Pacifica continues short‑term rentals ordinance hearing after hours of public comment; debate centers on caps, parking and platform accountability

The Pacifica City Council conducted a lengthy public hearing Feb. 24 on a proposed ordinance to repeal and replace Article 49 (short‑term rentals) of the municipal code and to add operational standards. Community Development Director Samantha Updegrave presented the draft and outlined a series of changes staff and the planning commission recommended; council heard roughly two dozen public commenters before continuing the hearing to a later date.

The proposal and why it matters Staff said the draft would require that most short‑term rentals be in a primary residence, prohibit unhosted STRs in multifamily buildings, require permit numbers on advertising listings, require a locally available responsible party, limit visitors and outdoor pool/spa hours, and add parking and occupancy rules. Because the Coastal Zone requires local coastal program (LCP) certification, some provisions would take effect in the coastal zone only after the California Coastal Commission certifies the city's LCP amendment.

Key technical points staff presented - Citywide baseline: staff said 139 tax‑compliant STRs were active when the review…