Laguna Beach Ban On Short-Term Rentals Ok'd By Coastal Commission

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — After years of public hearings and work by city staff, the ban on new short-term lodging applications in residential areas was unanimously approved by the California Coastal Commission.

Mayor Bob Whalen says that he believes the measure to be "strongly supported" by residents who have actively pushed for peace and quiet in their neighborhoods.

The ban "also helps to preserve our long-term rental housing supply and protects residents who are renting units in the residential zones from eviction for short-term lodging," Whalen wrote in a statement, Wednesday. "This is a very positive outcome for our city.

California Coastal Commission has favored short-term rentals in he past, according to the Indy, saying the practice opens up opportunities for families who cannot afford the typical hotel room. In Laguna Beach, "local advocates have pushed back" the Indy reports, saying that short-term lodging in Laguna caters to the rich.

The Laguna Beach Indy reports that the city has 117 short-term lodging units operating in city limits, and 79 of those are within residential-zones.

None of those will be affected by the new ruling, the city says.

This is a developing report and will be updated as more information is released.

See also:

Laguna Beach Seeks To Halt Short Term Rentals In Neighborhoods

Laguna Beach Council Votes To Ban New Airbnb Rentals

Newport Beach Council Adopts New Short-Term Rental Regulations