2020 08 06 STVRP AD-HOC1
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM AUGUST 6, 2020
AD-HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
Short-Term Vacation Rental Program Ad-
Hoc Committee agendas and staff reports
are available on the City’s web page:
www.LaQuintaCA.gov
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL
PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE
AGENDA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020 AT 4:00 P.M.
******************************
SPECIAL NOTICE
Teleconferencing and Telephonic Accessibility In Effect
Pursuant to Executive Orders N-25-20, N-29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20,
executed by the Governor of California in response to the state of emergency
relating to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and enabling
teleconferencing accommodations by suspending or waiving specified
provisions in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.),
members of the Short-Term Vacation Rental Ad-Hoc Committee, the City
Manager, City Attorney, City Staff, and City Consultants may participate in
this meeting by teleconference. Additionally, pursuant to the above-
referenced executive orders, the public is not permitted to physically attend
at City Hall the meeting to which this agenda applies, but any member of the
public may listen or participate in the open session of this meeting as specified
below.
Members of the public wanting to listen to this meeting may do so by tuning-
in live via http://laquinta.12milesout.com/video/live.
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SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM AUGUST 6, 2020
AD-HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
Members of the public wanting to address the Short-Term Vacation
Rental (STVR) Program Ad-Hoc Committee (Committee), either for
public comment or for a specific agenda item, or both, are requested to send
written comments ONLY by email to the Committee Secretary Lori Lorett
at LLorett@LaQuintaCA.gov, and specify the following information:
1) Full Name 4) Public Comment or Agenda Item Number
2) City of Residence 5) Subject
3) Phone Number 6) Written Comments
The email “subject line” must clearly state “Written Comments.”
Written public comments must be emailed to the Committee Secretary no
later than 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
Written public comments, received prior to 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting,
will be distributed to the Committee, incorporated into the agenda packet and
public record of the meeting, and will not be read during the meeting unless, upon
the request of the Committee Chairperson, a brief summary of any public comment
is asked to be read, to the extent the City Staff can accommodate such request.
******************************
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Committee members Best, Butler, Caldwell, Church, Coronel, Franco, Grotsky,
Jonasson, McDonough, Monroe, Navarro, Shelton, Spinney, Tamm, and
Chairperson Schutz
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Please email “Written Public Comments” to Committee Secretary Lori Lorett at
LLorett@LaQuintaCA.gov and limit your comments to approximately 350 words.
The Committee values your comments; however, in accordance with State law,
no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
Note: Consent Calendar items are routine in nature and can be approved by one
motion.
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SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM AUGUST 6, 2020
AD-HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
1.APPROVE MINUTES OF JULY 9, 2020
BUSINESS SESSION
1.DISCUSS ENFORCEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE RECCOMENDATIONS
STUDY SESSION
1.DISCUSS EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9 GOVERNING USE AND OCCUPATION OF
RELATED TO SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL UNITS
2.DISCUSS FORMATION OF ADDITIONAL SUB-COMMITTEE’S
CHAIRPERSON AND COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September
3, 2020.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Lori Lorett, Committee Secretary of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare that
the foregoing Agenda for the Committee meeting was posted on the City’s website,
near the entrance to the Council Chambers at 78495 Calle Tampico, and the bulletin
boards at the Stater Brothers Supermarket at 78630 Highway 111, and the La
Quinta Cove Post Office at 51321 Avenida Bermudas, on August 3, 2020.
DATED: August 3, 2020
LORI LORETT, Committee Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
Public Notices
The La Quinta City Council Chamber is handicapped accessible. If special equipment is
needed for the hearing impaired, please call The Hub division of the Design and
Development Department at (760) 777-7125, twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the
meeting and accommodations will be made.
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SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM AUGUST 6, 2020
AD-HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
If special electronic equipment is needed to make presentations to the Committee,
arrangements should be made in advance by contacting The Hub Division of the Design
and Development Department at (760) 777-7125. A one (1) week notice is required.
If background material is to be presented to the Committee during a Committee
meeting, please be advised that fifteen (15) copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must
be supplied to the Committee Secretary for distribution. It is requested that this take
place prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Committee regarding any
item(s) on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the Design and
Development Department’s counter at City Hall located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, La
Quinta, California, 92253, during normal business hours.
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 1 of 3 JULY 9, 2020
MINUTES
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL
PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE
MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program Ad-Hoc
Committee (Committee) was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Lori Lorett.
This meeting was held by teleconference pursuant to Executive orders N -25-
20, N-29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20, executed to by the Governor of California
in response to the state of emergency relating to novel coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) and enabling teleconferencing accommodations by
suspending or waiving specified provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act
(Government Code § 54950 et seq.).
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Committee Members Best, Butler, Caldwell, Church, Coronel,
Franco, Grotsky, Jonasson, McDonough, Monroe, Navarro,
Schutz, Shelton, Spinney, and Tamm
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Design & Development Director Danny Castro, Hub Manager
Tommi Sanchez, Permit Technician Michelle Lopez,
Administrative Assistant/Committee Secretary Lori Lorett,
Public Safety Manager Martha Mendez, Code Compliance
Supervisor Kevin Meredith, and Community Resources
Director Chris Escobedo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Committee Secretary Lori Lorett led the committee in the Pledge of Allegiance
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Committee Secretary Lorett announced that WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
were provided by Jeff and Val Smith, Linda Williams, Maria Puente, Barb
Montavon, and Suzanna Banana all in opposition of Short-Term Vacation
Rentals, which were distributed to the Committee, and incorporated into the
agenda packet and public record of the meeting.
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 2 of 3 JULY 9, 2020
MINUTES
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED JUNE 4, 2020
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
Church/Best to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Motion passed
unanimously.
COMMITTEE ITEMS
1. CHAIRPERSON SCHUTZ TO REVIEW COMMITTEE PLAN AND
FUTURE MEETING TOPIC SCHEDULE
Chairperson Schutz presented the Committee with a presentation which
included a Committee plan overview, Committee guidelines to follow, and
proposed meeting topics for the duration of the Committee.
Chairperson Schutz encouraged Committee Members to use the chat feature
for questions throughout the meeting to eliminate interruptions.
2. CITY STAFF TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL
PROGRAM AND CODE ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION
Staff gave a detailed presentation that provided the following information:
• STVR objective;
• Current number of active, registered STVR’s is 1,320, which is 5.3% of
the total 25,022 dwelling units;
• STVR unit density on maps throughout the City;
• Overview of Staff involved with STVR Program;
• STVR Program available services online;
• STVR revenue from fiscal year 2015/16 to current;
• STVR Program enhancements, including added Permit Technician
position, website updates, 24/7 hotline, community outreach, and online
services;
• 2018 STVR City Ordinance update;
• Code Compliance role with STVR’s which includes managing hotline
calls, conducting inspections, responding to and inspecting STVR
complaints, issuing citations, and forming sub-committees.
Committee Members used the chat feature during the presentation to pose
clarifying questions regarding the information presented; Chairperson Schutz
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 3 of 3 JULY 9, 2020
MINUTES
read the compiled questions relating to STVR density maps, enforcement
issues, City revenue, and STVR workshops and Staff members responded to
each of the questions.
