Palm Desert Council To Address ‘Party Homes’

The Palm Desert City Council will consider today a proposed zoning ordinance aimed at regulating short-term rental homes, sometimes referred to as “party homes.”

The Palm Desert Planning Commission voted 3-2 on Feb. 15 to put the measure before the council. This afternoon’s vote was originally scheduled for two weeks ago, but it was pushed back so city lawyers could review the ordinance.

The ordinance would require conditional use permits for residential properties that are rented for 30 days or less, city spokesman David Hermann said.

The proposed law would create a process in which property owners within 300 feet of the planned rented home would be notified of a hearing if someone requests approval for a short-term vacation rental, Hermann said. Such a hearing would be a requirement for potential renters to be granted a permit.

Hermann said the change was proposed because of issues with noise, parking and parties involving homes rented out for less than 30 days.

The proposed regulations would not apply to homes within gated communities, Hermann said.

Stipulations in the ordinance for short-term rented properties would include limiting occupancy to two people per bedroom, with an additional two allowed in the daytime, and requiring a minimum stay of three days and adequate room for parking.

Hermann said any property owner who is using a residence as a short-term rental legally with a city-issued business license could be grandfathered in by registering with the Community Development Department within 90 days.