AgdaPkt 2018-01-08 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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from the tax would be dedicated by resolution towards affordable housing projects, programs and administration (Attachment 3). Some cities have entered into Voluntary Collection Agreements (VCAs) with hosting platforms. For example, San Jose has signed a voluntary collection agreement with Airbnb to enable Airbnb to collect the appropriate tax on behalf of individual hosts. Staff has spoken to Airbnb and they would work with the City on a VCA. The City Council may also consider whether a mandatory collection agreement should be required as part of the ordinance for platforms. Based on Council direction, staff would come back at a later date with an agreement for review and approval. Public Outreach The City has notified the community through newspaper ads, social media such as Next Door, LinkedIn and Facebook. Staff also contacted Airbnb and Expedia to discuss the proposed regulations and receive any comments. Airbnb agreed to notify Redwood City hosts regarding the upcoming change in regulations. Five members of the public spoke at the Planning Commission hearing on November 21, 2017. Community members at the PC meeting generally spoke in support of short term rentals, particularly from the perspective of a seniors looking to supplement their income. Staff has also received an email with concerns about certain houses being used for multi-party rentals, with associated noise and parking impacts. Airbnb supports the proposed ordinance and has indicated they would be willing to enter into a VCA with the City. Expedia generally opposes the proposed ordinance, as it does not allow for second home rentals, which is their primary market. However, Expedia has fewer than 10 rentals in the City, and the company generally focuses on vacation rentals which are uncommon in Redwood City. Amnesty Period Short-term rentals are widespread and have been operating throughout the City for several years. Staff recognizes that many existing short-term rentals have lease agreements up to a year away, and that it will take time for residents to bring their short- term rentals into compliance with the proposed ordinance. However, a shorter time frame to compliance may reduce impacts on neighborhoods and housing stock, and increase the accuracy of TOT collection. Staff recommends a one-year amnesty period for residents and property owners to bring their dwelling units into compliance with the new ordinance, and this period has been incorporated into the draft ordinance. However, the City Council may recommend an alternative amnesty period. General Plan and Zoning Compliance This ordinance is consistent with the General Plan as it protects existing residential neighborhoods from encroachment of incompatible activities while protecting the existing supply of housing. 7.B. - Page 6