3. TOPICS TO COVER AT NEXT MEETING - COMMUNITY
PERCEPTION, GUEST BEHAVIOR, AND GUEST EXPECTATIONS
Staff suggested a Sub-Committee be formed with a focus on STVR compliance
enforcement – to review the current enforcement process and formulate
recommendations, report back to the Committee, and then provide those
recommendations to City Council. The Committee reached a consensus to
appoint Committee Members Caldwell, Monroe, Chairperson Schutz, and Vice-
Chair McDonough to serve on the Enforcement Sub-Committee.
Topics for the next meeting were amended due to the formation of the
Enforcement Sub-Committee. At the next Committee meeting, the Committee
will discuss enforcement issues and review the Enforcement Sub-Committee
recommendations.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LORI LORETT, Committee Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
78-495 CALLE TAMPICO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
ORDER GOVERNING USE AND OCCUPATION OF
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL UNITS
IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
EFFECTIVE 12:00 P.M. July 15, 2020
Date of Executive Order: July 14, 2020
Pursuant to Chapter 2.20 of the La Quinta Municipal Code and City Council
Resolution No. EM 2020-001, the City Manager for the City of La Quinta
hereby ORDERS the following:
1. This order applies to any “short-term vacation rental unit,” as
defined in La Quinta Municipal Code Section 3.25.030, which is
defined as follows: “a privately owned residential dwelling,
such as, but not limited to, a single-family detached or
multiple-family attached unit, apartment house, condominium,
cooperative apartment, duplex, or any portion of such
dwellings, rented for occupancy for dwelling, lodging, or
sleeping purposes for a period of thirty consecutive calendar
days or less, counting portions of calendar days as full days.”
All short-term vacation rental units must comply with all
applicable provisions of the La Quinta Municipal Code (LQMC),
including but not limited to Chapters 3.24, 3.25, and the
permitting and operations requirements therein.
2. Commencing on the effective date, and for the duration of the
effectiveness of this order, all short-term vacation rental units
in the City of La Quinta shall be subject to the following:
(a) Two-Strikes Policy. Notwithstanding provisions in LQMC
Section 3.25.090, Subsection (D), to the contrary, two
(2) violations of any provision of Chapter 3.25 or the
LQMC within one year by any applicant, occupant,
responsible person, local contact person, owner, or
owner’s authorized agent or representative (as those
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
TEL (760) 777-7100
78-495 CALLE TAMPICO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253
terms are defined in LQMC Section 3.25.030), with
respect to any one residential dwelling will result in an
immediate, minimum 30-day suspension of the short-
term vacation rental permit. Ability to have a hearing
before the city to request a lifting of the suspension shall
be governed by this order notwithstanding any
administrative appeals process available in the LQMC.
(b) Immediate 90-Day Suspension for Non-Responsiveness.
Failure of the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or
representative and/or the owner’s designated local
contact person (as those terms are defined in LQMC
Section 3.25.030) to respond to calls or complaints
regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of
occupants and/or guests of the short-term vacation
rental unit within forty -five minutes, as required by LQMC
Section 3.25.070, Subsection (G), shall be subject to an
immediate 90-day suspension of the short-term vacation
rental permit. Ability to have a hearing before the city to
request a lifting of the suspension shall be governed by
this order notwithstanding any administrative appeals
process available in the LQMC.
(c) No Sound Amplification Allowed At Any Time.
Notwithstanding provisions in LQMC Section 3.25.070,
Subsection (E), to the contrary, no radio receiver,
musical instrument, phonograph, compact disk player,
loudspeaker, karaoke machine, sound amplifier, or any
machine, device or equipment that produces or
reproduces any sound may be used outside or be audible
from the outside of any short-term vacation rental unit at
any time.
(d) Noise Limit. No person at a short-term vacation rental
unit (whether inside or outside the unit) shall willfully
make any unreasonably loud noise to the extent that it
disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or
imposes upon the privacy and rights of others nearby the
short-term vacation rental unit. “Unreasonably loud
noise” shall be determined by a city official visiting the
short-term vacation rental unit and using the standards
set forth in LQMC Section 11.08.040. The noise limits in
this paragraph are in addition to any other noise
requirements set forth in the LQMC, including LQMC
Section 3.25.070, Subsection (E), as modified by this
order.
78-495 CALLE TAMPICO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253
(e) Fines for Violations. To the maximum extent allowed by
state law, any administrative citation may impose a fine
up to double the amount set forth in LQMC Section
3.25.090, Subsection (E), for one or more violations as
identified in that subsection.
(f) Administrative Appeals Process for Immediate Permit
Suspensions. Upon issuance of a Notice of Violation for
an immediate suspension of a short-term vacation rental
permit issued pursuant to this order, the suspension shall
take effect after the occupant using the unit at the time
of the violation vacates the short-term vacation rental
unit, unless a suspension must take effect prior to the
occupant’s vacating the unit to protect the public health
or welfare (which includes the protection of persons or
property from death, injury, harm, or damage). A person
aggrieved by the Notice of Violation may appeal the
decision to the City Manager pursuant to LQMC
Section 2.08.190. Any appeal shall be noticed and heard
pursuant to LQMC Section 2.08.210, and a failure to
appeal shall be subject to LQMC Section 2.08.220.
Notwithstanding any provisions in Section 2.08.230 or
otherwise in the LQMC, the decision by the City Manager
of an appeal shall be the final decision by the City of La
Quinta for any suspension of a short-term vacation rental
permit issued under this order.
(g) Administrative Appeals for Citations Imposing Fines. Any
administrative citation imposing a fine pursuant to this
order shall be issued and subject to an administrative
appeal pursuant to LQMC Chapter 1.09.
3. This order applies to any and all short-term vacation rental
units in the City of La Quinta, regardless of whether they are
occupied by persons paying rent or not.
4. All short-term vacation rental units in the City of La Quinta
shall operate, be used, and occupied as authorized by, and
consistent with, California Governor Executive Order N-60-20
and the requirements of the California Department of Public
Health (DPH) set forth and available at the following (and any
other applicable) Web sites, as may be updated from time to
time:
https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/;
https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/;
78-495 CALLE TAMPICO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253
https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-
needs/#top.
5. Any and all advertising for a short-term rental shall not be
inconsistent with this order for as long as this order remains in
effect. This requirement shall be in addition to any other
requirements for advertising a short-term rental set forth in
Chapters 3.24, 3.25, or any other provisions in the La Quinta
Municipal Code.
6. This order is issued to best protect the public health and
welfare and follows the most recent orders and directives from
the California Department of Public Health (DPH) as
implemented by Riverside County Public Health Office,
including the July 13, 2020 state-wide order re-closing certain
industries in Riverside County, and the DPH “Stay at Home
Q&A” instructing persons to “avoid travelling long distances for
vacations or pleasure as much as possible.” Any subsequent
order from the City Manager shall be based on further
direction, if and when issued, from the DPH or the Riverside
County Public Health Officer, including any further direction on
the Internet Web site for DPH, at: https://covid19.ca.gov/ and
https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-
needs/#top, and Riverside County Public Health Office at:
https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus, or successor Web sites
established by the state department or county public health
office.
