All about short term rentals! (STRs)
We are updating our rules about AirBnB type places. We used to require that they be:
- Permitted in some places, but not others.
- Owner-occupied (where a permit was required)
- Parties were prohibited
Somehow in Executive Session, they decided that “owner-occupied” was no longer okay, so we’re trying to find workarounds. Also, a court ruled that you can’t prohibit parties.
So now:
- All STRs would need a permit.
- Owners can only have one STR.
- Only one STR on a block, or at least 600 ft apart.
- Short-term tenants can have parties, but not excessively noisy ones, just like any other resident.
- Everyone who lives within 400’ gets a postcard with a hotline number to call if you’re having any trouble.
So on that last point, we’re paying Granicus to be a hotline for us. They’ll do a bunch of things:
- Watch the websites for any unregistered STRs.
- Staff the hotline, 24/7.
- If you call the hotline, they’ll track down the contact person for the STR and tell them there’s a problem. If they can’t get ahold of the contact person, they’ll reach out to SMPD.
- They’ll keep a running list of which properties are having recurring problems.
If an owner keeps renting to people that cause problems, the owner can have their license suspended or revoked.
This hotline will get paid for out of STR permit fees.
So there you have it. Staff will write all this up, and it will come before council in a regular meeting at some point.
The San Marxist 