The enforcement of new rules for short-term rentals goes into effect on Tuesday, and those who do not comply by July 2022 may be subject to daily fines.
In December, the Chula Vista City Council granted “Good Neighbors” greater freedom in approving new rules for short-term vacation rental owners, and fines for those habitually disrupting communities. According to a city staff report, fines range from $100 to $5,000 with the potential loss of permit for habitual offenders.
Short-Term Rentals provide an opportunity for residents to generate supplemental income by participating in the sharing economy, generate Transient Occupancy Taxes (“ TOT”) to the City, support economic activity, and provide an alternative form of lodging to visitors to Chula Vista
Neighbors of STRs have reported to the city of instances involving loud noise, parties, trash, inconsiderate guests, excessive coming and going, and impacts toward on-street parking availability. Many neighbors of these rental dwelling units have vocalized that these activities "change the very character of their residential neighborhoods", as long-term residents have been replaced with short-term guests.
Under this ordinance, Chula Vista residents would be allowed to list their entire property out to rent for up to 90 days per year, and any portion of the primary residents without time limits. It aimed to establish regulations, standards, permitting processes on Short-Term Rental (STR) owners.
The proposed ordinance includes extensive requirements for operators of STRs, designed to encourage “Good Neighbor” behaviors and to protect the safety of the rental’s guests. Additionally, each STR unit will be required to post a "Good Neighbor Handout" inside the permitted residence that includes emergency contact information for the Permittee and the Local Contact Person.
A max capacity of residents per STR is established. Permits are a requirement for events exceeding the maximum authorized occupancy.
More information can be found on the city’s web page dedicated to Short-Term Rentals.