7. The Assistant to the City Manager is hereby directed to
coordinate, deploy, and monitor compliance by short-term
vacation rental units subject to this order with notices to the
public and any other reasonable means necessary or
appropriate.
8. This order shall remain in effect until terminated or amended
by subsequent order from the City Manager.
This Executive Order is issued because a Local Emergency, as defined in
Section 2.20.020 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, has been proclaimed by
the City Council of the City of La Quinta to exist due to the threat of the
existence and spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in and
throughout the city. All of the findings set forth in the recitals to Resolution
No. EM 2020-001 adopted by the City Council are hereby incorporated by
reference into this Executive Order.
78-495 CALLE TAMPICO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253
This Executive Order is issued, pursuant to Sections 3, 5, and 8 of
Resolution No. EM 2020-001 and Section 2.20.100, Subsections (A) and (B),
of the La Quinta Municipal Code, under which the City Manager has the
authority and power to issue executive orders for any matters related to the
Local Emergency.
This Executive Order is issued in furtherance of the authority and power to
address the Local Emergency as provided in the California Emergency
Services Act, Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Title 2 of the
Government Code, and implemented by Chapter 2.20 of the La Quinta
Municipal Code. Any violation of this Executive Order may be determined to
be a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both,
pursuant to Section 8665 of the Government Code, Section 2.20.140 of the
La Quinta Municipal Code, the provisions in this order, and any other state or
city law as may be applicable.
EXECUTED BY:
_______________________________
Jon McMillen, City Manager
City of La Quinta, California
Page 1 of 9
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Subcommittee on Enforcement Final Report
The Subcommittee on Enforcement has been formed to frame issues relating to code
enforcement and provide guidance and recommendations for discussion and possible adoption
by the parent STVR Committee.
This report represents the unanimous conclusions and recommendations of the subcommittee.
The overall issues surrounding enforcement can be divided into three main groups:
Each of these groups contain issues that must be addressed as part of a comprehensive
enforcement process.
This document provides a starting point for the Committee in identifying the main enforcement
issues. It provides a brief discussion on each issue and outlines recommendations that will
provide a solution to that specific issue. In some cases, a single recommendation may provide
solutions to several problems (for example, trained and dedicated enforcement personnel).
Finally, the document provides a priority matrix for discussion on suggested prioritization of
recommendations.
Sourcing for this document comes directly from the original list (“Lori List”) of issues identified
by the Committee at its first meeting. Only issues relating directly to enforcement are covered
here: other discussion topics not related to enforcement are outside the scope if this
subcommittee.
Issues before an enforcement event:
•Communicating with the City / Verifying a Complaint
•STVR Homeowner not Registering with the City
•STVR Owner not aware of the rules
•Renters not aware of the rules
•Neighbors (or community at large) not aware of the rules
•Knowledge level or outsourced services
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 2 of 9
The enforcement event:
•No contact with Owner / Representative
•Noise / behavior / party events
•Occupancy Limit violations
•Parking
•Trash
•Sensitive neighbors
After the enforcement event:
•Repeat offenders / 3 Strikes
Issues before an enforcement event
Issue: Communicating with the City / Verifying a complaint
Discussion: STR Owner/Managers and homeowners have expressed frustration with the City
hotline. The hotline is often unmanned in times of most critical need. Even when
manned the latency between phoning in and having an issue addressed is often
hours (sometimes longer). Frequently, because of this delay, the issue being
reported resolves itself before the City responds, but after a homeowner has
endured several hours of pain. When it eventually responds, the City may
therefore find no evidence of any issues, resulting in a false negative incident
report, frustrating homeowners and leading to inaccurate violation statistics.
Anecdotal evidence indicates this tends to be a bigger issue in STVR properties
that are managed by non-resident owners (i.e. management companies). Also, if
the City calls property management (starting the clock on the 45-minute rule) it
simply hands off, and little or no follow up checking is done with the reporting
homeowner (or STVR Owner) to confirm the issue is resolved. Also, in the case of
STVR owners employing property managers, sometimes the actual owner doesn’t
even know there has been a complaint.
Effective and timely communications between STVR property owners, renters and
neighbors with respect to notification and enforcement represents a critical path
in getting the community to work together harmoniously.
Recommendation:
•Staff the hotline with live, (local, trained) personnel who are familiar with La
Quinta geography and empowered and equipped to initiate complaint
resolution immediately.
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 3 of 9
•Increase field enforcement staffing by initially at least two additional full time
STVR trained officers available for immediate dispatch during times of need.
•Hotline and enforcement staff should be dynamically managed: more staff
when the hotline is heavily used (evenings and weekends) and less staffing at
times when complaints tend to be low (weekday mornings and afternoons).
Issue: STVR Homeowner not Registering with the City
Discussion: A significant number of homeowners who rent property do not register with the
City, thereby avoiding the fees, oversight and TOT. Enforcement of the City
mandate requiring STVR owners to register is difficult as the City is often unaware
of their business unless a complaint is filed against the property.
Recommendation:
•Publicize the registration requirements regularly on the web site and
through social media outlets.
•Include mail inserts to all residents in any surface mailings sent out to
residents.
•Where possible, partner with HOA communities and Management
Companies to exchange information on STVR rental activities.
•Assess significant monetary penalties for non-compliance. These penalties
must be paid before an STVR license can be obtained.
Issue: STVR Owner not aware of the rules
Discussion: Some owner/operators do not read the relevant statutes/ordinances governing
how properties may be rented even though this is a requirement of registration.
Recommendation:
•Applicants and Management Company representatives who directly
manage a property must attend a compulsory workshop prior to the
issuance of permits.
•STR Owners and Management Company representatives who are directly
responsible for managing a property that have been assessed a violation
must retake the compulsory workshop at their own expense.
•This training would also be open to the public so that interested neighbors
and others can familiarize themselves with the requirements and
responsibilities of STVR ownership.
Issue: Renters not aware of the rules
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 4 of 9
Discussion: Many renters who occupy STVR units are not aware of the rules for conduct or
behavior. While the City ordinance requires STVR owners to provide a copy of the
relevant documents, they are often ignored by many renters. When renters first
occupy the property, it is often not their priority to stop and read documents. In
many cases, the renters only become aware of the rules after they have caused a
disruption with neighbors, which is too late.
Recommendation:
•The owner/manager obtains a signature from the renter in advance of
occupying the property – i.e. when the rental agreement is signed. Perhaps a
signed copy of the ordinance certifying the renter has read and agrees to be
bound by the document.
•A condensed copy of the relevant ordinance must be permanently fixed to a
prominent location in the property. This document will be generated by the
City and outline the relevant rules in plain language.
Issue: Neighbors not aware of the rules
Discussion: Neighbors are often ill-informed about the specifics regarding STVR rules and
ordinances that affect them. Many have unreasonable expectations regarding ill-
defined and amorphous concepts such as “quiet enjoyment” and what exactly
constitutes “noise levels of greater than 60dBA”. Daytime and nighttime
restriction variations are also not well understood. (Note this issue may also apply
to STVR owners and renters). Parking requirements and trash pickup rules are
sometimes not clear (and may conflict with HOA rules in managed communities).
