CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
Augus
t 4, 2025
TO: Cit
y Council
FR
OM: Department of Environmental Services
SUBJECT: REQUEST FO R DIRECTION ON AMENDMENTS TO THE SIMI VALLEY
MUNICIPAL CODE TO REGULATE SHORT-TERM RENTALS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction on short-term residential rental regulations.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
On October 21, 2024, the City Council directed staff to provide options to the City Council for regulations on Sh ort-Term Rentals (STR) within the City of Simi Valley following resident requests for the City Council to regulate STRs. On November 18, 2024, staff presented initial findings on S TRs (Refer to Exhibit 1, page 10).
Following a discussion, th e City Council directed staff to provide further research on surrounding jurisdictions’ STR policies and ordinances , and the costs and benefits of STRs. Short-term rentals (also referred to as “STRs,” “vacation rentals,” “short-t erm vacation rentals,” or “transient rentals”) are private residences rented in whole or in part, for fewer than 30-d ays. Platforms like Airbnb, HomeToGo, and VRBO lis t these rentals.
Three vendors were consulted regarding STR enforcement and tax ation for the City of Simi Valley. Findings indicate there are approximately 100 STR listings in the City, with an average nightly rate up to $200. For comparison, there are approximately 300 regis tered STRs in Ventura City and approximately 70 in Oxnard.
Over the past few years, STR-r elated complaints have been minimal, with the most significant involving an STR operating as an event venue with major unpermitted property modifications. More recently, following the last City Council item (Exhibit 1), staff have received three to four phone inquiries with requests to ban STRs in the City.
Staff is providing this r eport and requesting direction on whether the City s hould initiate Municipal Code Amendm ents and/or policy updates to establis h specific standards for STRs.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
Staff conducted additional r esearch to summariz e regulations on STRs within Ventura County (Refer to Table 1).
AGENDA ITEM NO.
9A
Table 1 – STR Rules in Ventura County
Jurisdiction Ordinance
Status
Regulation Summary
City of Ventura
Allowed Active STR Permit, business license required,
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collected
County of
Ventura
Allowed Active Temporary Rental Units (TRU) Permit,
business license required, TOT collected
Oxnard
Allowed Active STR Permit, business license required,
TOT collected
Port Hueneme
Allowed without
Ordinance
Business license required, TOT collected
Thousand
Oaks
No Ordinance STRs not regulated
Moorpark Banned STRs not permitted
Camarillo
Banned STRs not permitted
Ojai
Banned STRs not permitted, Homeshares are allowed
with annual Zoning Clearance
Jurisdiction Rationales:
The following rationales were identified for allowing STRs:
• Contribution to local tourism and economic growth (Ventura County). • Maintains a balance between tourism and residential stability (Oxnard) by allowing flexible lodging options, while imposing regulations that limit neighborhood disruption.
• Regulation reduces enforcement challenges associated with non- complaint STR operators (Oxnard, County of Ventura).
• Addresses community concerns over parking congestion and neighborhood congestion (Oxnard, Ventura County).
• Ensure TOT collection (Ventura County).
• STRs provide homeowners with additional income opportunities, which can help offset housing costs (Ventura County).
The following rationales were identified for banning STRs:
• Prevents detrimental impact on neighborhoods ( noise, traffic, and public safety concerns from STRs) and preserves neighborhood character (Moorpark). • Prevents loss of long-term rental and affordable housing options. Maximizing the availability of affordable housing options by ensuring that no long- term rental properties are converted into short-term rentals (Moorpark and Ojai). • Protect the health, safety , and welfare of the temporary rental units’ renters, occupants, neighboring residents, as well as the general public and environment (Ojai).
2 Below is a breakdown of potential advantages and disadvantages of STRs:
Potential Advantages of Short-Term Rentals:
1. Tax Revenues for the City . STRs have the potential to generate new transient occupancy tax (TOT) and sales tax revenue, captured from spending when visitors stay in Simi Valley instead of a neighboring jurisdiction. If regulated, the City could collect the TOT, Business Tax Certificate fees, and registration fees.
2. Supplemental Income for Homeowners. Renting out a home or portion of a home (room rental) for business, leisure, or temporary housing can generate new revenue for homeowners, recover their investments, make a profit, or subsidize day-to-day expenses.
3. Increase in Simi Valley Visitors . In 2024, Simi Valley’s hotels averaged 72.5% occupancy for the full calendar year, which outperformed most of Ventura County average stays for the year. STRs provide an alternative lodging option to hotels in the City and provide lodging options locally rather than compelling visitors to stay outside of the City. This would help increase TOT revenues (refer to Exhibit 1).
4. Support Local Businesses. Requiring STRs to collect and pay TOT the same way hotels are required to would level the playing field between the two types of lodging. Refer to the Fiscal Impacts section for more information. In addition, when visitors stay in Simi Valley instead of neighboring jurisdictions, visitors are more likely to frequent nearby businesses, including retail stores and restaurants.
Potential Disadvantages of Short-Term Rentals:
1. Potential Loss of Housing Stock for Residents and Workforce. While most of the existing STRs are room rentals, they shift how homes are used; units removed from the permanent housing market and used for short -term rentals may reduce long-term rental options for the community. A reduced housing stock results in increased rental prices for permanent housing and has the potential to affect the City’s workforce, who will then reside outside of Simi Valley with longer commutes into the city.
2. Impacts to Existing Hotels . Unregulated STRs can impact existing hotels by increasing competition and lowering hotel occupancy rates, hotel revenues , transient occupancy, and tourism taxes to the City. Simi Valley’s hotels currently pay into the Visit Simi Valley Tourism Assessment, which is not currently collected for STRs. Hotels also create employment opportunities for City residents and related sales tax revenue whereas STRs do not create employment opportunities.
3. Neighbor Complaints . Tenant turnover and noise may lead to neighborhood complaints. STRs have the potential to cause public nuisance as a result of loud parties and gatherings , violating the City’s N oise Ordinance (SVMC 5 -33.03), requiring additional enforcement from the City (Refer to Enforcement Impacts below).
3 4. Potential Deterioration of Residences/Neighborhoods. Without the oversight or presence of a property manager/owner on site or close by, consistent turnover of STR renters may cause a decline in a home’s condition. Other concerns include:
increased traffic in neighborhoods; noise; and additional trash generated from short-term renters.
Potential Ordinance and Policy Implementations
If the City Council wants to adopt a new STR Ordinance, staff recommends that the Ordinance include the following best practices and elements:
1. Good Neighbor Policy. Some cities with a n STR Ordinance require adherence to a “Good Neighbor Policy” to ensure STRs do not disturb neighborhoods. The policy would be posted in the STR and made available on the city website. Some components of the policy include:
• No parking on streets or on yards. STR units must have adequate parking arrangements utilizing either the garage and/or driveway for guests to prevent congestion.
• Adherence to quiet hours and noise limitations, reflecting the Noise Ordinance. • Immediate response from STR operator to complaints from neighbors or City officials.
• Proper trash disposal and recycling practices.
• No events or parties.
2. One-time or Annual Permit fees . In order to ensure ongoing compliance with the SVMC, a STR O rdinance could require a permit fee to cover processing and inspection costs, and potential renewal fees for annual reviews or inspections.
3. TOT Collection and Annual Business Taxation. Owners would be required to pay into the City’s transit occupancy taxes (with a concurrent amendment to the City’s TOT Ordinance) and participate in the City’s Tourism Business Improvement District. In addition, Owners would be required to obtain a business tax certificate, which would be collected annually.
4. Fines and Citations. The City Council could establish minor and major violations of the STR code, with potential permit revocation and escalating fines for noncompliant STR owners . Examples of fines from nearby jurisdictions are in Table 2 below.
5. Constituent Portal. Creation of a city webpage to list registered and permitted STRs, to provide the community with transparency on registered STRs, contact information, and complaint forms.
4 Table 2: STR Fines from Other Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction Fine
Ojai • $1,500 for first violation, $3,000 for second violation within one year of first violation, and $5,000 fine for each
additional violation within one year of first violation, in addition to administrative costs and interest.
• F orfeiture of rents and other gross revenue unlawfully received during the period of violation.
Ventura
County
• Violations of regulations are punishable as a
misdemeanor/infraction criminal offense.
• County may impose civil administrative penalties of up to $1,000/day for confirmed violations.
• County maintains an online public complaint process,
which is monitored and, as appropriate, investigated by Code Compliance staff.
Big Bear
Lake
• $500/violation; second offense is $1,000/violation.
La Quinta • Fines range from $1,000-$5,000/violation.
STR Program Management
Staff met with three vendors that help local governments manage STR compliance and enforcement. See Table 3 for a comparison among the companies, including the costs and services associated with administering STR programs. The vendors track STRs, support registration and permitting of STR owners/operators, collect taxes, and offer compliance campaigns to enforce illegal STR operations.
Deckard Technologies and Granicus offer 24- hour hotlines, for constituent complaints.
Deckard also offers a Constituent Portal to access permitted and registered STR information.
The City is currently partnered with HdL for the administration of its Business Tax Certificates.
