July 8, 2025
Honorable Maria Hernandez
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
RE: Response to Orange County Grand Jury Report, Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals
Dear Judge Maria Hernandez:
The City of Garden Grove has reviewed the Orange County Grand Jury Report, Long-Term Solutions to Short- Term Rentals . In compliance with California Penal Code section 933.05(a) and (b), the City has responded to each of the findings and recommendations directed to the City in this report. Each finding and recommendation is listed below, followed by the City’s response.
Findings
F1: Despite the increasing media coverage of Online Booki ng Agencies (OBAs), STRs are not a new phenomenon in Orange County.
The City of Garden Grove agrees with this finding.
F2: The steady growth of STR usage in the last decade raises concerns of potential public nuisance.
The City of Garden Grove agrees with this finding.
F3: Even with robust Code Enforcement, a city’s statutory ban on STRs is not enough to keep STRs from operating.
The City of Garden Grove agrees with this finding and employs a part -time Code Enforcement Officer to exclusively enforce the City's prohibition on Short-Term Rentals. In 2024, 125 Short-Term Rentals violations were processed.
F12: City leaders have no regular communication with each other concerning STR issues, limiting opportunities to develop strategies and expertise to improve service.
The City of Garden Grove agrees with this finding.
Recommendations
R1: Cities should review and begin to update ordinances to keep up with the rapidly changing nature of court findings and legislation related to STRs, by December 31, 2025, and no less frequently than every three years thereafter. (F4, F12)
This recomme ndation will not be implemented because the City does not permit STRs.
R2: Cities should consider developing a plan for upcoming major events that are expected to create a surge in demand for STRs and its associated Transient Occupancy Tax, by December 31, 2025, and no less frequently than every two years thereafter. (F11)
This recomme ndation will not be implemented because the City does not permit STRs.
R9: City leaders should have regular discussions with each other to share STR management strategies on a biannual basis commencing no later than January 1, 2026. (F12)
This recommendation will be implemented. Commencing January 1, 2026, and occurring at least biannually, the Garden Grove City Council will be given the opportunity to discuss STR management strategies in conjunction with updates on Code Enforcement's Short-Term Rental enforcement during public meetings.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Klopfenstein
Mayor