SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Vacation Rental hosts in Mission Beach are still in shock over the San Diego City Council's decision not to exempt them from strict regulations passed this week.
The council approved an ordinance that allows vacation rentals only in primary residences, or homes that are on the same parcel.
That could essentially act as a ban in Mission Beach, which firm Host Compliance says has more than 1,500 rentals. Many of those homes have been modified to accommodate large groups of tourists.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer's original proposal exempted Mission Beach from vacation rental caps, but the City Council ultimately decided to enforce the regulations all over.
The mayor and council were inundated with complaints from residents over loud parties, trash in their neighborhoods, and an upheaval to their quality of life. Many hosts say they seek responsible tenants and repond quickly to complaints.
Blaine Smith, founder of 710 Beach Rentals, said many were caught off guard.
"We were quiet and we were passive," he said. "We never thought this would happen. That's why we have to change that narrative, and say it's time to wake up, it's time to get active."
This week, Smith and his competition formed a group called Save Mission Beach. He says he's heard from hundreds of interested residents, owners, hosts, and others who want to get involved. The idea is that Mission Beach will have its own say in the fight to protect their businesses.
"The group we're starting is going to focus on the vacation rental issue in Mission Beach and create a voice that's ours," he said.
Smith said the group is currently looking at its options moving forward.
The plan still has to go before the Coastal Commission, which has its next San Diego hearing in October.
