News

Actions

San Diego City Council approves new rules on short-term rentals

Posted at 2:19 PM, Jul 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-17 02:29:59-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The San Diego City Council in a 6-3 vote Monday, decided to impose stricter rules on short-term vacation rentals.

According to the new restrictions, which are an amended version of Mayor Kevin Faulconer's proposal:

"To only allow a host to be issued a STRO license for the host’s primary residence and one additional license for a dwelling unit on the same parcel as the host’s primary residence. The Council also removed the exception for Mission Beach so the same rules exist across the city."

San Diegans both supporting and opposing Mayor Kevin Faulconer's proposed plan on the regulation of short-term vacation rentals spent almost 6 hours voicing their opinions at the City Council meeting on Monday. 

In addition, the new rules would: 

  • include a "good neighbor" policy to "preserve the neighborhood quality of life" 

  • include the hiring of extra staff to respond to any complaints and enforce the areas with most frequent violations 

  • implement a $2.73 nightly rental fee, paid by the hosts, which is expected to generate $3 million annually for the Affordable Housing Fund  

  • require a $950 per property annual fee for those renting out their entire home 

This decision follows disapproval from the Mission Beach community and councilmembers, including Councilwoman Lorie Zapf and City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry.  

Faulconer said in a tweet Monday before the City Council meeting that he appreciates the community's feedback on his plan.  

"Our neighborhoods need clear rules on this issue – and I look forward to the Council adopting them today," Faulconer said in the tweet.  

Thank you to the community for your feedback on my short-term rental plan. Here are a few recommendations to City Council for amendments to make at today's hearing. Our neighborhoods need clear rules on this issue – and I look forward to the Council adopting them today. pic.twitter.com/Q4NPVEIF1y

— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) July 16, 2018