For example, some communities require parking in the driveway before street
parking may be used.
Another example is many neighbors have come to the expectation that any
audible noise is cause for complaint. Some are unaware of the 10:00 p.m. curfew
on amplified noise, while others believe that any noise after 10:00 p.m. is
unacceptable.
Recommendation:
•Neighbors surrounding STVR properties should be notified by the city of an
adjacent STVR property and supplied with the same documents the Owner is
required to furnish to the renter. (This could be a requirement placed on the
STVR owner if the City feels it is appropriate – as long as the neighbor gets the
information). This must also include all contact information for complaints to
the City as well as contact information for the Property owner and the
Property Manager if applicable.
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 5 of 9
•These documents should be refreshed annually as part of the license renewal
process.
•A document should be prepared and provided to the neighbor clarifying
definitively the meaning of any technical terms. Where possible real-life
examples should be used to illustrate the terms used. This document should
be provided to renters as well.
The enforcement event
Issue: No contact with Owner/Representative
Discussion: In cases where a complaint is received by the City, one of the first steps is to call
the STVR owner or property management representative. This begins a 45-minute
clock as required by the City ordinance. In the event the City is unable to contact
the responsible party within a 45-minute window, the escalation process is to
report the issue to RCS and handoff to them. This process has proven ineffective
as the RCS often takes significant time to respond – if at all. In the meantime, the
City has no way of verifying the complaint, and the neighbor continues to endure
the problem.
The issue seems to predominantly affect STVR properties where there is a non-
resident or externally managed property (needs to be verified by City statistics).
While a fine may be issued to the STVR property owner after the 45-minute
window has expired, this does not help at all with enforcement of the actual issue
being reported. In addition, the fine may be dismissed as simply a “cost of doing
business” by the property owner and absorbed by them (or passed on to the
offending renter if possible).
Recommendation:
•Implement an escalation process whereby if the first call to the designated
contact goes unanswered within a 30-minute window, a call is made to RSO
and a mandatory citation is issued according to the current ordinance.
•As described above, increase the number of trained and dedicated
enforcement personnel to levels that can actively address the situation with
or without the homeowner / property manager.
Issue: Noise/ Behavior/Party events
Discussion: Noise and behavior related disturbances represent a significant portion of overall
complaints (need to incorporate City data). Also, these complaints tend to be
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 6 of 9
high profile and very visible in the community, as they interfere directly with
neighborhood quality of life.
Often there is a three-way knowledge gap (STVR homeowner, renter and neighbor)
about exactly how much noise is too much, and what conduct is acceptable during
daylight or nighttime hours. City and county statues/ordinances are definitive and
objective in this regard, however they are of little use as they rely on technical
specifications such as dB(A) ratings etc., and do not supply enough guidance for
measurement. This leads to deeply subjective interpretation of the relevant rules
and unrealistic expectations from neighbors about exactly how much noise is
acceptable.
Recommendation:
•A document should be prepared and provided to all parties clarifying
definitively the meaning of any technical measurements and how these
measurements should be interpreted. (See also above).
•Enforcement personnel should be provided with and trained to use relevant
noise level meters and other tools that enhance objective measurement of
noise. They should also be trained to explain the results of these
measurements to neighbors and renters in the event of a complaint.
•Where possible, real-life examples should be used to illustrate the terms used.
This document should be provided to renters as well.
•The City should implement tutorial workshops that clarify what the noise and
behavior rules are. These workshops should open to all community members
and conducted on a regular basis (perhaps once every calendar quarter).
•Quiet hours shall be between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8am. No amplified
noise is permitted between the hours of 8pm to 8am.
Issue: Occupancy Limit violations
Discussion: The City places occupancy limits on all occupied dwellings, however enforcement
is difficult in most cases because of privacy issues. In the case of STVR properties,
the most visible issue results from parties or renters allowing additional occupants
overnight on the property.
This problem is also difficult to manage from an STVR owner’s perspective as often
the renter declares substantially fewer occupants on the lease than actually show
up.
Enforcement is difficult when there are no other issues with the rental property,
however when a complaint is issued, the City is empowered to ask (and verify)
how many occupants are on property. (need to check legality of this).
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 7 of 9
This problem is seldom an isolated issue: it usually arises as part of a complaint
involving noise, vandalism, trespassing (i.e. people in pools) or some other
behavior.
From an STVR rental issue, this problem may not need to be addressed unless it is
the cause of some other complaint. However, if such a complaint is filed
(particularly in evening or nighttime hours), the City has a responsibility to
respond.
Recommendation:
•Empower and require enforcement personnel to ask and verify (subject to
legal applicability) the number of occupants at time of a complaint.
•Notify the STVR owner or property manager immediately if a citation will be
issued. This is will enable recovery of any fines from the occupants before
security deposits are refunded, etc.
•Limit overnight parking for STVR properties (see also below). (This is the way
some HOA communities manage occupancy issues)
Issue: Parking
Discussion: Excessive vehicle parking in and around the property is disruptive to neighbors
and represents safety issues on smaller, narrower streets. Often, mailboxes and
fire hydrants are obstructed in violation of city codes.
Recommandation :
•Limit the number of vehicles that may be parked on the street to a maximum
of three vehicles during times the property is rented.
•Property Owner / Manager must provide and require the renter to display a
sign clearly identifying the vehicle as being associated with the rental address.
Issue: Trash
Discussion: Trash is sometimes left out on the street when renters exit the property, creating
an objectionable look and possibly a health hazard. Also, trash policies can vary
depending on location within the city. For example, certain HOA communities may
have different trash regulations from other non HOA communities.
Recommendation:
•Current regulations are adequate for dealing with this issue, however during
the process of getting a license, the STVR applicant should be specifically
made aware of the current trash collection policy, including the availability of
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 8 of 9
larger capacity bins and concierge collection services, as well as the fines
associated with non-compliance.
•The STVR owner must inform the renter in writing of the property specific
trash policy as part of the rental agreement.
After the enforcement event
Issue: Repeat offenders /3 Strikes
Discussion: There is evidence that while some STVR properties are repeat offenders, a vast
majority of properties are not unduly disruptive from an enforcement perspective.
This means that many of the enforcement issues discussed here result from a
relatively small proportion of STVR properties.
(Note: The issue of STVR Density, the effects on quality of life and community
perspectives etc. are outside the scope of this Enforcement Subcommittee and
will be addressed by the main group).
Therefore, there should be a heavy focus on enforcement of repeat offenders, as
they contribute disproportionately to how the overall program is perceived.
The City already has measures in place that deal with “threepeat” offenders.
Anecdotal evidence suggests these measures are not being used. One reason may
be because the City does not have adequate dedicated resources to manage the
enforcement program, allowing repeat offenders to get away with multiple
offenses. It also disrupts the neighborhood, provides negative press and denies
the City access to substantial revenues from the program (see above).
Recommendation:
•Staff the hotline with a live, (local) person who is familiar with La Quinta
geography and empowered and equipped to initiate complaint resolution
immediately. (See previously).
•Increase field enforcement staffing by at least two full time STVR trained
officers available for immediate dispatch during times of need.
•Reduce the current 3-strike rule to a 2-strike rule for noise and personal
conduct violations.
