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Board upholds $5,000 fine and permanent short‑term‑rental ineligibility for Fontanel listing
Summary
The Administrative Appeals Board upheld a $5,000 citation and a finding that Fontel LLC is permanently ineligible to operate a short‑term rental at 232 Anita Ortega after staff presented an Airbnb listing and host messages indicating intent to rent for seven nights; the board vote was 4‑1.
The Palm Springs Administrative Appeals Board on June 17 upheld a staff determination that an unpermitted listing at 232 Anita Ortega operated as a short‑term rental and imposed a $5,000 administrative fine plus permanent ineligibility for the cited entity.
Patrick Clifford summarized staff’s review, stating the property’s vacation‑rental application was denied because county and city records indicated the site was a multifamily dwelling. Code officer Jesse Gribba presented the investigating evidence: he located an Airbnb advertisement for the property (host name listed as Fieldrip Hospitality) that did not display a city vacation‑rental ID and confirmed the address from advertisement photos. Gribba said he messaged the host requesting a seven‑night stay (June 22–29, 2026) for 15 guests, the host confirmed dates were available and a booking confirmation in the staff attachments showed a $12,530 stay cost—facts staff said showed intent to rent for fewer than 28 consecutive days and supported citation AB0811 for operating without a certificate.
Owners Ariel Rex and Jesse (self‑identified) appeared in person. Rex apologized and said the listing and related activity were an honest mistake, describing a lengthy renovation, the property’s historic character and ongoing work with a land‑use attorney to clarify occupancy designation. Rex said the owners believed they were permitted to rent ‘once every 28 days’ and asked the board not to impose permanent ineligibility; neighbors provided letters of support describing renovation and neighborhood benefits.
City staff and the board discussed whether permanent ineligibility attaches to the person/entity and whether a future conversion of the property to single‑family use might allow reapplication. Staff explained the municipal code makes a person or entity that operates without a certificate permanently ineligible; the board does not control zoning or reclassification processes. After deliberation the board voted 4‑1 to uphold the citation, fine and finding of permanent ineligibility (Board member Barbado voted no). The city advised the owners there may be other administrative or legal avenues if they pursue conversion or other remedies.
