National City has no policy for oversight of the estimated 200 short-term rentals reportedly active within the small, built-out community. But that may soon change.
The City Council earlier this month directed city staff to find out more about the local short-term rental market and examples of ordinances other jurisdictions have adopted.
Councilmember Jose Rodriguez said he has heard from several residents who are concerned about illicit activities reportedly taking place at some rentals. That’s why he’s pushing for regulations, he said.
Police Capt. Derek Aydelotte said the department has dealt with a wide range of crimes, including violent felonies, at some units. Martin Reeder, assistant director of Community Development, said residents have also complained about large parties, noise and lack of parking.
Police officials did not respond to a request for comment about the number and types of crime associated with short-term rentals nor did they share details at the meeting.
Council members are requesting that type of data, including a breakdown of where the rentals are located in each of the city’s four districts.
“It’s really not good for us not to know where they (the rentals) are because how can we mitigate public safety (issues),” said Vice Mayor Ditas Yamane.
Besides public safety, city staff said there are a few other reasons why National City could benefit from having a policy in place.
“From a housing perspective, we think there is a potential opportunity to be able to better regulate short-term rentals if they’re gonna, one way or another, pop up because there’s a very immediate market for them through the internet … (and) use it as an opportunity potentially for revenue,” said Carlos Aguirre, director of Community Development with the city.
Short-term rentals can generate transient occupancy taxes for the city. For example, in Chula Vista, rentals are subject to a 10% tax on a listing.
Councilmember Luz Molina said she is concerned about the impact of vacation rentals on National City’s already limited long-term rental housing stock. She said that if the goal is to generate more revenue for the city, she prefers that staff spend their time researching other options that don’t stress the local housing market.
Some cities, such as Chula Vista, place limits on the number of rentals each permittee can have.
City staff said they would review Chula Vista’s short-term rental ordinance to see if it could provide a framework for National City.
A report back to the City Council is expected early next year.
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