Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />Page 4 of 16 <br />Commissioner Safdari asked what the success metrics are for this plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Aknin stated the overall policy objective is to recognize the housing <br />shortage and protect what they can. He added that hosting platforms <br />are here to say, so the city needs to regulate appropriately. He stated <br />the city is open to revisiting the ordinance if they find issues in order to <br />solve any ongoing issues. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hale asked what the problem is they are trying to solve <br />with the regulations. <br /> <br />Mr. Aknin stated the first problem they are trying to solve is to protect <br />their primary housing stock. He stated the second problem is the <br />collection of proper taxes. He stated the third problem is protecting their <br />neighborhoods and ensuring they remain as such. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hale asked about the size and scope of effect of short- <br />term rentals on residential neighborhoods regarding complaints. <br /> <br />Mr. Aknin stated there have not been that many complaints. He stated <br />those complains have all come within the last 7 or 8 months. He stated <br />that those who have complained have made it clear that it’s a significant <br />issue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hale stated they are early on this issue and there aren’t <br />many places to compare to in California. She stated it would be <br />interesting to see them expand the scope of research nationwide. She <br />stated she is concerned about the unintended impacts and <br />consequences of this ordinance. <br /> <br />Mr. Aknin discussed the potential consequences of these regulations. <br />He stated he could not think of many offhand, but they might put a few <br />small businesses out of business. He stated there are a few apartments <br />downtown that are being rented out on a daily basis. He stated they are <br />not really allowed to do that, so this would be a code enforcement issue. <br />He stated they would need to be vigilant on this issue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hale asked why they are interested in going first on this <br />issue. <br /> <br />Mr. Aknin explained that the City Council gave Staff direction to pursue <br />this issue. He stated that Redwood City has shown leadership in the <br />area and this is an area where they can take the lead. He stated that <br />both San Francisco and San Jose have been fighting this topic for a <br />couple years. <br /> <br />Commissioner Guerrero asked for clarification about what the current <br />regulations are. She asked whether short term rentals are current <br />prohibited. <br /> <br />Ms. O’Dell stated that the code says that unless it is specifically <br />allowed, it is prohibited. She stated since they have nothing in their <br />code to address short term rentals, it is currently prohibited. <br />7.B. - Page 26