NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — National City leaders are ready to put an official short-term rental ordinance in place after more than a year of feedback and discussion.
“There have been a little over a dozen very problematic properties that have been used as short-term rentals and unfortunately used as brothels,” said Councilmember Jose Rodriguez.
After years of problems with illegal activity, city council is moving forward with an ordinance at Tuesday night’s upcoming meeting.
“If they do not comply with the rules of the ordinance the owner can be fined $500, $1,000, $1,500 under the current proposal and ultimately have their license revoked,” explained Rodriguez.
Fines are on the table, but a permit fee is still up in the air. Rodriguez says the city is looking at Chula Vista and Vista for guidance that charge in the $200 to $300 range per year.
The proposed ordinance allows 40 rentals for each of the city’s four districts totaling 160, but council will accept feedback before making a final decision.
A designated 24-7 contact person, compliance with local laws, and prohibiting excessive noise are all proposed requirements in line with existing ordinances throughout San Diego.
While many local residents have complained and asked for an ordinance like this, Rodriguez says even the responsible short-term rental owners seem to be on board.
“Most of them that we spoke to are ok with having an ordinance so long as we have something that is a level playing field for everyone to play,” he said.
National City will also be able to collect a 10% transient occupancy tax on these rentals, that is estimated at around $2 million in revenue annually.
The ordinance is expected to be voted on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. and there will be an opportunity for public comment.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
