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Council discusses expanding vacation rentals, shortening hotel stays to limit long‑term rooming
Summary
Council discussed a proposed vacation rental ordinance, including permitted hosted vs. non‑hosted rentals, caps elsewhere, enforcement and a proposal to shorten hotel maximum stays to limit long-term housing of migrant workers.
Cloverdale City councilors heard staff discussion about potential changes to the city’s vacation rental rules and related zoning for hotels.
Community development staff explained the city currently allows two types of short‑term rentals: hosted rentals permitted broadly and non‑hosted rentals allowed by use permit in commercial zones. Staff said the city currently has six short‑term rentals identified, one operating without a permit. The staff presentation said non‑hosted rentals in commercial areas require planning commission review and conditions such as hours and parking. (Community Development staff)
Councilmembers asked whether to expand vacation rentals and whether to cap the total number, noting Windsor had set a total cap in a nearby jurisdiction. One council member said expanding short‑term rentals could increase transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue, observing the city needs "revenue enhancement besides our sales tax." (Councilmember Rob) Staff offered to return with recommended limits and permit conditions if the council wanted planning commission review.
Separately, staff raised a hotel‑use issue: one local motel is reportedly operating largely as long‑term housing for migrant workers rather than nightly guests. Current zoning provides a 30‑day maximum hotel stay; staff proposed shortening the stay to "like 10 days" and noted the use‑permit process allows conversion of a motel to permanent residential use through planning commission. Staff cautioned that owners sometimes run a "shell game"—moving residents between properties to avoid enforcement—and that converting a motel to lawful apartments can be costly due to building‑code work. (Community Development staff)
Councilors raised enforcement and neighborhood impacts—noise and parking—and asked staff to bring a draft ordinance to the planning commission that would compare other cities’ caps, define length‑of‑stay limits, and propose enforcement and neighbor‑protection measures. No formal vote was taken; the council left the item for staff follow‑up and possible planning‑commission consideration.
