FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Airlin Singewald, Community Development Director
Email: asingewald@morrobayca.gov
October 14, 2014
City of Morro Bay to Implement Short Term Rental Ordinance
On November 1, 2024, the City of Morro Bay will begin sending enforcement letters to owners and operators of non-compliant and partially compliant short term rentals in the city limits.
In 2020, the City of Morro Bay adopted a Short Term Rental Ordinance that allows property owners to operate STRs in the city-limits, provided they comply with permit requirements and standards to minimize neighborhood impacts. The STR Ordinance requires property owners to obtain an STR permit, business license, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) account prior to operating an STR. These permits are subject to annual renewal and inspections every four years. The ordinance also establishes a maximum number (“cap”) of 175 full-home rentals allowed in residentially zoned areas. Such rentals are also subject to a “buffer” that requires them to be separated by at least 175 feet.
In recent years, the city has made increased efforts to identify all STRs actively advertising and renting on online platforms (AirBnB, VRBO, etc.). The City will be comparing the results of this search to our permit records and take enforcement action to achieve compliance. Illegally operating STRs will be required to immediately cease operation, are liable for the last three years of unpaid TOT, and may face fines of up to $500 per day of non-compliance. At the same time, the City will identify active STRs that are partially compliant, meaning they are operating with expired business licenses or TOT accounts. The City may authorize a partially compliant STR to continue operation once they renew their permits and pay applicable back taxes.
In a parallel effort, beginning January 1, 2025, the City will require all STR permit holders to renew their permits, as required by the STR Ordinance. This will involve completion of a renewal application and City inspection to verify compliance with applicable standards, including, but not limited to, parking and signage requirements.
The City recognizes and appreciates our STR operators who take great care to comply with the City’s STR regulations. We look forward to working with all STR operators to ensure uniform compliance and create a level playing field, while maintaining a high quality of life for full-time residents.
If you have any questions or would like to know the permit status of your STR, please contact any one of the staff listed below:
Angie Buoncristiano, Administrative Technician, (805) 772-6264, abuoncristiano@morrobayca.gov
Erik Valentine, Assistant Planner, (805) 772-6211, evalentine@morrobayca.gov
Susana Toner, Assistant Planner, (805) 772-6270, stoner@morrobayca.gov
For more information, please visit the City’s Short Term Rental webpage:
Short-Term Vacation Rentals | City of Morro Bay - Official Website (morrobayca.gov)
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