5 Table 3: STR Vendor Comparison
Deckard
Technology
HdL Granicus
Base Cost $5,000/year $12,750/year + CPI +
price per account
Modular, varies by
service
Setup Fees None $5,000 Up to $14,000 for
all set up services
Address
Identification
Included Included $7,600/year
Compliance
Monitoring
Included Included $3,200/year
Rental Activity Included Included $2,800/year
Permitting and
Registration
Optional
$5,000/year
Optional
$25/account/year +
CPI
$3,500/year +
setup fees from
$3,660 to $7,000
Tax Payment
Portal (TOT)
Optional
$5,000/year
$18/account/year +
CPI
$3,500/year +
setup fees from
$3,660 to $7,000
Compliance Letter
Campaign
Optional
$1,500/year
Included Included with the
Compliance
module
24-hour Hotline &
Online Complaint
Form
Optional
$3,500/year
Not Recommended $2,500/year
Total Year One
Cost assuming
purchase of all
services/modules
$20,000/year $20,760*/year
(assuming 70 STRs)
$33,760/year to
$37,100/year
*Per conversations with vendors, 20 – 40% of STRs typically drop out after program initiation (due to reluctance to obtain a business license or collect TOT). Staff is using 30% drop off rate as an estimate.
SB 346: Short Term Rental Facilitator
In May 2025, SB 346 passed the Senate and has been with the Assembly since May 2025, but has not yet been reviewed and voted on. This bill would authorize cities and counties to enact ordinances requiring online platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO, to provide reports on short-term rental s to the City. The bill would allow a jurisdiction to impose a fine or penalty for failure to file a STR, and would allow the jurisdiction to initiate an audit of online platforms. A decision on the bill will likely be made in September 2025.
Should this bill pass , and a City ordinance be adopted , the City may not need all the services provided by a third-party vendor, such as address identification, compliance monitoring, and rental activity. Should the City move forward without an ordinance, but still collect taxes, this would result in cost savings , and the City could continue working with HdL on tax collections only. This has the potential to reduce the associated third - party vendor costs.
6 Fiscal Impacts
To implement a STR Program, third-party vendor costs of $20,000 to $37,100 per year would be incurred to track and issue permits . Additionally, the City would incur approximately $254,000 in annual costs to administer and enforce the program. This cost includes salaries and benefits for new and/or reallocated staff, including one full-time Code Compliance Officer. While the City would generate approximately $230,000 from tax revenue (for 70 STR listings) , the City would be subsidizing a STR program at approximately $23,500 the first year. To cover costs and potentially generate revenue, the City would need to consider a minimum STR permit fee of approximately $1,350. The permit revenues in Table 4 are based on a permit fee of $936, which is the average fee of seven other jurisdictions with STR programs. For reference, a minor Zoning Clearance currently costs $120.37. Additional expenses can be anticipated with ongoing staff time with permitting/ consultant contract review, and one-time staff time and consultant services in preparing a STR Ordinance and related SVMC code amendments.
Table 4: Estimated Revenues and Costs with a STR Ordinance
Year 1 Year 2
Estimated Permit Revenue* $65,520 $65,520
Business Tax Revenue $8,060 $8,060
Gross Receipts Tax Revenue $2,450 $2,450
Estimated TOT Revenue $152,233 $152,233
Fines $2,360 $2,360
Total Estimated Revenue $230,623 $230,623
STR Vendor $37,000 $32,000
City Attorney $19,000 $19,000
Planning $42,400 $16,960
Code Enforcement $139,040 $139,040
Police Department $16,500 $16,500
Total Estimated Cost $ 253,940 $223,500
NET INCOME $-23,317 $7,123
* This is based on a permit fee of $936.
The estimated permit revenues are based on 70 registered STRs. The City ’s costs are based on:
• ¼ of a Senior Planner’s time or Planning Consultant preparing the code (one time cost), reviewing applications, updating the website with STR address information, and coordinating with other Staff on enforcement issues. Staff anticipates that this could drop in year 2 and beyond to approximately 10%.
• 10% of the City Attorney’s time.
• A full-time Code Enforcement Officer.
• 10% of a Police Officer’s time.
Code enforcement costs assumes one extreme case of enforcement every two years (i.e. a case with City Attorney involvement) and one moderate case with multiple attempts to bring an owner into compliance with involvement from Code Enforcement staff only.
7 Enforcement Impacts/Banning STRs
Enforcement of SVMC violations is permitted with or without amendments addressing STRs. Presently, any SVMC violation such as noise, parking, and property maintenance is addressed under current citywide procedures, whether the home is being rented as an STR, traditionally rented, vacant, or owner-occupied. Lack of an STR Ordinance does not preclude enforcement of these items.
