La Quinta to allow new ‘home-share’ rentals
The La Quinta City Council is looking to re-open the door to some new short-term vacation rental opportunities.
Councilmembers were given an update on vacation rentals Tuesday night.
The city says the number of properties with short-term permits continues to decline but tax revenues are still more than $6 million this year from the rentals.
The council gave its first approval to allow new short-term permits for people who home-share meaning they remain on the property when renting to others. The council also wants to allow short-term rentals in buildings located on large lots of over 25,000 square feet.
Some on the council also want them to be allowed in apartment complexes.
"It's a private property and if the apartment owner wants to rent full-time to somebody or short-term the property they should be allowed to do so," said Councilmember Steven Sanchez.
"I just want to make sure we're not opening up a Pandora's box on that one," said Councilmember Deborah McGarrey.
"I'm not in favor of having apartment complexes as short-term rentals. That's why we have hotels," said Councilmember John Peña.
Vacation rentals have been controversial in La Quinta. Voters narrowly rejected a permanent ban on them last year. The council ultimately removed the apartments from the ordinance amendment.
No date has yet been set for a second reading of an ordinance amendment, required for that to go into effect.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing developments.
