Del Mar's City Council has laid down the law on short-term rentals, firmly routing the future of vacation stays into regulation's hands. According to the City of Del Mar, on Monday, the council members agreed to introduce an ordinance to strike a balance, keeping Del Mar hospitable to visitors without stripping away its long-term housing supplies. Essentially, they've capped the number of short-term rentals to 129, a mere 5% of the city's dwellings as counted in the 2020 Census.
Here's the update: It's now harder for homeowners to legally rent out their spaces short-term. They must sign a self-certification form to promise they follow safety rules and laws. Plus, any future increases in short-term rentals will need approval from the City Council and the California Coastal Commission, which oversees coastal land use.
As reported, this new ordinance isn't just dropping anchors on future rentals; it also secures a place for today's hosts. Existing short-term rental owners have until December 31 to register with the City and an additional 60 days post-ordinance-effectiveness date to land their permit.
With the Coastal Commission's approval still hanging in the balance, this ordinance could soon redefine Del Mar’s coastal charm. The full adoption of the ordinance is anticipated to happen on September 23, after which implementation details are expected to roll out to deliver a regulated, fairer short-term rental system for this beachside city.