If the City Council decides to explicitly ban STRs, staff will need to identify existing STRs and initiate enforcement on them. The cost for this would most likely be the highest in the first year to remove existing STRs and then ongoing costs after that to prevent new STRs from being created. An external vendor would be required to identify the STRs and Code Enforcement and City Attorney staff time will be required to enforce on the m. Vendor costs would range up to $37,000 for the first year and up to $32, 000 per year for subsequent years in order to identify addresses for STRs . Staff time could range from $217,000 for the first year to remove existing STRs to $191,500 per year for subsequent years for continuing enforcement.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Direct staff to initiate Municipal Code Amendments to explicitly ban short-term rentals;
2. Direct staff to initiate Municipal Code Amendments to allow Short-Term Rentals with identified regulations;
3. Do not initiate Municipal Code Amendments for STRs and allow issues to be managed through existing provisions in the municipal code; or
4. Provide other direction.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
Staff has no suggested motion.
SUMMARY
On November 18, 2024, staff provided preliminary research on Short-Term Rentals and potential impacts of STRs to the City of Simi Valley, based on a citizen inquiry to regulate STRs based on potential neighborhood impacts. Very few STR complaints are received annually and can be addressed with existing Municipal Code standards (e.g. noise, parking, property maintenance). Pursuant to that presentation, City Council requested of Staff further information on the costs and benefits of an STR program, partnershi p with third-party vendors, and enforcement with fees. Staff analyzed potential elements for a STR program, including the good neighbor policy. Staff prepared further analysis of the associated costs and benefits of an STR O rdinance, including staff time and resource costs. Based on the findings, the program would likely create a deficit for the City in establishing a STR Ordinance in year one and the potential for ongoing program deficits based on permit fees and ongoing enforcement . Due to the limited number of citizen complaints, which can be addressed using traditional neighborhood enforcement, a STR 8 Ordinance may not be necessary at this time. The potential benefit of collecting Transient Occupancy Taxes from STRs may be offset by program establishment and ongoing management, and proactive enforcement. Staff requests direction from the City Council on whether to proceed with a STR policy or ordinance.
____________________________________
Stratis Perros
Environmental Services Director
Prepared by: Zarui Chaparyan, Associate Planner
INDEX Page
Exhibit 1: November 18, 2024, City Council Staff Report………….10 Exhibit 2: Good Neighbor Policy Examples………………………….16
9 STRccmtg11-18-24(klk)
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
November 18, 2024
TO: City Council
FROM: Department of Environmental Services
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR DIRECTION ON POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO THE
SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE REGULATION OF SHORT-
TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction regarding short-term residential rentals.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
On October 21, 2024, the City Council directed staff to provide options to the City Council for regulations on short-term rentals within the City of Simi Valley. Staff is providing this report and requesting direction on whether t he City should initiate Simi Valley Municipal Code Amendments and/or policy updates to establish specific standards for short-term rentals.
Short-term rentals ( also referred to as “STRs,” “vacation rentals,” “short -term vacation rentals,” or “transient rentals”) are private residences rented in whole or in part , for a period of less than 30 -days. Online sites, such as Airbnb, HomeToGo, and VRBO list entire homes or rooms for rent. The City’s research of online sites determined there are between 30 and 50 STR units listed within the city limits. STRs in Simi Valley range from $100 to $350 per night, depending on the listing site and type (Refer to Tables 2 and 3).
At this time, the City does not define a STR, nor regulate short-term rentals. Over the past 10 years, the City has only received a few complaints involving STRs. The most significant was from an STR being marketed as an event venue that made major property modifications without permits. The other STR complaints expressed not wanting the home to be rented short -term or otherwise and had no actionable items to address. Staff also receives a handful of inquiries each year regarding the City’s STR regulations , typically from prospective operators.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
Staff surveyed seven (7) jurisdictions on their STR rules and regulations, as demonstrated in Table 1.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
9A
EXHIBIT 1
10 STRccmtg11-18-24(klk)
Table 1 – STR Regulations in Surrounding Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction Ordinance
in Place
Nature of
Ordinance
Notes
City of Agoura
Hills
Yes Allowed with a
permit
City of Camarillo Yes STRs Banned
City of Moorpark Yes STRs Banned
City of Ojai Yes STRs Banned
City of Oxnard Yes Allowed with a
permit
Limited permits offered in Coastal
Zone; and cannot be within 200
feet of any other STR property.
STR permit issued; enforcement
via third party vendor.
City of Ventura Yes Allowed with a
permit
The City is developing an
ordinance to regulate STRs,
including limiting the number of
units and density of allowed units.
Enforcement with 3 rd party
vendor.
