Isabella Vanderheiden / Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 @ 8 a.m. / Agendizer
Humboldt Planning Commission to Decide New Rules for Short-Term Vacation Rentals During Tonight’s Meeting
File photo.
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After months of anticipation, the Humboldt County Planning Commission is expected to make a decision on proposed rules for short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated areas of the county. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.
If approved, the draft guidelines would provide a regulatory framework for the permitting and operation of short-term rentals (dwelling units that are rented to guests for 30 consecutive days or less, through services such as Airbnb or Vrbo) to avoid adverse impacts to the county’s available housing stock and neighborhood character.
The proposed rules have drawn criticism from some members of the public who feel the allowance of more short-term rentals would exacerbate the county’s housing crisis and take away opportunities for long-term renters and first-time homebuyers. Operators, on the other hand, feel short-term rentals have the ability to strengthen the local economy by providing tourists with more accommodation options at various price points.
The county has held several public meetings on the topic. During the most recent meeting on Oct. 5, the Planning Commission went over the draft ordinance section by section and offered several suggestions to staff. Most of those recommendations have been included in the draft document, according to the staff report.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to share their two cents on the draft guidelines during tonight’s public hearing. The Planning Commission will deliberate and make a recommendation to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.
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The Humboldt County Planning Commission will meet tonight at 6 p.m. at the Humboldt County Courthouse — 825 Fifth Street, Eureka.
More information, including a copy of the draft ordinance and public comment submissions, can be found below.
Humboldt County Planning Commission
Oct. 26, 2023, 6 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER / SALUTE TO FLAG
B. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
C. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Draft Short-term Rental Ordinance Record No.: LRP-2022-17963 & LRP-2023-18254 All unincorporated areas of Humboldt County Inland and coastal zone ordinances to allow the use of residences for short-term rentals within the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. The ordinance does the following: a) Creates two tiers of rentals consisting of units partially rented by the occupants of the residence and rental of the whole unit; b) Establishes performance criteria for the operation of short term re
The County of Humboldt is discussing a new ordinance for short-term rentals in the area. The ordinance would create rules and regulations for renting out residences for short periods of time. Some of the proposed regulations include different tiers of rentals, performance criteria, and permits for compliant rentals. The ordinance would also set a limit on the number of rentals allowed in the Humboldt Bay Area. The Planning Commission is requesting public input and will make recommendations on the draft ordinance before presenting it to the Board of Supervisors. The ordinance would affect both inland and coastal areas of the county.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
In the County of Humboldt, where the funk runs deep
There’s a meeting going down, gonna make the people leap
The Planning Commission, they got a proposition
To create an ordinance for short-term rentals in the region
(Chorus)
Oh, it’s a draft short-term rental ordinance, baby
Gonna regulate those rentals, keep ‘em in line
With tiers and criteria, it’s gonna be fine
Let’s have a public hearing, let the people have their say
Deliberate and comment, make our recommendations sway
(Verse 2)
There’s a cap on the number of units allowed
Around Humboldt Bay, we gotta keep it sound
With two tiers of rentals, partially or whole
Gotta make sure the performance criteria are met, don’t you know
(Chorus)
Oh, it’s a draft short-term rental ordinance, baby
Gonna regulate those rentals, keep ‘em in line
With tiers and criteria, it’s gonna be fine
Let’s have a public hearing, let the people have their say
Deliberate and comment, make our recommendations sway
(Bridge)
Protecting housing stock is a top priority
With a cap of 2% of the housing stock, that’s our decree
But we gotta consider the neighborhoods too
Maybe apply it by community planning area, it’s something we can do
(Chorus)
Oh, it’s a draft short-term rental ordinance, baby
Gonna regulate those rentals, keep ‘em in line
With tiers and criteria, it’s gonna be fine
Let’s have a public hearing, let the people have their say
Deliberate and comment, make our recommendations sway
(Outro)
So let’s come together and make our voices heard
In the County of Humboldt, where the funk is stirred
With this draft ordinance, we’ll find the right balance
And keep the short-term rentals dancing in a trance
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Inland Draft Short-term Rental Ordinance_10.19 cm • Attachment 2 - Coastal Short-term Rental Ordinance 10.19 cm • Attachment 3 - STR PC Resolutions (Inland & Coastal) • Attachment 4 - Public Comments • Attachment 5 - PC Workshop 10.5.23
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