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Council directs staff to rewrite short‑term rental ordinance, asks for buffer, parking and high‑fire‑area exceptions
Summary
The council on Jan. 27 voted to send Ordinance No. 3175 back for a new first reading with options to change buffer zones, parking requirements and exceptions for hosts living on-site in high‑fire areas.
The Whittier City Council directed staff to return with a new first reading of Ordinance No. 3175 (Zoning Code Amendment ZCA24-0003) governing short‑term rentals, asking staff to propose changes to buffer‑zone requirements, parking standards and exceptions for hosts who live on the property in high‑fire areas.
During the second reading, City Manager Conal McNamara, City Attorney Keith Collins and Director of Community Development Ben Pongetti fielded council questions about the ordinance revision process, the city’s Good Neighbor policy, classifications for major and minor violations, platform fines and prior council votes and public comments. Council Member Mary Ann Pacheco moved the direction and Mayor Pro Tem Octavio Martinez seconded; the motion carried 4‑0.
Why it matters: the directive pauses immediate adoption of the ordinance and instructs staff to return with new draft language that could alter operational rules for short‑term rental hosts and enforcement procedures, including special considerations where wildfire risk is elevated.
What to watch next: staff will prepare a revised ordinance and present options for council consideration; additional public hearings or readings may be required before final adoption.
