We wanted to update you on the coming changes to the short-term rental ordinance in Sonoma County that the Supervisor will look at on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 2:15PM.

It is Agenda item 76 and text & documents are here.

We have begun talking to the supervisor about the harshness of the penalties for operating a short-term rental without the proper licenses and permits, and here are some positive changes that are coming.

If the measure passes, Permit Sonoma staff will now have some discretion as to the level of a fine based upon.

"Vacation Rentals operating without required permits or licenses are subject to a penalty of 10 times the normal application fees. The Board directed staff to return with anamendment to County Code Section 1-7.1 to modify civil penalties for such rentals to provide a range of potential penalties. Modifying the penalty to instead allow a range from 3 to 10 times the application fee, would allow staff to consider the relevant facts of the violation and assess the penalty accordingly. The penalties would range from approximately $1787 to $5956 for unlicensed vacation rentals, and $4,245 to $14,150 for operations without a zoning permit or license.

The Code Enforcement Division of Permit Sonoma develops internal protocols to apply penalties consistently and equitably by taking factors into consideration such as the operator’s awareness of County requirements and history of past violations. When an operator receives a notice of violation, they may appeal the determination - typically within 10 days of the notice of violation. The appeal is then considered at an abatement hearing before a Hearing Officer consistent with abatement procedures specified in Sec. 1-7.3 of County Code.”

We believe this approach to be more fair and just, as it will be a more reasonable approach to assessing fines.

There will also be an update from Permit Sonoma (PRMD) to the Supervisors about how the vacation rental license program is working – which will be a great opportunity for hosts to give feedback on lighting requirements, LLC ownership, and other topics important to the home sharing community.

You can write your Public Comment to the Board of Supervisors, and most importantly, WE NEED YOU TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT. 

EMAIL

Comments, to the entire Board at bos@sonoma-county.org.

IN PERSON

Board of Supervisors Chambers

575 Administration Drive 102A

Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting using one of the three following methods, BUT YOU CAN NO LONGER MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT ON ZOOM OR LIVESTREAM:

1. WATCH LIVESTREAM:

https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Once the meeting has started, click the “In Progress” hyperlink to begin viewing.

2. LISTEN TO MEETING IN ZOOM:

Participate by computer, tablet, or smartphone application:

Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/95248209696?pwd=bGYrd2dmTm15OHBYWVlpY1JWcXNCUT09

Enter meeting ID: 952 4820 9696

Enter Password: 919371

Listen through Zoom by phone:

Dial +1 (669) 900 9128

Enter meeting ID: 952 4820 9696

Enter password: 919371