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Enforcement Subcommittee
Page 9 of 9
Priority Matrix
STVR Enforcement Subcommittee
Interim Report to City Council
August 4, 2020
The STVR Committee was formed earlier this year to provide recommendations on the evolving
STVR program within the City. Committee members represent all stakeholders within the STVR
community: we have STVR Owner operators, Property Managers, Service Providers and
Neighbors of STVR properties from within and outside of managed communities.
At its July meeting, the Ad Hoc Committee convened a subcommittee to specifically address
enforcement issues. Its mandate is to examine all aspects of the enforcement process and
provide specific recommendations to the main Committee for action. The Subcommittee has
been meeting weekly to fast track enforcement recommendations. This report is a summary of
our work to date; however, it is important to note the recommendations from our subcommittee
have yet to be discussed by the full Ad Hoc Committee.
The rapid growth of STVR activity within the community from a small group of residents seeking
to rent out spare rooms or casitas, has evolved into an explosion of growth that includes
businesses owning multiple dwellings managed by non-resident owner operators or property
management firms. This explosive growth has outpaced the ability to enforce rules and
regulations needed to maintain a quiet, friendly neighborhood community. This raises concerns
for the future of affected neighborhoods and corresponding quality of life for all residents.
Because of this growth, enforcement of the existing ordinances has become critical in
maintaining a peaceful neighborhood environment and managing community reaction to the
minority of bad actors who are unable or unwilling to manage properties effectively.
In addition, the City may be leaving substantial revenues on the table because of an inability to
enforce registration requirements and monitor rental activity effectively.
This enforcement limitation has three primary effects:
•It effectively penalizes the law abiding STVR property owners for obeying the rules,
•It generates a substantial community backlash against all STVR rental owners because of
the actions of a few players,
•It changes the public’s perception of the City as a peaceful, neighborly focused resort
destination.
To efficiently address all aspects of enforcement, we have broken the issues down into three
parts:
Page 2 of 3
•Resources
•Stakeholder education
•Preservation of the community environment
Resources:
Timely response times are critical, as a delay often results in the issue being reported resolving
itself before the City responds, but after a homeowner has endured several hours of pain. When
it eventually responds, the City may therefore find no evidence of any issues, resulting in a false
negative incident report, frustrating homeowners, and leading to inaccurate violation statistics.
Our subcommittee will be recommending:
•Deployment of at least two additional dedicated and trained field enforcement personnel
who are available during times of peak enforcement activity.
•Significant enhancements to the City complaint hotline, which continues to be a major
source of frustration for all. We believe the hotline should be staffed with individuals
who are trained in the relevant ordinances, are familiar with La Quinta geography and
empowered and equipped to initiate complaint resolution immediately.
•Hotline and enforcement staff must be dynamically managed: more staff when the
hotline is heavily used (evenings and weekends and during major local events), and less
staffing at times when complaints tend to be low (weekday mornings and afternoons).
Stakeholder Education:
We believe everyone in the community is a stakeholder, owner, renters, guests, and neighbors.
Therefore, all should be aware of their rights, duties, and responsibilities. Because renters and
(increasingly) absentee owners and property managers may not reside in the community, special
accommodations must be made to ensure they are aware of the ordinance requirements.
Therefore, we will be recommending:
•The City implement a mandatory training class for all STVR licensees, Property Managers,
and applicants as a prerequisite for being granted an STVR license. In the event an owner
is cited for any reason, they should be required to retake the class before a license can be
renewed. This training would also be open to the public so that interested neighbors and
others can familiarize themselves with the requirements and responsibilities of STVR
ownership. These tutorials should be videotaped and publicly available on the City’s
website.
•Neighbors surrounding STVR properties should be notified by the City of an adjacent STVR
property and supplied with the same documents the Owner is required to furnish to the
renter.
Page 3 of 3
Preservation of the Community Environment:
Our Committee is only focused on the issues relating to enforcement. To that extent, we will
recommend:
•Changing the noise criteria such that Quiet Hours shall be between the hours of 10:00
p.m. and 8 a.m., with no amplified noise permitted between the hours of 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
•Reducing the current requirement for response times from 45 minutes to 30 minutes.
•Reduce the current 3-strike rule to a 2-strike rule for noise and personal conduct
violations.
•The City prepare and distribute a tutorial document clarifying what the noise and behavior
rules are. Real-life examples should be used to illustrate any terms used. This document
should be incorporated into the STVR training class mentioned above and provided to
renters.
•Limit on-street parking to a maximum of three vehicles during times the property is
rented.
•Parking: Require the Owner/Property Manager to provide a sign identifying the property
address and vehicle as an STVR renter. Require the renter to display the sign at all times.
•Trash: Include trash collection options such as larger collection bins and availability of
concierge collection services as part of the mandatory training for Owners/Property
Managers. Also require the Owner/Property Manager to provide a written trash policy
document as part of the rental agreement.
Finally, because STVR growth has reached a rate that is becoming difficult to manage and enforce,
we will be recommending a moratorium be placed on issuance of new permits until this
subcommittee and its parent complete their work and submit their full recommendations to
Council.
We would also like to take this opportunity to complement the City Staff working with us on their
exemplary professionalism and responsiveness. They are providing a master class in transparency,
teamwork, and knowledge of the issues.
Thank you
STVR Sub Committee
WRITTEN
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
STVR AD-HOC
COMMITTEE
MEETING
AUGUST 6, 2020
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Smart City Solutions
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 12:05:00 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
August 6th, 2020
STVR Committee
CC: City Council Members
As Vacation Rental Professionals in the Coachella Valley we face many issues
including differing City policies, growth of the industry and the required
balance with local and state regulatory requirements.
One of the most significant issues we face is the the ability for our industry to
grow and co-exist with our communities. The lack of training, resources and
developed process of our Compliance Departments has negatively impacted
the community and overall perception of Short Term Rentals.
As the committee is reviewing options to find solutions we would like to bring
to your attention Smart City Policy Making. Smart City Policy Group works
closely with both corporate and community leaders to collaborate on the
development and implementation of regulatory rules, compliance strategies,
and tax and fee systems that deliver the broadest benefit to all stakeholders.
Smart City has agreed to hold an education webinar for our Community
Leaders to present solutions other communities have implemented. Please
reach out to myself or Kelly Mclean kelly@mclean.company to coordinate the
scheduling of this educational session.
Karen Parnell
Owner - Resort Home Destinations
karen@resorthd.com
Karen Parnell
Licensed California RE Agent
Resort Home Destinations
OLD TOWN LA QUINTA
LA QUINTA, CA 92253
760 564 2564 office
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY KAREN PARNELL ON BEHALF OF SMART CITY SOLUTIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Question & Comment for STVR Ad-Hoc
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:33:20 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Please forward this to today’s STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting:
Our question and suggestion follows after the background information:
We live Full-time in a gated community which allows Short Term Rentals. Almost one half of the homes on our
street are now high-end rental properties.
The house directly next to us has a non-stop turnover. We are constantly dealing with screaming people (50%
children) in the pool, loud outdoor music, late night yelling and laughing around the fire pit, and renters thinking the
golf course behind the house is a giant playground to play soccer on, with large sprinklers to run through after
golfers are off. Not to mention vehicles parked on the streets vs in the garage or driveways.
