Cori Zaragoza, Contributing Writer
Photos by Cori Zaragoza
The San Diego City Council voted on February 23, 2021 in favor of an ordinance setting regulations on short term rental housing that will now require them to obtain licenses to continue operating. This ordinance will define rental units into 4 different tiers depending on what kind of housing is being offered, such as whole house rentals versus shared housing. Renters will be able to obtain one license, given in a lottery system, with a preference towards renters currently in good standing. There will be a cap on licenses with the goal being that some housing will be made available again to San Diego residents who live and work here.
Vacation rentals and short term housing have been a contentious topic in San Diego—prior to the last city council meeting, there were no regulations on these accommodations. San Diego residents are often left frustrated at rowdy houseguests, tourists in their residential spaces, and the loss of affordable housing in their neighborhoods. Over 100 callers were present for the city council’s public comment, showing how deep-rooted this issue is to San Diegans. Many callers were in favor of at least some sort of regulation, as noise complaints for rented “party” houses have skyrocketed in recent years. While there are no set ways (yet) on how to enforce these regulations, the ordinance includes something called the “Good Neighbor Policy” which aims to help those living next to vacation rentals.
The Good Neighbor Policy’s goal is to keep renters educated on local laws and will fine them and guests up to $1000 dollars if noise ordinances or other laws are broken. The City Council will also set up a 24 hour hotline for residents to call specifically for vacation rental complaints.
While many public comment callers seemed wary about new regulations, Council President Campbell assured all that this ordinance’s passing was a “very good thing” and will be reviewed yearly to amend and change things as needed. Councilmember Raul Campillo added to this sentiment by saying, “The ordinance will give the city the ability to finally regulate short term vacation rentals. Not being able to regulate them in the past has been a big public safety concern. Without the regulations, the city at its core cannot hold bad actors accountable.” The city council will revisit the specific details of this ordinance before the end of this year and hopes to have everything in place by 2022.
