Neighbors urge enforcement on short-term rentals; council says staff will investigate

Rancho Cordova — Two neighbors told the City Council during the public comment period Sept. 3 that an allegedly continuously rented short-term rental (Airbnb) on Glenaire Court has caused repeated noise, parking and party problems. Council members and staff responded that the city would investigate code compliance and encouraged immediate reporting. Sue Covey described repeated disturbances from a property she identified as 2217 Glenaire Court. "Since this property was purchased in October 2021, it has been continuously rented out through Airbnb," Covey said. She said vehicles often parked throughout the street, garbage accumulated and two large parties caused late-night disturbances; she asked the council to investigate whether the property complied with Rancho Cordova's short-term rental rules requiring a permit and primary-residence occupancy. Another neighbor, Sean (Shawn) Mongan, described single-family residents on Gran Air Court experiencing repeated parking conflicts and noise from long-term contractor crews using an Airbnb as lodging. "They'd often arrive with probably 4 or 5 large trucks that would only fit where 3 trucks could go," Mongan said. He said some stays lasted three to four weeks and asked the council to step in where neighborhood covenants do not. City staff and a council member told the speakers that staff had already been engaged: the city manager noted that residents had spoken with "Mr. Russ Ducharme earlier today" and pointed out Ducharme was available in the chambers to speak with them after the meeting. A council member also emphasized the need for residents to call and report problems promptly so staff and police can respond; Vice Mayor Gary Gatewood said, "If in doubt, call ... don't wait 4 years, right, or even 4 days. Maybe wait 4 minutes, then call, and just let us know what the problem is," urging immediate reporting to accelerate enforcement or policy response. Council and staff referenced existing short-term rental ordinance requirements and encouraged the residents to follow up with code enforcement staff. The speakers were advised to meet with code enforcement staff (Russ Ducharme) immediately after the hearing for next steps. The council took no formal action during the meeting but the record shows staff were asked to investigate potential code or permit violations and to work with law enforcement on immediate disturbances.