TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report on short-term rentals (STRs); select Option 2 (Limited STRs) for the framework of regulating STRs in Long Beach; direct City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to implement Option 2; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to enter into voluntary agreement(s) with STR-hosting platforms for the collection and remittance of transient occupancy taxes. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The recent rise of the sharing economy, particularly the significant growth in short-term rentals (STRs) using online platforms, such as Airbnb and HomeAway, enable individuals to rent out real property, not traditionally part of the temporary lodging marketplace, for 30 days or less. As a result, STRs have grown in the number of properties available and the frequency with which they are rented. This trend has contributed to local concerns regarding quality of life, noise, safety, housing affordability, parking, and enforcement.
On March 21, 2017, the City Council requested that the City Manager work with the City Attorney to review the regulation of STRs in other municipalities and report back with a review of next steps required to create an ordinance, along with zoning code changes, and a timeline for these next steps.
On June 1, 2017, staff transmitted a memorandum to the City Council summarizing the status of STRs in Long Beach and preliminary information on how other cities address STRs. Staff reported that due to the confidentiality of personally identifiable information on the hosting platforms, multiple listings, and the lack of addresses, it was difficult to obtain useful data on the number of STRs operating in Long Beach. Accordingly, staff recommended hiring a consultant to complete additional research to further analyze potential staffing needs for STR oversight, revenue and cost considerations, and to conduct community outreach to ensure that any resulting ordinance would reflect the specific concerns of Long Beach elected of...
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