County of
Ventura
Yes STR permits
required in
Coastal Zone
and Ojai Region
No outright ban on STRs
elsewhere.
Of those surveyed, four jurisdictions allow STRs with permits. These jurisdictions also work with third party vendors to regulate STRs, and/or have rules in place to limit where STRs can be located or the number of STRs allowed. Moorpark , Ojai and Camarillo do not permit STRs, arguing the need to preserve each individual city’s aesthetic and neighborhood characteristics. It should be noted that each of these cities still have available STRs listed on the various platforms that facilitate STRs.
Below is a breakdown of potential advantages and disadvantages of short-term rentals.
Advantages of Short-Term Rentals:
1. Tax Revenues for the City: If regulated, STRs have the potential to generate new permit fee revenue, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and sales tax revenue, captured from tenant spending when visitors stay in Simi Valley instead of a neighboring jurisdiction.
2. Supplemental Income for Homeowners: Renting out a home or portion of a home (room rental) for business, leisure, or temporary housing can generate new revenue for homeowners, helping them recover from their investments, make a profit, or provide additional discretionary income.
11 STRccmtg11-18-24(klk)
3. Increase in Simi Valley Visitors: STRs provide a lodging option to supplement the limited number of hotel rooms in the City and provide additional local lodging options.
4. Support Local Businesses: Requiring STRs to collect and pay TOT the same way hotels are required to do would level the playing field between the two types of lodging. The Fiscal Impacts section provides additional discussion this topic. In addition, when visitors stay in Simi Valley instead of neighboring jurisdictions, visitors are more likely to frequent nearby businesses , including retail stores and restaurants.
Disadvantages of Short-Term Rentals:
1. Potential Loss of Housing Stock for Residents and Workforce: Although not likely a concern in Simi Valley, units removed from the permanent housing market and used for short -term rentals may reduce long -term rental options . A reduced housing stock results in increased rental prices for permanent housing, and has the potential to affect the City’s workforce, who will then resort to residing outside of Simi Valley with longer commute times into the city.
2. Impacts to Existing Hotels : STRs may impact existing hotels by increasing competition and lowering hotel occupancy rates, hotel revenues , and transie nt occupancy and tourism taxes to the City. In addition, Simi Valley’s hotels currently contribute to the Visit Simi Valley Tourism Assessment, which is not collected for STRs. Hotels also create employment opportunities for City residents and generate related sales tax revenue.
3. Neighbor Complaints: Neighborhood deterioration and noise have the potential to lead to neighborhood complaints. Though the City has noise restrictions (SVMC 5-
33.03), STRs have the potential to cause public nuisance via loud parties and gatherings. This has the potential to create enforcement issues for the City. The Regulatory Challenges and Impacts to City Staff and Resources Section provides additional information on this topic.
4. Potential Deterioration of Residences/Neighborhoods : Without the oversight or presence of a property manager/owner on site, consistent turnovern of STR renters has the potential to depreciate homes’ conditions. Other concerns include:
increased traffic coming through neighborhoods; vandalism; noise; overcrowding; turnover of people; and leaving trash out on the street s. Simi Valley has not experienced STR concerns at a level at or above ordinary property maintenance complaints as a whole and the City has existing re gulations in the Simi Valley Municipal Code to address most of the concerns listed above.
Fiscal Impacts
The City of Simi Valley charges a 10%TOT rate on hotel and motel stays. TOT funds are used to offset increased public service costs that may be incurred from tourists, including public safety, road maintenance and repair. The City collects approximately $2 million 12 STRccmtg11-18-24(klk)
from TOT each year. 1 Upon further research of other California jurisdictions that permit and tax STRs (including the cities of Orange, Vista, Indio, Fullerton, Oxnard, Ventura and the County of Ventura), staff has prepared the following financial findings. Staff makes an optimistic assumption for the rent and number of nights per year of 40 listed homes and rooms in the City 2, based on available data online. Staff makes findings, assuming that all listed STRs would comply with an STR ordinance.
Table 2 – Simi Valley STR Estimates
Number
Available STRs
Average Daily
Rate
Estimated Number of
Days Rented per Year
Entire Home3 12 $322.50 96
Room Only 28 $130.05 144
Table 3 – Potential STR Revenues per Year
Fees for Homes Fees for Rooms
Permit4 $936 $936
Business Tax Certificate $115 $115
Gross Receipts Tax $50 $25
Transient Occupancy Tax $3,096 $1,561
Total Per Year Per Unit $4,197 $2,637
Total Per Year for Available Units $50,365.68 $73,828.72 Should the aforementioned occur, Staff projects approximately $125,000 of gross revenues per year from STRs.
