Short Term Rentals are a controversial subject among residents in almost all communities. It is not an easy subject to discuss in many circumstances, as the opponents and supporters on each side tend to hold some strong feelings about the issue. One local attorney is exploring the idea of a voter’s referendum to determine the appropriateness of these commercial enterprises among local residential areas. Others claim this is an inappropriate avenue, given the Coast Commission’s position on STR. I will be covering this subject over the next few weeks and providing information as I can to help you decide for yourself what will work in your area.
First, is the position the Carmel Valley Association sent out today:
”CVA’s Position on Short Rentals
The Carmel Valley Association recognizes that short-term rentals have the potential to have negative impacts in residential areas, especially when unlimited, concentrated and unregulated. Control of STRs is necessary to ensure that they will be compatible with surrounding residential uses and will not harm or change the residential character of existing neighborhoods. Additionally, we are very concerned about ensuring that STRs do not further increase traffic on our over-burdened roads and intersections.
A review of local and non-local ordinances in other jurisdictions indicates that the following elements are critical to effectively control potential negative impacts of STR’s:
*Short-term rentals must have permits and be regulated.
*Rental properties must comply with zoning and building codes.
*Number of occupants must be limited and parking adequate, preferably on site.
*Safety and health codes must be maintained by periodic inspection.
*Wells and septic systems must be inspected, maintained and meet public health standards.
*Density of STRS must be limited in neighborhoods to control their residential character.
*Nuisances must be controlled (such as noise, lights).
*Rentals must be subject to the County’s Transient Occupancy Tax and initial fee must be paid in person directly to the County.
*Notice to, and approval by, neighbors of STRS must be required.. Permission of neighbors to use private road or shared driveway must be required.
*Owners/residents must live on site and be available and responsive.
*The ordinance must be enforced and adequate funds provided for that enforcement.”
Thank you, Kate. A review of major issues will be good for all of us, thought provoking as we all tend to be stuck in one rut or the other and, hopefully, lead to a healing….. whatever the county does.
Something that I haven’t seen as part of the discussion is insurance. Maybe it’s not an issue, but it seems to me that STR operators should be required to carry the same type of liability coverage that hotels, etc. have.
Does the standard homeowner’s policy cover damages to, or caused by, paying guests in what is essentially a commercial operation?
At this link, see the whole letter to the supervisors: http://www.carmelvalleyassociation.org/issues.html#STR
Notice that even allowing STRs is a “distant second”
“As a distant second alternative to enforcement of the present 30-day requirements, CVA would recommend a balanced short-term rental ordinance that is clear, reasonable, simple and enforceable, so that owners will obtain a license, follow the rules and pay the TOT. Otherwise, unregulated STRs will continue, a situation which is disruptive and stressful for neighbors and aggravates relations with the County.”
I find it disconcerting that there is no mention of the impact that STRs have on the ability of locals; who live and work in the area, to find adequate and affordable housing.
Since they’re claim is that it’s a “shared economy”, owners of STR’s should divide up profits to neighbors who they are negatively impacting!
Lynne…Fortunately, the CVA letter to the supervisors does address the grave concern about the impact of STRs on resident long-term rentals. Check out that link above.
All very good comments.
STR’s may help absentee property owners to increase their wealth by affording property they could not otherwise own.
This does not contribute to the more permanent surrounding community.
Who is the local attorney? Thank you.
Robert Danziger
https://bigsurkate.blog
Responsible STR owners will have commercial insurance which is at least twice as expensive as a typical homeowners policy. It would be as unwise to have the wrong insurance as no insurance whether a renter or homeowner.
Please visit: https://bigsurlcp.com/
You will find a lot of good information about the issue of STR’s on the Big Sur coast.