The City Council on July 10 initiated its process to set policies on short-term rentals with a review of data and consensus on the topics and scheduling of future meetings.
No policy actions were taken.
An analysis of short-term rentals from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2023, identified 116 units as advertised for rent on a daily basis. The short-term rentals comprise 4.5 percent of the total dwelling units in Del Mar.
Of those units:
- 9 of the short-term rentals operated in locations allowed under existing codes;
- 80 of the rentals operated in investment properties that are not owner-occupied as a primary residence;
- 36 were rentals of a primary residence;
- The average occupancy rate was 62%;
- The average length of stay was 3.7 days; and
- The average rental rate was $630 per night.
During their deliberations, council members directed staff to add inputs from the month of June to the data set.
Short-term rentals are rentals of a dwelling unit for 30 days or less.
In 2016, the City Council adopted a moratorium on new short-term rentals in response to a spike of the commercial activity — driven by the emergence of online rental platforms — in residential zones. A "forbearance accommodation" of existing short-term rentals has been in place since then.
The City Council has identified setting policies and regulations for short-term rentals as a priority for 2023-24.
Looking ahead, future meetings and steps include:
- July 24: A City Council and community discussion to determine guiding principles and objectives;
- Sept. 5: A presentation by the City Attorney to the City Council on relevant legal decisions by the Coastal Commission and courts;
- Council direction on the desired policy and regulatory framework;
- Preparation of a draft ordinance and Local Coastal Program Amendment with associated environmental review and public participation opportunities;
- A Planning Commission hearing and recommendation on the draft ordinance;
- City Council meetings for ordinance introduction and adoption; and
- Certification by the Coastal Commission.
Watch meeting
Open staff report