When we call the Hotline it takes 15-20 minutes to get through the process. I don’t know how often Code
Enforcement is sent out immediately, but I’ve only witnessed them responding 1 time at night. We do know they
investigate complaints afterwards.
We of course realize it would be impractical to assume Code Enforcement could get to every complaint when they
are filed.
Our Homeowners Association has a Security Team that is supposed to respond ASAP to complaints. Because of the
increased number of violations they are often delayed in arriving. The Golf Club is a separate entity, and we have to
call a different after hours’ Security Staff.
While we know it’s in our best interest to file complaints with the City, we don’t want to take Police Officers away
from more important calls. So we tend to call our Homeowners’ Security instead. Those calls take less than a
minute.
Last night was another evening of music so loud we could hear it inside our home with the AC running, and our
television on.
Since this was not the first noise complaint against the subject property, our Security Staff apparently called the
person on call for the subject house. They arrived within 15 minutes. I was unable to ascertain when our Security
Guard came.
The music did eventually stop.
Our question is: Has, or can the City put in regulations that require Private Communities to forward STVR
violations to Code Enforcement? We know our Community, and the Golf Courses’ Mangement are supposed to
keep detailed records of all complaints, and the responding Guard’s reports.
While it may be legally difficult to use these private reports as “strikes” against a listed property, they would provide
another snapshot of what is really taking place in La Quinta.
It goes without saying, a large portion of the City’s Property Tax Base is derived from homes in Gated
Communities. Many, if not all of these Developments have their own “Rental Property Rules and Contracts”.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS ANNETTE CHESTER & JODY SHAPIRO
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
We strongly urge the Committee to recommend the City enlist the help of the numerous Guard Gated Communities
located within The City of La Quinta.
Thank you,
Annette Chester
Jody Shapiro
Annette Chester
Jonathan D (Jody) Shapiro
La Quinta, CA 92253
Home:
Cell
Fax:
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS ANNETTE CHESTER & JODY SHAPIRO
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Note to the Ad-Hoc committee
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 10:21:18 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
1) Full Name - Marcia L Cutchin 2) City of Residence - La Quinta 3) Phone
Number -
4) Public Comment or Agenda Item Number - I don't know 5) Subject - STRV
density 6) Written Comments - ?
Dear Hard working STRV ad-hoc committee members. Please consider the following in your
deliberation over density in La Quinta Cove.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Why are STRVs be allowed three off street
parking spaces? All the homes in the cove have off street parking. Most have two
car garages and two parking spaces in front of their garage.
That is 4 parking spaces on every lot.
An STRV should be required to provide on premise parking for the people they are
renting to.
Why would an STRV need parking for 7 cars?
Consider current licensing density.
The three cars on the street you have permitted result in an additional 15 cars on
every block in the cove. There are approximately 225 blocks in the cove. That is
allowing 3375 ADDITIONAL CARS parking on the cove streets.
That is untenable.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->Why are STRVs allowed to rent rooms at a
density above 2 per room?
They are rentals in a residential neighborhood.
Nobody in a residential neighborhood sleeps 3 to a room or sets up house to have
someone sleep on a couch.
If STRVs are embedded in a residential community…why wouldn’t they abide by
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MARCIA CUTCHIN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
community norms?
Why are we red-carpeting –“special”, “over normal” capacity occupancy for
STRV renters?
One STRV – two properties over from me – registered with the city – advertises:
8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 9 beds · 3 baths
Within the advertisement it states:
Sleeping Arrangements:
Master Suite 1: 1 Cal-King, 1 Twin Sofa Sleeper - Sleeps 3
Suite 2: 1 Cal-King, 1 Queen Sofa Sleeper - Sleeps 4
Bedroom 3: Full Bunk Bed, 1 Queen Sofa Sleeper, 1 Queen - Sleeps 8
Game Room: 2 Twin Sofa Sleepers - Sleeps 2
The number there is 17
A three-bedroom house sleeps 6 – not 8 and not 17…just 6.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3) <!--[endif]-->According to the documentation provided on the
city’s webpage titled:
“La Quinta Village Complete Streets Project”,
the round abouts that were and are being built in the cove and downtown are ideal for
ADTs of less than 10,000 cars.
There are approximately 5300 residential lots in the cove. At two cars per residence,
that is 10,600 cars.
Add the 300 to 500 plus service vehicles that enter the cove a day,
Add the 300 plus cars that parking spaces were created for to use the hiking trails,
And the PRESENT STRV advertisers on a SINGLE platform (one that holds 61% of
the market)
that have been “allotted” 3375 additional cars to…
WE ARE OVER CAPACITY for the road diet that we just paid millions of dollars for.
We have created a bottleneck that we are trying to shove an elephant into.
The present licenses issued have already rendered the road diet roundabouts
obsolete before they are completed.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MARCIA CUTCHIN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
This is a serious safety issue waiting to explode. We are sitting at roundabouts with
traffic backed up 7 to 10 cars on Avenue 52 today. This is during Covid 19 during
one of the three LEAST populated months of the year.
Add seasonal traffic – that will quadruple the delay…
add event traffic…that will increase the delay tenfold.
What is going to happen when emergencies vehicles have to sit through traffic at four
round abouts to get to my home – or anyone’s home?
We can’t re-engineer the infrastructure to accommodate the additional cars that have
recently been licensed to be here.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4) <!--[endif]-->Have the studies been conducted that are
shown (in a link on the city website) to be necessary for the volume of cars that are
now licensed to be visiting and parking in La Quinta Cove?
Less than 10,000 ADT: A great candidate for Road Diets in most instances. Capacity
will most likely not be affected.
10,000-15,000 ADT: A good candidate for Road Diets in many instances. Agencies
should conduct intersection analyses and consider signal retiming in conjunction with
implementation.
15,000-20,000 ADT: A good candidate for Road Diets in some instances;
however, capacity may be affected depending on conditions. Agencies should
conduct a corridor analysis.
Greater than 20,000 ADT: Agencies should complete a feasibility study to
determine whether the location is a good candidate. Some agencies have had
success with Road Diets at higher traffic volumes.
Thank you for your hard work and consideration
Marcia L Cutchin
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MARCIA CUTCHIN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
La Quinta City Council Members,
As you assess the future of STVRs in La Quinta, please consider the following. We’re in escrow on a
beloved property in PGA West. As a second home, it will give our young children the opportunity to
leave an urban environment; giving them the space to play, explore, and make memories, which is
invaluable during these COVID times. However, in order to make it financially viable for our family, it’s
important that we have the STVR option, especially during this uncertain period. With that, we urge you
to consider the following mechanisms in order to keep the STVR market feasible from both the owner
and renter perspective. A couple key considerations to explore to continue towards the objective of
creating a safe and effective program:
1.Require STVR properties to install noise meters so that owners are notified (and thus have the
opportunity to resolve) prior to potentially disturbing a neighbor
2.Require STVR properties to have formal property management in some capacity (and thus
property managers are the first responders on all issues)
3.Empower the HOAs to enforce/manage/own all complaints to take the burden off of La Quinta
These measures support the majority of diligent owners and renters who abide by the regulations (vs.
the minority of owners that are exacerbating the complaints per the data).
