July 30, 2022
RE: City Council June 21, 2022 Agenda Item 12A
Dear Pismo Beach City Council Members,
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
City of Pismo Beach
City Clerk's Office
AUG 01 2022
Received
We would like you to know that we are not happy with the Short Term Vacation Rental (STVR) located at the end of our street at 119 Karen Way.
We were NEVER made aware that this property would be a STVR, neither by the homeowner nor by the City. This is in direct violation of the City's own policies. When the property was first purchased and upgrades and remodeling was being done, we actually met with and talked to the homeowner. He spoke to us as if he were actually going to live in the house as our neighbor. Never at any time either that day nor on any of the days that followed when we met was it ever mentioned that this property was being planned as a STVR. Never. The first time we understood that this property was solely a vacation rental was when we realized there were always different cars in the driveway. And, after several months, we received notification in the mail from the City that this was a STVR along with the homeowner's designated contact person. That name then changed two more times in the next few months.
To our knowledge, the homeowner has not lived on the property for the required 183 of 365 days.
Instead, there has been a steady stream of visitors, often with more cars than could be accommodated in the three -car driveway and 2-car garage.
Further, we believe that this and surrounding neighborhoods are not where STVRs should be located.
There are no tourist -friendly attractions nearby, wonderful views of the ocean, nor easy access to downtown. This is where local residents live.
We ask that the City Council reconsider the homeowner's STVR permit and request staff to review all existing permits for compliance and violations. The permits for properties out of compliance, with violations, and/or with complaints should have their permits reconsidered. Further, the City should create zones where STVRs are allowed or disallowed.
We dislike that this vacation rental was presented to us as a fait accompli. Yes, our city relies on vacationer's Transit Occupancy Tax for income; however, vacationers can change rooms or leave town if there's a problem with neighbors. Residents can't.
Sincerely,