Regulating Short-Term/Vacation Rentals In Murrieta: City Workshop

MURRIETA, CA — What are your thoughts on short-term/vacation rentals in Murrieta? Should they be regulated? Do they invite "party houses?" Should the city get a cut of such rental income?

The city of Murrieta is considering what to do about what it calls the "recent growth" of short-term rentals, and a public workshop has been scheduled to discuss the matter.

During the 3:45 p.m.* Feb. 18 workshop that will be held before city council members at City Hall, city staffers will provide a presentation on the "background and recent growth of short-term vacation rentals; how other jurisdictions within Riverside County are regulating this type of use; a discussion of software applications that are utilized in municipalities; and an overview of potential next steps."

While several California cities have grappled with the issue of short-term/vacation rentals, some of the more notable debates have occurred in San Diego, where discourse continues. Additionally, short-term rental company Airbnb banned "party houses" in the wake of a shooting that killed five people during a Halloween party at a short-term rental in Orinda, Calif.

The upcoming workshop is open to the public. For those who want to comment on short-term rentals in Murrieta, written comments can be submitted to city council or citizens may address city council in person during the workshop.

The workshop will take place at Murrieta City Hall, 1 Town Square.

*This workshop was initially scheduled at 4:30 p.m. The new time 3:45 p.m.