Lake County supervisors direct staff to form ad hoc on short‑term rentals; low‑impact camping to be handled separately

The Lake County Board of Supervisors directed staff on short‑term rentals and low‑impact camping at a public meeting, instructing the community development department to assemble an ad hoc committee to draft regulations for whole‑house vacation rentals and to pursue a separate, expedited review of low‑impact camping options authorized by state law.

Mireya Turner, Lake County’s community development director, told the board the county code currently allows only bed‑and‑breakfast uses and lacks an option for whole‑house short‑term rentals. She said staff reviewed about 11 jurisdictions’ short‑term rental policies and found common regulatory tools — principal‑residence limits, permit terms ranging from one to seven years, minimal signage, and parking restrictions to prevent neighborhood impacts — and recommended an ad hoc committee to develop local rules.

“People were coming to us asking how to do it right,” Turner said, arguing the committee should include representatives of the Tourism Improvement District, the local chamber of commerce, fire…