Aside from our personal situation, retaining this key revenue stream for the city of La Quinta is a critical
consideration to remain financially stable. By tweaking the STVR protocols, there can be a path forward
that allows for peaceful and profitable coexistence.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Laura and Graham Lucas
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS LAURA & GRAHAM LUCAS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:
Subject:Ad Hoc Committee on STVR"s
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:35:54 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
La Quinta Ad Hoc Committee on STVR’s
Thank you for your commitment to the issue of STVR’s and ensuring a fair process
for all involved.
We would like to offer our comments for your consideration at today’s meeting.
We feel that any policy should be balanced for LaQuinta homeowners, not punishing
non violators for the actions of a handful of bad apples. If it’s a noise ordinance issue,
then enforce those with fines to violators and homeowners with a step progression,
ultimately leading to termination of the STVR owner’s rental license and fines levied
against the property, so there is no ability to avoid paying.
We recently selected LaQuinta as the city we wanted to live in 8 months of the year
during our retirement in a few short years when our daughter graduates, thus we are
in the process of buying our LaQuinta home now and had every intention of short-
term renting. We were not looking to make a buck but rather to help pay for itself
prior to us getting there and making La Quinta our new home. We chose La Quinta
due to its quaintness, charm and welcoming feel, but adding a permanent “no short-
term rental” moratorium feels very uninviting. We had always planned to keep out the
less desirable renters by limiting the number of guests to 6 and maintaining a higher
price point. Additionally, we planned to work with our attorney to add language to the
rental agreement that renters not only pay a damage deposit but also a noise deposit
and if there was any violation by guests that endangered our standing with the city
and our community, the guests would forfeit their noise deposit, be removed from the
premises, and not be allowed back. We deliberately did not buy in Indio or Coachella
as we understand those attending the large concerts stay and wreak havoc on the
local communities.
To hear that the city is now considering a permanent moratorium is very
disheartening and as a policy expert myself, disappointing.
We wholeheartedly endorse the idea of additional code enforcement officers. We
haven’t yet had the pleasure of applying for our permit (our house closes 8/10) but to
offset the cost to the city, we believe owners of the STVRs should bear the burden of
that cost for the additional enforcement officers through an increase in STVR
licensing fees.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS MIKE & LISA SCHUTT
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
We feel that the positives of STVR’s out-weigh the negatives; as we’ve seen with our
vacation rental in the Seattle area, increased property values leads to higher property
taxes that the community can use for parks, bike paths, improved roadside plantings,
etc.
Short-term vacation renters also bring in significant revenue to local businesses
(restaurants, bars, retail shops, etc.,) often helping them to thrive in good economies,
and survive in down times.
The recent increase in short term rentals has been in large part due to Americans’
inability to travel due to the pandemic. We recently had an extended stay in a STVR
rental in the La Quinta area because we could continue to quarantine and still feel
safe. We, like most other renters, had take-out meals or had them delivered,
supporting local businesses while remaining safe and having a pleasant visit to a
place where its always sunny, and unlike a hotel, we didn’t have to cross paths with
others.
This pandemic is a short-term issue; when a vaccine is developed, border restrictions
and travel bans will be lifted, and Americans will be allowed to travel to other
destinations.
If the City of La Quinta establishes a moratorium on STVR’s, we, along with many
other hard-working families, will lose tens of thousands of dollars that we have
invested in our homes and local businesses will lose customers when many are
struggling to hang on.
Rather than banning STVR’s, we ask that you consider implementing more stringent
rules that would do the following:
·allow code enforcement to cite those individuals creating the violation,
·notify STVR owners of the violation as quickly as possible, so eviction can
take place
·require STVR owners to include language from the City code related to
noise violations (and others as pertinent) in their rental agreements, ensuring
that vacationers are aware that we in La Quinta are considerate of our
neighbors and do not tolerate disruptive behavior.
·Provide a progressive penalty for STVR owners who do not control unruly
guests, leading to revocation of their rental license and financial penalties
levied against the property.
Word would quickly get out that La Quinta is not the place to come and party with 20
of your closest friends packed into 1 house/pool, with loud music playing til the early
hours of the morning.
Vacation rentals can, and do, provide a great benefit to the communities in which they
are located. Please do not penalize all STVR owners because of the inconsiderate
actions of a few.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS MIKE & LISA SCHUTT
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Thank you
Lisa and Mike Schutt
Mike -
wishin' I was fishin'
><}}}'> ><}}}'> ><}}}'>
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS MIKE & LISA SCHUTT
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Comments and recommendations for the Ad hoc committee members
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:15:14 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello Committee members,
My name is David Dinnel. I have been aware of and listened in to the previous
two meetings. I have many questions and probably too many to provide at this
time but after each meeting, I came away with the following question:
Is this a rubber stamp program for the city to crack down on short term rentals
and punish good owners?
If this is a rubber stamp, fine I get it and understand but if it is not, I believe I
have a lot I can offer to the group. I originally interviewed for the committee
and I was kind of “luke warm” on the committee as it seemed like it would kind
of be a rubber stamp to crack down and potentially punish owners who are
doing their best to provide a great space for people to enjoy a beautiful home,
while having guests to are courteous and reasonable to neighbors when it
comes to sound. Also, I was advised I could always attend meetings and
participate. Since very few people attend and speak in favor of Short term
rentals at city council meetings, I felt that my time might be best spent
attending city council meetings and attending and participating with Ad hoc
meetings when I could.
The world has completely changed since January as you know. I would like to
let you know I have a lot of concerns about short term rentals.
We have had 10 Executive orders within about 5 months including a complete
ban of some of our livelihoods. I don’t know about others but if I can’t rent my
home, I am bankrupt. What have committee members done do try to open us
back up and keep us as an option to keep providing relief to all the families who
have been under “house-arrest”? We are providing a huge service to many
desperate families. Maybe that narrative needs to get out.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID DINNEL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
All I hear is how terrible STR’s are. The owners suck, the management
companies suck, the guests are all partiers and jerks.
You and I know that it is a misrepresentation and it is a very small percentage
of guests who are a nuisance and owners and management companies are
likely trying to change guest behavior as soon as they are aware of sound
issues.
Is there going to be any sort of outreach about the following:
1.STR do provide many benefits to the community. The homes are likely
beautifully maintained, they are often the nicest, most well maintained
homes in each neighborhood.
2.Possibly ½ of the time, the homes are empty, with “NO” sound? Is this
not a benefit? I have neighbors and renters around my primary
residence that are nuisances all the time… and there is no one to contact
or request to immediately change those people’s behavior.
3.TOT revenue. The revenue is huge and based on what I have heard over
the past two years at city council meetings, if our TOT revenue was not
coming in, the city would be massively different, like they would likely be
on the way to bankruptcy or would not be able to provide current levels
of services.
4.Vacationer/guest spending in the overall community. Without all the
additional spending and tax revenues of guests coming in to town most
businesses such as restaurants likely won’t make it.