Regulatory Challenges and Impacts to City Staff and Resources:
Necessary considerations of an STR program development are associated with code enforcement, public safety , and administration of a program. Some issues to consider include:
• Administration of a STR Program: Staff would need to determine required applications, permitting, taxation and business registration requirements for such a program, which would involve, the Planning Division, Administrative Services , and Code Enforcement, and a third-party vendor for searching, tracking and enforcing business tax registrations. The City currently uses HdL to administer all Business Tax Certificates.
• Adjustment of Staff Time and Personnel Management: Since most STR stays occur during the weekends , Code Enforcement staff would need to adopt permanent work schedules incorporating nights and weekends to respond to code enforcement related complaints arising from STR. If absorbed within existing 1 There are 6 hotels in the City of Simi Valley
2 Based on Airbnb and VRBO search on 10/23/2024 that brought up 43 searches in the City. 3 Includes homes, guesthouses, and apartments.
4 Amount was based on average fee assessed by the seven jurisdictions mentioned above. 13 STRccmtg11-18-24(klk)
resources, two Code Compliance Officers could be redirected to night and weekend schedules, which would divert resources from other quality of life issues by about 20% due to work that can only be conducted during daylight hours such as knock and talks with residents. Additionally, notifications to STR violators would be delayed due to the inability to mail notices during weekend shifts. An alternative would be to hire an additional Code Compliance Officer at a total cost of approximately $120,000 per year.
• Overall Enforcement of a Program : As there are dozens of online vacation rental sites, such as Airbnb, VRBO, HomeToGo, FlipKey, and Booking.com, finding and ensuring that all STRs in Simi Valley are registered and permitted with the City would be time-consuming and divert staff away from current priorities. It would require a minimum of 2.5 staff members from Code Enforcement and Administrative Services to properly administer the program and ensure compliance. Some third-party vendors have enforcement services, which could primarily monitor permit s or conditions of said permit , however, on-the-ground enforcement would likely be borne by Police or Code Enforcement staff . Further, third-party enforcement may only target locations advertised online through popular rental portals. Word of mouth rentals are harder to track and would be extremely difficult to enforce (similar to a traditional home rental).
Enforcement Rules are already in Place
As an alternative approach to establishing a new ordinance, the City’s existing mechanisms for enforcement of complaints related to single -family dwellings can be utilized for issues related to short -term rentals. The Municipal Code has existing definitions for Bed and Breakfast Inns, Lodging Houses, and Boarding Houses, all of which require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Existing operators may be able to apply for a Conditional Use Permit to operate through one of the categories. The Environmental Services Director may apply specialized conditions of approval to restrict certain operational aspects such as number of renters, length of stay and parking availability.
The enforcement of Conditional Use Permit violations tied to STR can be handled through existing procedures, while complaints related to late night noise violations or on -street parking violations are currently be referred to the Police Department. Other types of complaints could be referred to Code Enforcement. However, there would still be an added cost to modify the City’s existing contract with HdL to administer the issuance and monitoring of Business Tax Certificates.
An STR program would approximately cost $18,470 annually, plus a one-time $5,000 set up cost, to track and issue permits with a third-party vendor, such as HdL, which currently administers the City’s Business Tax Certificate program. The vendor would track short - term rentals in the City through online listings, and coordinate with City Staff and STR owners to obtain City permits and business tax certificates. Additionally, it would cost the City approximately $321,304 annually to administer and enforce the program. This cost includes salaries and benefits for new and/or reallocated staff , including two Code Compliance Officers and 50% of a Sr. Management Analyst. While the City would generate $125,000 from tax revenue, the City would be subsidizing an STR program at approximately $214,774 per year.
14 STRccmtg11-18-24(klk)
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Direct staff to initiate Municipal Code Amendments to allow short-term rentals;
2. Direct staff to initiate a Municipal Code Amendment to prohibit short-term rentals;
3. Direct staff to provide more detailed research options for short-term rental zoning, enforcement and taxation rules and return with a report to the City Council within 6 months to allow for further direction on whether to proceed with an ordinance;
4. Do not initiate Municipal Code or policy amendments at this time; or,
5. Provide other direction.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
Staff has no suggested motion.
