Permits cap will replace buffer in VHR ordinance first reading
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — City council just passed the amended vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance with a cap of 900 permits replacing the 150-foot buffer that was previously written.
The VHR ordinance that passed contained the same terms as previous ones:
- A minimum age of 25 established to rent a VHR
- Attached condominiums can get a VHR permit unless the homeowners association prohibits it
- Advertising platforms must include “family friendly” language for VHRs in residential areas
- Appeals of permit denials go to an independent hearing officer rather than the Planning Commission
- Commercial and recreational areas are regulated with rules applicable to the Tourist Core Area Plan
- Room night reporting is required
Now, however, a cap of 900 permits was established over the buffer.
Horgan indicated that she felt that VHRs would help contribute to more jobs and a better economy for the city. She didn’t feel that the current number of VHR permits was adequate for assessing the program. “Emotionally, I see this program as a way to bring more visitors into my neighborhood.” She added, “900 was a compromise… it’s a 36% reduction from a problem number.”
Roberts said that his opposition to the buffer was because they had not reached the 1,200 permits issued that they anticipated they would get to. Jinkens said, “I have faith… that we will enforce the systems in place.”
Councilmember Scott Robbins said that this measure would reduce the supply of housing, driving up costs for locals looking for someone to live. He also noted that condos being allowed in the ordinance would affect condos throughout the city, not just the Tahoe Keys.
Robbins argued that there was not enough data collected and that they would be making changes “before we even have information on the current system.” He also indicated his concerns with the enforcement, especially for illegally operating VHRs.
Mayor Cody Bass noted the importance of zoning, primary and secondary uses for houses. “When we talk about overnight or short-term rentals, that is not what you bought when you bought the house. You did not buy the right to have an overnight rental.”
Bass also noted that he had received a “robo-call” and subsequent email suggesting that he get an inspection to turn his house into a VHR. “How many people are getting that call that rent to a long-term local that are now actually being pushed and motivated to make their house into a VHR—and they better hurry, because if they don’t, they’ll be permitted out.”
Bass said that it was unusual to have seen this ordinance so many times, and city attorney Heather Stroud stated, “It’s unusual to have so many discussions [on an item], but that’s the history of VHRs here.”
Robbins’ final comments said that it would be challenging to walk back this ordinance if it was approved. “We are taking a one-way step into a system that only a court order would reverse.”
The motion ultimately carried and will receive its second and final reading by March 24.
