Short-Term Rental Enforcement Pilot Program extended

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The Santa Barbara City Council voted to extend the Short-Term Rental Enforcement Pilot Program.

Residents, including Brianne and Jaimie Berg, applauded the extension.

They said rental units in their neighborhoods turn into short-term rental units everyday.

Short-term rentals makes it difficult for local workers to find long-term places to live.

The council heard a presentation showing short-term rentals beyond the beach neighborhoods.

Councilmember Eric Friedman said, "The enforcement program showed there are over 1200 or more short term vacation rentals both inland and coastal zones so really need to tools right to address this."

 A handful that operated without a permit have faced fines.

Friedman said the council will take up the issue in June to answer community questions.

"Are we really meeting needs of the community in forms of housing and enforcement and so we are going to have a discussion on June 11th getting all the info and giving direction to staff to make improvements," said Friedman.

For more information visit https://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov