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South Lake Tahoe council declines to appeal Measure T ruling, adopts 45‑day moratorium on VHR permits
Summary
After hearing more than two hours of public comment, the city council voted in closed session not to appeal a court ruling that struck down parts of Measure T and unanimously adopted an urgency ordinance imposing a 45‑day moratorium on issuing vacation home rental permits in areas affected by Measure T.
The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted in closed session not to file an appeal of a recent Superior Court ruling that overturned portions of Measure T, and then unanimously adopted an urgency ordinance placing a 45‑day moratorium on issuing vacation home rental (VHR) permits in areas Measure T had restricted.
At the close of a long public comment period, Miss Straoud reported the closed‑session outcome: “city council voted to not file an appeal in that case,” noting the tally as four in favor of not appealing with Council member Robbins voting no. The council returned to open session and considered an urgency ordinance staff described as necessary to "avoid any imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" from an immediate reversion to the pre‑Measure T permitting regime. Miss Straoud told the council the ordinance was authorized under Government Code section 65858(a) and would be effective immediately for 45 days, with the possibility of extension by a subsequent four‑fifths vote.
Council members discussed implementation logistics and legal constraints. Staff clarified that prior VHR permits had been issued annually and that property owners had no vested right to automatic renewal; reissuance would be controlled by the council’s process. Council member Bass asked about property‑rights concerns and the mechanics of phased permitting; staff said the moratorium would allow time to consider a tiered rollout and prioritize prior permit holders if council so directs.
Council member Robbins dissented, characterizing the decision as a surrender of a voter mandate: "this is the city council turning its back on the people," he said, urging a different approach. Other council members said the council must balance the voters’ will with legal reality and practical implementation, and noted the moratorium provides a window to craft rules that protect residents while addressing economic concerns.
The urgency ordinance passed by unanimous vote. Staff will return to the council on April 22 to present potential amendments and a plan for phased permitting, enforcement staffing, and public outreach. The moratorium’s immediate effect is to pause issuance of VHR permits in residential areas and other zones identified in staff’s presentation while the council considers next steps.
