Calistoga tightens short‑term rental rules; council adopts consolidated zoning chapter
Summary
The city adopted a zoning ordinance creating Chapter 17.34 to consolidate the existing prohibition on short‑term rentals, add definitions for hosting platforms and booking transactions, establish a tiered fine structure, and give staff subpoena authority to obtain platform booking data for enforcement.
The Calistoga City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Calistoga Municipal Code to add Chapter 17.34, a consolidated and strengthened framework for enforcing the city’s long‑standing prohibition on short‑term rentals (rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days).
Deputy City Manager Rachel Stepp told the council the ordinance preserves existing policy (short‑term rentals remain prohibited) but improves definitions, clarity, and enforceability. Key elements include definitions for short‑term rental, hosting platform, booking transaction and operator; a tiered penalty structure (a $1,000 base fine per violation with higher penalties if violations endanger public health or safety and treating each day a violation continues as a separate offense); and authority for the city to subpoena hosting platforms for address‑level or booking data to assist enforcement.
Council members asked about enforcement options and next steps. Staff said an RFP for software or consultant services to identify unlawful listings is the planned next step and that complaints can be submitted anonymously to the city.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded; roll call was unanimous.
