UPDATED 9/18/15 4:52 p.m. CST

Austin City Council began initiating changes to city code that regulate short-term rentals, also known as STRs, during its Sept. 17 meeting.

After more than four hours of public testimony and council discussion, the proposed resolution was postponed and will now be taken up during the special-called meeting on Sept. 22.

Council members and stakeholders debated how many adults should occupy an STR and whether any proposed cap should apply to related adults. Existing citywide regulations allow no more than six unrelated adults and no more than four unrelated adults in areas of the city under the “McMansion ordinance.” District 10 Council Member Sheri Gallo, who spearheaded the resolution since June, said keeping the “unrelated” clause will allow large families or families with adult children to stay in STRs when visiting Austin.

However, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo of District 9 has advocated for removing the “unrelated” clause in hopes of making it easier for Austin Code Department officers to cite noncompliant properties.

Tovo said she plans to offer amendments to the proposal that would reduce the amount of Type 2 STRs throughout the city in an effort to eventually only allow such non owner-occupied units in commercial-zoned areas. She also wants to reduce the existing cap that allows one-quarter of all units in a multifamily development to become STRs to a 3 percent maximum as well as require an STR applicant to prove he or she does not have any “significant” code or Austin Police Department violations on record.

Council members agreed to suspend licensing for any new Type 2 STRs for one year to allow Code Department officers to bring all STR operators in compliance.

Some council members voiced concern the suspension would cause unlicensed properties to operate an STR illegally. District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool argued that fear should not prevent regulations or else no laws would not be in place.

Council also voiced support for requiring all STR applicants to have an inspection or certificate of occupancy issued within a reasonable time as well as a septic system evaluation. A ban on gatherings, such as weddings, corporate events and concerts was also agreed upon.