Laguna Beach Seeks To Halt Short Term Rentals In Neighborhoods

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —Laguna Beach wants changes in regulating short term vacation lodging in residential areas, according to a request made of the California Coastal Commission.

A gem on the Orange County coastline, Laguna Beach is a favorite for local staycation-ers and guests worldwide. Though the city offers more than 1,000 places for guests to stay, short term rentals are favored among many travelers, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Laguna Beach expressed concern to the California Coastal Commission that too many unregulated short term rentals have changed their quality of life. Quiet streets have turned into party central, and parking-already at a premium gets scarce.

The city's proposal suggests that the area within Laguna Beach where short term rentals are allowed be reduced, specifically in those residential areas. Other existing lodging units in in mixed use areas, a total of 606 according to the report, could be converted to short term rentals.

The lucrative investments of short-term rental property are suitable for some Laguna Beach residents, the Coastal Commission stated in their report. Still, the community's concerns, with regard to noise, the character of the town, and traffic, are "significant."

The Orange County Register reports that Newport Beach is pursuing a similar stance. With over 1,500 permits for short term rentals, those "strain city resources and take up parking."

Laguna Beach does not propose not a blanket ban of short term rentals, or an "all or none" proposition, but instead hopes for appropriate balance.

According to the Coastal Commission, to continue to accommodate short-term rentals not to restrict the residents or the visitors, nor "diminish the public's ability to access and recreate on the coast," the Coastal Commission reports.

The Coastal Commission will meet to discuss Laguna Beach's request at 9 a.m. on Aug. 13. The meeting will be streamed live on coastal.ca.gov
Requests to speak must be submitted by 5 p.m. Aug. 12. For more information: coastal.ca.gov.