SUMMARY
On October 21, 2024, the City Council requested Staff to review STRs, including their feasibility, effectiveness, fiscal and staffing impacts. While benefits to STR regulations include tax revenue generation and supplemental income for City residents, there is a lack of STR complaints and a limited number of STRs within the City. Coupled with program expenses and enforcement, a STR Ordinance could outweigh the aforementioned benefits. Given the presented, Staff requests direction from the City Council regarding possible amendments to the Municipal Code. ____________________________________
Stratis Perros
Environmental Services Director
Prepared by: Zarui Chaparyan, Associate Planner
15 Local Resources
Milpitas Police Emergency – 9-1-1 or (408) 263-1212
Milpitas Police Non-Emergency – (408) 586-2400
Animal Services: (530) 587-5948
Code Enforcement: (408)-586-3072
Compliance and Potential Fines
The City of Milpitas makes every effort to work with
guests and property managers to resolve issues of
non-compliance with the Short-Term Rental Ordi-
nance before issuing citations or fines. Repeat or
excessive non- compliance, however, may result in
fines of up to $500 per day or more for the guest,
property owner, or both.
Local Contact Person Information
Your host is required to designate a local contact
person who is able to respond in person to any code
compliance matters related to your rental within one
hour.
Your rental’s local contact person information is:
Name: __________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________
Pets
Pets must always be secured on the property.
Please
do not leave pets unattended or allow them to roam
unleashed, and always clean up after them.
The Short Term-Rental program is administer by the Milpitas Planning Department.
If you have general program question please contact us at 408-586-3279 , or by email at [email protected] www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/short-term-rentals
Welcome to the City of Milpitas!
The Good Neighbor Manual highlights the guidelines that visitors must follow during their stay in a short
-
term rental unit.
For your enjoyment of the unit and to preserve the peace and quiet of the surrounding neighborhood.
Here are some tips for homeowners and
travelers on how to Stay Neighborly
Noise
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Consider
moving indoors after 10 p.m. and be considerate
of neighbors when conducting any outdoor activi-
ties
Occupancy
Overnight occupancy (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) of short-
term rentals is limited to two adults per bedroom,
plus one additional adult. Children under 16 do not
count towards this limit. Check with your host
about any questions related to occupancy limits.
Parking
Park only in the designated parking areas provid-
ed for
your rental unit. Do not block any driveway.
Waste and Recycling
Don’t be a litterbug! Please put your trash in the
proper containers both inside the rental and out-
side.
EXHIBIT 2
16 Rules to Vacation by
Do not exceed the occupancy limit
Do not exceed the stated occupancy at any time during
your stay. The maximum number of adult occupants may
be less than the total maximum occupancy.
NO PARTIES ALLOWED.
No parking in street or yard
Parking is only permitted in the driveway, designated
parking spaces, and garage. This includes trailers. The maximum number of vehicles permitted is on the exterior sign.
No amplified music 24/7
Amplified music is not permitted to be heard beyond the property line 24/7. Close your windows to avoid music
carrying beyond the property line.
Head inside at 10:00 p.m.
Noisy outdoor activities and spa use are prohibited from 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Take your furry friend with you
Take your dog with you so they do not disturb
surrounding neighbors. You will find that Big Bear Lake is very dog-friendly!
Take trash to dumpster locations
Trash needs to be taken to a local dumpsite unless there are commercial trash bins at your property (condo).
Clean Bear trash locations:
41790 Garstin Drive & 39690 Big Bear Blvd.
Consequences
Unfortunately, a few of our guests refuse to
extend common courtesy and neighborly
behavior toward the guests and residents
around them. For those guests who have come
to party and disrupt the peace and tranquility
of the neighborhoods, there are costly and
severe consequences.
Fines
The minimum fine for violating the rules stated
previously is $500 per violation. A second
offense is $1000 per violation.
Eviction
Unruly guests who blatantly disregard the rules
and expectations will be evicted without a
refund. In addition, costly citations may be
issued to the undersigned.
Signature of Guest
(ID to be verified by Check-in Agent)
Print name:_____________________________
Address:_______________________________
City State Zip:__________________________
Signature:______________________________
Date:___________________________________
Good
Neighbor
Policy
17 Welcome to the City of Big
Bear Lake!
Southern California’s Premier 4-Season
Resort Community
Thank you for choosing to vacation in Big Bear Lake. We are pleased to welcome over 1.2 million visitors per year to our beautiful community. Whether you are here to
enjoy the abundant natural features and amenities found in our surrounding forest or looking for some rest and
relaxation in our quiet and tranquil residential
neighborhoods, we trust your experience will be world-
class.
While enjoying your time in our mountain community,
we’d like to remind you of some important community
expectations for guests staying in our residential
neighborhoods. We also want to provide some tips that
will make your stay more enjoyable and help you
vacation like a local. The last thing we want is for your visit to be interrupted by one of our Compliance Officers.
We think you and your family & friends can have an
amazing vacation while still being respectful and
considerate to the neighbors around you.
