Santa Cruz County is cracking down on vacation rentals owned by absentee landlords and investors, aiming to curb their proliferation and free up housing supply. A new subcommittee will propose regulations to limit the number of unhosted rentals and rental permits, while the county demands platforms including Airbnb and Vrbo remove listings that don’t have county permits. This move comes amid growing concerns about housing affordability in the area.
vacation rentals
Posted inHousing & Development
New era of policing vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County pushes complaints, violations into public view
Vacation rentals have come under intensifying scrutiny as Santa Cruz County tries to balance its tourism industry and housing supply crisis. Previously lax enforcement has given way to a stricter approach, filled with listing checks, public hearings to address neighbor complaints and violations, and the potential for license revocations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Measure B: County Transient Occupancy Tax explained
Proponents view the measure as an opportunity to use Santa Cruz County’s large tourism revenue stream to fund essential services vital to the community’s well being, but some in the hospitality industry see the industry split as unfair.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Party house putdown: County’s revised vacation rental rules — with new caps, more teeth — near finish line
The proposed rules would change how many vacation rentals are allowed in three designated Santa Cruz County beach neighborhoods. They also would allow for ways to hold bad actors accountable, officials say.