BACKGROUND:
During the study session discussion on Short-Term Vacation Rentals on August 26, 2020 Council provided direction to staff to implement a team to provide strict enforcement of the STVR regulations. Subsequently on October 14, 2020 Council adopted a resolution implementing the results of a fee study and establishing a permit fee on STVR permits to cover the costs of the enforcement team. On November 13, 2020, the STVR Compliance Team began enforcement efforts throughout the city.
DISCUSSION:
In response to the City Council’s direction and community input, The Short-Term Vacation Rental Compliance Team was formed and placed into service on November 13, 2020. Five limited-term employees were hired with one working in Planning and Building and four in Police. The employee hired in Building and Planning assisted with administrative duties, four employees hired in Police were designated as compliance officers and worked in the field 7 days a week 24 hours a day on their respective shifts.
At the time the compliance team went into effect, the city had 369 permits issued for short term vacation rentals. Currently, the city has 237 active permits for short term vacation rentals. Between November 13, 2020 and November 28, 2021, the Police Department handled 873 STVR related calls for service. These 873 calls for service were received through the STVR hotline, through Go Requests or through direct calls to police dispatch.
Between November 13, 2020 and November 28, 2021, the police department issued a total of 334 STVR related citations. Of those 334 citations issued, 272 were sent to citation processing. The top five reasons citations were issued to an STVR were:
1. Advertisement violations
2. Unpermitted Rentals
3. Noise/Music violations
4. Trash violations
5. Emergency Order violations.
As a result of this enforcement, a total of $800,225 has been issued in fines with the amount collected thus far at $412,697.93. Currently 399,280.57 is owed to the city.
During the year this team has been deployed, the team spent over 63% of their time at eight locations in the city. These eight residences are on:
•Tachevah Dr.
•Northhampton Ave.
•Descanso Circle
•Panorama Rd.
•Hermosillo Rd
•Quijo Rd.
•Elizabeth Rd. (2)
Officers spent 232 hours and 5 minutes at these eight locations during the past year.
The data indicate the STVR compliance team has made a positive impact in the regulation of short-term vacation rental violations within the community. This in turn has brought peace of mind to many who live by or near a short-term vacation rental.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Costs of the STVR enforcement team are partially recovered through fees charged for STVR licenses. In addition, STVR rentals pay the 12% TOT tax.