Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rentals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Solvang council directs staff to draft short-term rental limits focused on village mixed-use area
Summary
Council gave staff direction to return with a draft ordinance that limits non-owner-occupied short-term rentals to the village mixed-use (VMU) zone, includes caps and distance rules, and to prepare an alternative homestay pathway for owner-occupied rentals outside the VMU.
The Solvang City Council on Aug. 11 directed staff to prepare a revised short-term rental (vacation rental) ordinance that, in the first instance, limits non-owner-occupied short-term rentals to the village mixed-use (VMU) area and tightens rules meant to protect neighborhood housing stock.
The discussion followed a staff presentation of options. Rafael (staff) explained the core question as whether the council wanted to continue permitting short-term rentals in the VMU only or allow them elsewhere in the city with additional controls. Council members and members of the public raised concerns about housing availability, neighborhood impacts and enforcement costs.
Key direction: The council asked staff to draft ordinance language that (1) defines the VMU boundary clearly; (2) caps new short-term permits and limits permitability of newly created residential units in the VMU; (3) removes the existing R-3 carve-out for short-term rentals (existing legal nonconforming R-3 rentals would require a path to compliance or gradual extinguishment); (4) requires quiet hours, maximum occupancy rules, a 24/7 complaint hotline, neighborhood notification and parking rules tied to bedroom count; and (5) establishes minimum distances between permitted units to avoid cluster effects.
Council members also requested that staff prepare an alternate, narrower path for “homestay” or owner-occupied hosted rentals outside the VMU — a permit type that requires the host to remain on-site during stays and is subject to lower fees and simpler enforcement. Rafael said the homestay option is used in other jurisdictions and can be simpler to administer because the host is present.
Public comment: Residents and business representatives urged stronger enforcement of existing illegal listings and favored prioritizing permanent housing over transitory rentals. Aaron Peterson and CJ Jackson argued against allowing short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods; Brandon Sparks and others urged a VMU-first approach and noted enforcement and equity issues.
Next steps: Staff will return with draft ordinance language implementing the council’s direction, including a defined VMU boundary, proposed cap(s), distance rules, and a homestay option for council consideration at a future meeting.
