Palm Springs to study Vacation Rentals

The Palm Springs City Council was set to hold a special study session Wednesday evening regarding residential vacation rentals.

It was expected to be one of the most contested items up for discussion this year in the city.

The meeting was set to start at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

A city spokeswoman said the discussion will include residential vacation rental goals, objectives, regulations and compliance.

Many residents have complained to the city about loud parties, traffic, parking and disruptions due to neighboring short-term rental homes.

Critics say rental homes destroy the character of neighborhoods by creating unmanaged resort-like atmospheres.

Supporters say short term rentals provide valuable income, tax revenue and would harm the local real estate market if restrictions were imposed.

City leaders voted earlier this month to ban short-term vacation rentals in any multi-unit residential buildings and apartments by 2019, that decision partially motivated by concerns about the loss of available affordable housing.

Tonight’s meeting will be broadcast live on Palm Springs Community Television Channel 17 or online at http://www.palmspringsca.gov.