Palm Desert Considering More Restrictions on Short Term Rentals

A new ordinance aimed at corralling non-licensed short-term rentals in Palm Desert could go before the City Council as early as February.

In a unanimous vote, council members directed city staff to prepare an ordinance that would require home owners to property managers to hire a property manager, or have someone available 24/7 locally.

The city is also considering hiring a consultant to monitor the short-term rentals, which would mirror Rancho Mirage’s approach.

The ordinance would take the place of a , which was instituted in April, that requires homeowners to get a conditional use permit through the Palm Desert Planning Commission and pay a $500 fee.

“I find the new approach you are taking to be a welcome and promising one,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bill Kroonen at a Dec. 8 council meeting, (which can be watched online.)

Councilwoman Jan Harnik said she is in favor of reducing the $500 fee.

“The easier we can make them to register, the easier it is for us,” Harnik said.

Councilwoman Cindy Finerty said she does not support short term rentals in residential neighborhoods.

“While I still oppose short term rentals, I still realize and respect the rest of my colleagues in supporting them. If we are going to have them, then it makes sense to be able to collect the TOT (transient occupancy tax) and not short the city,” Councilwoman Cindy Finerty said.

The city has between 400 to 600 homes that are not in compliance, according to the city’s Principal Planner Tony Bagato.

According to Bagato, the city of Rancho Mirage hired a consultant who can work part-time and do research on the web, trying to find illegal non-licensed rentals.

“They would set up sting operations on their own and bring about compliance,” he said.