San Diego City Council Rejects Ban on Short-Term Rentals

Approximately 300 speakers on both sides of the issue sounded off in a meeting so big, they held it at Golden Hall.

The San Diego City Council voted 7-2 Tuesday to reject an ordinance which would have banned most short-term rentals.

Hundreds of San Diego residents voiced their opinions during an all-day city council meeting regarding the issue.

Many long-time residents feel that the act of renters moving in and out of homes destroys the integrity of the neighborhood.

Approximately 300 speakers on both sides of the issue sounded off in a meeting so big, they held it at Golden Hall.

On the table, was a proposal by Council President Sherri Lightner to clarify the definition of short-term and, in effect, 'ban' a majority of the rentals.

Pacific Beach resident Tom Coat lives right next door to one of those rentals. He supports a change in the city ordinance because he said short-term tenants are noisy.

There were just as many people against a ban.

Many of those people rent out their property through web sites like AirBnB. They argued the rentals are good for the local economy, and gives them extra money.

They also said a ban would be a nightmare to enforce.

City Councilmember Todd Gloria offered an alternative motion to direct mayor’s office to create a budget for enhanced enforcement of short term rentals. He suggested discussion of a policy that will allow for and regulate short term rentals and home sharing.

Councilmembers approved the Gloria proposal.

In a statement following the vote, Belinda Smith, the founder of Short Term Rental Alliance of San Diego, called the decision an "enormous win."

"We are encouraged by the Council’s level-headedness, and their sincere desire to bring about a future fair ordinance to regulate Short Term Rentals for all San Diegans," Smith said. "We think the Gloria proposal is the right way to go, and we are very happy with the results."

Opponents Save SD Neighborhoods said they were obviously disappointed with the outcome.

"SSDN is optimistic that when San Diego has a new City Attorney the Code will be enforced as written and STVR will be removed from our residential zones," the group said in a written statement.

Contact Us