Resident flags possible timeshare/commercial use at 27100 Point Lane; city staff say code limits short-term rentals

A Highland Park resident told the City Council on Jan. 13 that media reports and marketing suggest a recently purchased home at 27100 Point Lane may be marketed like a timeshare and used for weddings, reunions and corporate events.

Resident Kevin said the claims — which include selling individual shares and advertising the property for events — appear to convert a single-family residence into a commercial enterprise. "From my perspective, this is clearly a commercial venture within a residential neighborhood," he told the council.

City staff responded that the city’s 2022 short-term rental ordinance allows short-term renting only as an accessory use with limitations designed to prevent principal commercial use. Staff listed those limits on the record: owner occupancy or a tenant with a lease of at least 30 consecutive days per year, a maximum of 45 rental days per calendar year, and a limit of 12 occupants at any one time for short-term rentals.

Steve Andrew (staff) said the city has notified the property owner and that short-term rentals are permitted only when they meet the ordinance requirements. A Community Development staff member said city staff met with the purchaser over the holidays and will follow up to clarify intentions.

From a legal perspective, the city’s corporation counsel noted that terms such as "timeshare" and other ownership structures are not explicitly regulated in the municipal code and that staff must examine the facts rather than react to media reports. The counsel added that using a residence as an ongoing commercial event venue would not be permitted and would be enforceable under the municipal code.

Staff said they will follow up with the owner, analyze whether the reported uses fall within code definitions, and enforce the code if violations are found. The council did not take formal action but asked staff to continue outreach and enforcement as appropriate.