told councilors on Monday the issue appears to be overblown and that it is more likely that at least some of the problems originate with homeowners and not renters. Reilly is a member of the Neptune Park Association, a group of about 88 property owners, that has investigated the issue.

“The statistics show we have a bigger problem with our own members than with any of the guests that come to rent,” Reilly said.

He said between 17 and 19 of the owners rent their homes and have for generations. Members of the association are split, he said, on whether more regulation is needed for short-term rentals.

“I would challenge the City Council, instead of listening to people make unproven claims, to investigate whether the issues facing our community are rental-related issues versus owners not willing to play by the rules,” Reilly said.

There was also pushback from members of the Vafidis family, who own Ocean Pizza and rent several New London homes. Family members said their homes are well-maintained and not the type of party houses described by others at recent public meetings.

Councilor John Satti, who initially was the lone “no” vote on the ordinance, said he remained uncomfortable with the possibility that people parking on their lawn to accommodate city snow plows could be fined.

“This is an ordinance that would take way too many personal rights away from people,” Satti said.

City Councilor Alma Nartatez said a comprehensive plan for short-term rentals still is needed, recognizing that such rentals help promote tourism and spur the local economy.

“This ordinance does not deal with the root cause,” Nartatez said, which is a handful of individuals causing problems.

g.smith@theday.com