After several months of public upset over the recently enacted Short Term Rental Ordinance O-20977 and O-20978, the San Diego City Council held a special meeting today to determine the fate of the ordinance. The Council was put to a vote on whether the STR Ordinance should be submitted to the public for a vote in an upcoming election, or …
City of San Diego Votes to Restrict Short Term Rentals
After many years of indecision, the City of San Diego finally passed an ordinance to restrict short term rentals on July 16, 2018. In a 6-3 vote, short term rentals are now only permissible in primary residences, and duplexes where the owner resides in one of the units. Primary residences can be rented out for a maximum of 6 months …
For Sale By Owner – Do I Really Need An Attorney?
If you are considering selling your home without using a Real Estate Agent or Broker in order to save on commissions, there are three important things you need to know. First and foremost, you absolutely need the assistance of a real estate attorney to ensure the sale is done in compliance with all California laws. Real estate agents cannot give …
City Attorney Declares Short Term Rentals Not Permitted in San Diego
On March 15, 2017,San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott issued a memorandum of law declaring that short term vacation rentals in single family residences are not permitted under the Municipal Code. The basis for her position is that the City has a “permissive zoning ordinance” which means that if a particular use is not listed, it is not permitted. Currently …
Transient Occupancy Taxes – Do I Really Have to Pay Them?
Most cities in San Diego County, and throughout California, impose something called a “transient occupancy tax” (TOT) on “transients,” or persons who occupy a hotel, RV park, campsite or short term rental property for a period of less than 30 days. (**UPDATE: see blog post 6-10-19 for City of San Diego**) This TOT applies to short term vacation rentals under …