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US: Santa Barbara is moving closer to introducing stricter regulations for short-term rentals after the city’s Ordinance Committee voted to send a new proposal to the city council for consideration.
The ordinance would establish a general permitting program for homeowners wishing to utilise short-term rental plarforms like Airbnb. Under the proposal, permits would cost $3,334, with an annual renewal fee of $2,897.
These changes have been introduced to improve accountability of the sector and respond to complaints from residents regarding noise, traffic and the growing number of short term rentals in residential neighbourhoods. City officials have also been working to crack down on unpermitted rentals and improve the collection of occupancy taxes.
The proposal would introduce additional requirements for operators, including parking and insurance rules, restrictions in high fire-risk areas and limits on the number of permits a property owner can hold.
Commenting on the proposal, Kristen Sneddon, a member of the Ordinance Committee, said: “Two million dollars is not a big enough number to be selling out our neighbourhoods.”
Those who support it feel that it may help maintain the supply of housing and limit commercialisation of residential property, but critics say the plan could hurt local businesses and tourism.
If approved by the city council, the new regulations could be introduced later this year, with further review by the California Coastal Commission expected in 2027.
Highlights:
- Santa Barbara’s Ordinance Committee has advanced a proposal that would introduce stricter regulations and a standard permit process for short-term rental operators.
- Under the proposed ordinance, short-term rental permits would cost $3,334 with an annual renewal fee of $2,897 for property owners.
- The framework would introduce new requirements covering parking, insurance, high fire-risk areas and limits on permits held by individual owners.
- City officials said the proposal aims to improve oversight of short-term rentals, address resident concerns and strengthen occupancy tax collection.
- If approved by the city council, the ordinance could take effect later this year before further review by the California Coastal Commission in 2027.
