From:Effie
To:City Council
Cc:[email protected]; Jorge Garcia
Subject:City Council correspondence for Sept 16 mtg
Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:47:06 AM
Attachments:20250916 -Effie McDermott ltr to City Council re Busn Licensing and accounting --.pdf External Email
City,
Please accept the attached correspondence for the City Council agenda packet Sept 16 Thank you,
Effie McDermott
166 Leeward Ave
Pismo Beach
Sept 15, 2025
Dear Pismo Beach City Council and Staff,
Although I never doubted that I should have a business license for my vacation rental business at 152- 158 Addie, the city has been inconsistent as to what it requires of me, and the new adventure with HdL added more drama, mostly in the form of online filing requirements.
Having built these townhomes in about 1992, and owned and operated them thirty-three or so years, just this past winter, out of the blue, I was required to have them inspected and, with minor changes, such as exit path signage and a fire extinguisher at every elbow, I was given permits to operate them. (Thank you, lol.)
Actually, the Inspector was pleasant and easy to work with. I have been at this a while, and I consider it a benefit to have a Building Inspector or Fire Marshall come through to make sure all is up to code. I know the codes are for my benefit, so I like this service. Thank you, and seriously, come back anytime.
But about licenses.
For some years, I have maintained Transient Occupancy Tax license and agency status for 152 Addie, and 154 Addie, and 156 Addie, and 158 Addie… even though I have long stretches of time when I have long term leases that are exempt from the collection of TOT. I stay licensed, legal, and current with reports..
I never questioned being licensed, but I must tell you, HdL was a pill to swallow. Out of nowhere, they asked for income going back three years. For one unit. …. (Which seemed almost sophomoric.) This took me about a day to compile, but I, of course, gave them everything they asked for.
This new program has required that I change my business license from Addie Vacation Townhomes (the group of vacation rentals) to four individual addresses, plus an umbrella license for the group.
Somewhere in all this, City Staff graciously stepped in and got me through the process. Thank you, you’re the best!
Now, expiring this month, are Business Licenses for four units on Addie Street, with five licenses there.
Go figure. …. Plus, I have another for my business office at my home. (per Section 5.05.180. attached)
It is time to renew all my city licenses, and frankly, it is so unpleasant, I don’t even want to do it.
I understand other businesses in the city may also be feeling a bit battle-worn lately in simply trying to stay legal in Pismo Beach. I urge you to extend some consideration that might relieve some stress.
Thank you for reading this.
Effie McDermott
166 Leeward Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 805-550-5865 [email protected]
Excerpts from the Code
Chapter 5.04
BUSINESS LICENSES GENERALLY
5.04.010 Definitions
5.04.180 Rental unit operation.
A. Every person carrying on the business of keeping, operating or managing three or more rental units available for rental in the city shall pay an annual license fee as follows:
B. For the purpose of this section, a "rental unit" means a residential unit having facilities for permanent residential needs of the family within such residence unit. The number of units shall be based on the total number of units in all buildings operated by the licensee within the city; provided, however, that a unit actually occupied by the licensee or by his agent or employee as manager of the apartment house shall not be counted as a unit for purposes of this provision. (Prior code § 5.04.185)