Paso Robles Short-Term Rental Draft Ordinance Sent Back for Revisions

PASO ROBLES, CA, April 24, 2019 – The Paso Robles Planning Commission last night discussed a proposed draft ordinance addressing short-term rental properties within city limits. Ultimately the Commission voted to continue the item to the May 14th Planning Commission meeting, with direction to increase some restrictions in the ordinance.

The language in the draft ordinance was based on recommendations from a Short-Term Rental Task Force, staff research and City Manager input. 

Prior to the meeting, the City Attorney determined (based on a recent court ruling) that any Commissioner living within 500 feet of a licensed short-term rental had a conflict of interest.  Consequently, only Commissioners Donaldson and Castillo were eligible to vote on the item.  In order to establish a quorum, the conflicted Commissioners drew straws to determine which two additional Commissioners would hear the item.  Commissioners Koegler and Jorgensen were selected to stay and the other Commissioners left the room.

The Planning Commission heard from 20 members of the public.  During deliberations the Commission agreed on the following changes to the proposed ordinance:
1. Expand the neighborhood noticing requirement to 300 feet
2. Establish escalating fines for first and second violations.
3. Prohibit exterior signage.

In addition, the Commission decided that the following 3 issues needed more staff analysis:
4. Consider more restrictive on-street parking restrictions, with different requirements for STRs in the R-1 zones.
5. Consider more restrictive occupancy standards, with different requirements for STRs in the R-1 zones. 
6. Consider options to require a reduction of the number of R-1 short-term rentals, by reconsidering the grandfathering, analyzing the logic of the 100 permit cap, and consider the option of not allowing STRs in R-1 or only in R-1 areas with large lots, such that activity by a renter would not negatively impact the neighborhood.

The Commission voted 4-0 (Castillo, Donaldson, Koegler and Jorgensen) to continue the item to the 5/14/19 Planning Commission meeting and refer the six issues back to staff for additional analysis.

Meeting Audio
Zoning Map
Staff Report with Draft Ordinance  
 
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Media contact:
Warren Frace
Community Development Director
805.237.3970
wfrace@prcity.com