Del Mar Bans Vacation Rentals In Residential Neighborhoods
The affluent coastal city of Del Mar in North San Diego County banned short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, but will continue to allow them in commercial areas, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The ordinance adopted by the city council fell short of specifying what will happen to existing rentals in residential neighborhoods. Councilman Dwight Worden said they would be shut down, but the city will do its best to fashion a soft landing for owners asked to cease renting on a short-term basis.
Monday's 4-1 vote was opposed by Del Mar Mayor Terry Sinnott. Calling the short-term rental concept a new animal, Sinnott said the problem is not short-term rentals, but how people behave. Short-term rentals have exploded in Del Mar and other coastal communities over the last few years, along with growth in internet home-sharing platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO, resulting in resident complaints about some visitors disturbing the peace with loud noise, littering and committing petty crimes.
The council placed a citywide moratorium on new short-term rentals last year and extended it this year. This will remain in place until the rules are approved. Owners who have short-term rentals will be allowed to continue until the city develops new regulations for short-term rentals in commercial areas, including the maximum number of guests allowed and minimum length of stay.
