On May 21, 2008, a draft vacation rental ordinance was presented to Palm Springs City Council for discussion. After presentations by the Palm Springs Office of Neighborhoods, a representative of the local vacation rental companies and members of the public, there appeared to be solid support behind the ordinance with a few changes. We should expect to see a final draft presented to the Council for approval in the coming months.
You can read a copy of the draft ordinance HERE.
When the Palm Springs City Council was presented with a draft Vacation Rental Ordinance to discuss, comments were provided by the Palm Springs Office of Neighborhoods, a representative of the vacation rental industry and various members of the public. Council reaction indicates solid support for an ordinance with some minor changes from the draft.
The entire draft Vacation Rental Ordinance can be found online on my website: MahlowitzLaw.com.
A summary of the provisions of the draft ordinance follows:
1. Who does it Cover?
Every owner of a vacation rental, either personally or through an agent, will be required to obtain a Vacation Rental Registration Certificate for each property that is to be rented. No vacation rental may be made without a Certificate.
2. What is a Vacation Rental?
A residential dwelling rented for 28 days or less.
3. What is a Vacation Rental Registration Certificate?
A permit for which a vacation rental owner must apply each year.
4. What information is required to obtain a Certificate?
Owner name and contact information
Contact information of any agent
Contact information for the Local Contact Person. Local Contact Person is someone available 24/7 to respond “promptly” to complaints about the rental
Number of bedrooms and applicable overnight and daytime occupancy limit for the unit Proof of a Transient Occupancy Tax registration certificate.
5. What conditions are imposed on Owners?
· The owner or agent must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints.
· Owner must ensure renters do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances.
· No amplified music or sound may be permitted outdoors.
· Must obtain name address and drivers license of Renter and that Renter execute a formal acknowledgment that the Renter will comply with the Municipal Code.
· Once notified of noise or disturbance Owner must take steps to prevent it in the future.
· The owner must place a copy of the Certificate and rules in the rental unit.
6. How are violations handled?
· Violations of these provisions are a misdemeanor and are enforced by the City.
· After four violations within two years, the City Manager may suspend the Vacation Rental Certificate.