Expectations for guest
behavior
Sound carries differently at higher elevations
(thinner air) and in varying topography than it
does on flat land at sea level. Sound in the
mountains can carry for miles (listen for the
coyotes at night). A normal private
conversation between two people on a deck
may be clearly heard from many houses away.
Amplified music can me heard a mile or more
away from the stereo speaker.
For these reasons, we have strict rules about
amplified music and outdoor activities at night.
Please help us maintain our quiet neighbor-
hoods and enjoy the amazing stillness and
tranquility that the forest provides.
“A private conversation
between two people on a
deck may be heard clearly
from many houses away.”
Be a Good Neighbor
A big part of Big Bear Lake’s charm is the
friendly and helpful residents. If you are
fortunate enough to be staying at a home near a
full-time resident and see them on their deck or
in their yard, introduce yourself! Many of our
residents enjoy meeting visitors and providing
tips on activities and restaurants.
Visit careforbigbear.com for more information.
Visit Like a Local
If you extend your visit beyond the weekend,
you will see the large amounts of litter and
trash left behind by the weekend visitors. Here
are some tips to help you and your family
preserve our natural playground for the next
generation.
1. Leave no trace. Simply put, whatever you
take into the forest, bring back out –
including broken sleds.
2. Don’t litter. There are dumpsters located at
all trailheads and picnic areas. If a bin is
full, find another. Animals will tear bags
open and spread trash throughout the
forest.
3. Pick up after your pet. Please bag your
pet’s waste AND TAKE IT TO A
DUMPSTER. Leaving your pet’s waste in a
bag on the side of a trail is littering.
4. Keep the peace. If you are going to listen to
music while hiking or enjoying the lake,
use headphones instead of a Bluetooth
speaker.
18 GOOD
NEIGHBOR
BROCHURE FOR
VACATION
RENTAL GUESTS
Welcome to
La Quinta,
California!
REACH US AT
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.777.7000
www.PlayInLaQuinta.com
[email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT
To preserve the quality of life in
the City of La Quinta by evoking
a true collaboration of hosts, guests,
and community, encouraging tourism
in our Gem of the Desert.
Please review the important information in
this brochure regarding your stay in a
short-term rental property.
La Quinta is surrounded by the beautiful
Santa Rosa mountains offering year-round
sunshine, scenic hiking and biking trails,
world-class golf, premiere shopping and
dining, and much more!
Memorable Guests. Memorable Moments.
Memorable La Quinta.
Vacation LQ Rental Hotline: 760.777.7157
Sheriff's Department: 760.836.3215
19 ____________________________
The City of La Quinta
asks for your full
cooperation
Renters are advised that the following rules
will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply
may result in citations, fines and/or
expulsion from the rental property. If a
citation is issued, fines range from $1000 -
$5,000 per violation.
City residents have the right to call a 24/7
short-term vacation rental hotline to report
violations of the rules outlined in this
brochure.
NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS
PERMITTED
Number of
Bedrooms
Total
*Overnight
Occupants
Total ** Daytime
Occupants (Including
Overnight Occupants)
0-Studio 2 2-8 1 2-4 2-8 2 4-6 4-8 3 6-8 6-12 4 8-10 8-16 5 10-12 10-18
6 12-14 12-20
7 14 14-20 8 16 16-22 9 18 18-24 *Overnight (10:01 p.m. - 6:59 a.m.)
**Daytime (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
NOISE
Please keep any music to an appropriate
level.
TRASH
Rental properties should be kept clean
with no visible trash. Please keep all trash
containers out of street view.
PARKING
Onsite parking is limited to approved
carports, garages, and driveways. Renters'
vehicles should not block a neighbor's
driveway. Additional vehicles are
encouraged to park directly in front of the
rental property.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Special event permits are required for gathering in
vacation rental properties that exceed the number
of allowable people outlined in this brochure.
Special event permits must be applied for by the
homeowner or the homeowner's authorized agent
45 days prior to an event.
ANIMALS/PETS
The City requires that all dogs be on a
leash whenever they are in unclosed areas
or on public streets. Please pick up and
dispose of your pet's waste. Loud animals
often result in neighbor complaints.
Please be mindful of our desert weather, it
is always illegal to leave your pet
unattended in a vehicle.
Vacation LQ Rental Hotline: 760.777.7157
Sheriff's Department: 760.836.3215
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
________________________________
________________________________
For additional information please see
La Quinta Municipal Code 3.25
____________________________
The homeowner or an authorized
agent will be expected to answer and
respond to the Hotline complaint calls
within 30 minutes or the La Quinta
Police Department will be called.
20 City of Lake Elsinore ♦ 130 S. Main Street ♦
951.674.3124 www.lake-elsinore.org
21 22