5.Jobs: Is there an estimate on how many jobs and how much income is
added/created by having STR’s? We hire on lots of people who may not
be able to get or have service jobs without us. Jobs such as house
cleaning crews, gardening crews, pool servicing people, handymen,
plumbers, contractors, all these type jobs and more. Is this not a benefit
to the community?
6.TOT from hotels and STR’s are the second largest revenue generator to
the city around $10 million per year correct? Are you aware that
according the Financial advisory committee that I listened to yesterday
has a $17 million budget for the sheriff’s alone? Are you aware that they
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID DINNEL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
said that the costs are going up 7% this year alone? Is our TOT not some
sort of benefit or asset to this city? Why is our contribution never
mentioned?
The general trend that I constantly here is that La Quinta is the best but is it
just the STR’s that are destroying the community. This is a
misrepresentation in my opinion and some push back or additional
information about all the benefits should also be provided. Is anyone
interested in pushing back?
Executive order #9
This is a complete ban on outdoor sound other than speaking and outdoor
activity. When the order came out, I spoke to code enforcement, I was advised
an music on an iphone is a violation and a $1,000 fine. Does anyone have an
issue with this? I ran a scenario asking if a T.V. is being played inside the home
and the sliding glass window is cracked open and some sound can be heard in
the back yard is this a fine? I was advised that is the sound is audible, then yes
that is technically a fine. Is this type of fine acceptable to this committee? If
so, my guess is that everyone one of your guests have at this point played an
iphone or have had a window or sliding glass door cracked open while a TV has
been on and you were subject to a fine.
Have all committee members read Executive order #9? Are you aware that an
owner who comes out to their property have voluntarily given up their
property rights when they arrive to enjoy their property like every other 31+
day renter or every other home owner? Owners are subject to the same sound
penalties as guests so they can play an iphone or allow sound from a TV to be
audible outdoors? Is this acceptable to your owners? I spoke to code
enforcement and was advised this is the case.
I spoke to the short term rental department and was advised that Executive
Order #9 is more of a passive program and that guests need to be reasonable
and keep sound low. This made me feel better about the situation but what is
the truth? The information I received between the two departments is
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID DINNEL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
extremely different. Can someone provide me the proper guidance?
Is Executive order #9 an “ACTIVE” or “PASSSIVE” program?
I am aware of an owner (not me) who had a guest who apparently was playing
some music that was audible outside. The owner is convinced none of his
neighbors called code enforcement for a noise issue as they never have
before. The person is convinced the city code enforcement was actively going
to STR’s to find sound at the properties. At any rate, the code enforcement
officer heard music, wrote the citation, knocked on the front door, gave the
ticket to the guest and the owner was never even notified of any sound issue at
all not by the city and of course not by the guest. The person received a noise
violation in the mail. Is this the new standard? No information, no warning,
and receive $1,000+ bills in the mail with no knowledge of any sort of issue?
What is the Committee’s thought about this?
CITY HELP FOR RESTAURANTS AND OTHER CHOSEN BUSINESSES LIKE GYMS
AND SALONS: (NONE FOR STR’S)
Are you aware there is a lot of money available for restaurants. There is so
much money available within the city of La Quinta for restaurants that it is my
understanding that they are able to get multiple rounds of help. Why aren’t
we STR’s able to get assistance such as assistance for utility bills and mortgage
payments? My understanding is that Restaurants, salons, gyms have been
chosen for help while we are excluded. I for one went to the verge of
bankruptcy following the STR ban. Why are some groups able to be supported
during the ban while others like us cannot get help? Are you a voice that can
raise this so we could be reimbursed for our multi month ban on our
livelihoods?
Executive order #10:
This is the newest order. A ban/moratorium on new short term rentals. What
are the committee members thoughts on this?
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID DINNEL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
IDEAS GOING FORWARD:
1.Why not have a hotline --- A “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD” for
hosts/management companies (if a nominal fine is necessary so be it but
don’t count this towards banning a good – responsible owner.)
Owners and property managers want guests to be “courteous and
respectful to neighbors” when it comes to sound.
Obviously all owners/management companies require guests to be
courteous… When guests don’t control themselves, why not have a
number we can call and advise some agency that you are aware of an
issue at the property, and that you are trying to modify guest behavior.
If the guest violates the rules and owner/manager demand, have the
agency stop by the property and either warn or fine the guest. I
mentioned this at a city council meeting a couple years ago.
If guests are aware that they are violating rules but they are aware that
there is absolutely no consequences for them, only a fine that the owner
receives, then they have no reason to change their behavior.
Example: if a person goes to Avis and rents a car, and speeds
everywhere and a police officer pulls the driver over, he doesn’t write
the check the Avis, the driver gets the bill and that will go on the drivers
record, not on Avis the company.
Isn’t the goal to keep sound to a minimum and try to calm/mute outdoor
sound as quickly and seamlessly as possible or is it an opportunity to fine
all owners and fleece funds?
2.Council Member Sanchez mentioned a couple city council meetings back
that there should be some culpability by unruly guests. There may be an
ear at the city council for them to be open to charging the bad guests
who don’t follow house/city rules. Isn’t this something that we should
pursue?
3.Why can’t the Ad hoc committee and city come up with some verbiage
that can allow for guests who are unruly to receive a fine for bad
behavior? I can provide some ideas on this at a later time.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID DINNEL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Sincerely,
David Dinnel
cell phone
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID DINNEL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Re: Stvr permits
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 10:27:20 AM
Attachments:image001.png
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding
to requests for information. **
Good Morning Lori, Here are our comments and suggestions for the committee to review and discuss.
Thank you for the information. I listened to the Ad- Hoc Committee meeting from July 6th.
I was especially interested in the comment of one of the members towards the end of the meeting, she had mentioned how there was trash
left out on the curb and it was reported with no response from code enforcement. Also interested in how properties with complaints have
risen in number. We manage several homes in the area, and have an invested interest in the Short Term Rentals within the City. We
believe it can make a great impact having someone the out of town guest are answering to and in communications with during their stay.
On behalf of the local realtors and property management companies, as well as local businesses who benefit from having a thriving
community with travelers coming to visit us, I believe the short term rentals must be allowed to stay up and running for everyone to
benefit. We've taken the time to make this short presentation of ideas and suggestions for your committee to review and hopefully use to
help make useful decisions.
Our comments:
just one comment on why there has been an influx of complaints, During our seasonal months, we rent to folks who are here for longer
stays and it tends to be a different clientele during the seasonal months. This summer we have a large impact of guests coming for short
stays and mostly all have been from Orange County and Los Angeles areas, this is due to pandemic and folks having no where to travel to
except for much closer to home areas such the Coachella Valley. In the sections below, We have some suggestions that may help provide a
different viewpoint on how to help manage some of the current issues.
Responsibility : The home owners are ultimately responsible to ensure they have proper management for their homes, and rentals. So each
homeowner should be held accountable to have a professional management team who can and will respond to complaints. In turn the
property management company also takes on the responsibility of how guests are treating the property during their stay.
Reinforcement: Once a guest books a property they should be required to sign an additional contract outside of the rental platform such as
(airbnb), In this initial email providing the contract & welcome manuals they should enforce the community and city regulations. The
guests are being EDUCATED on what is expected of them while they stay and made aware of potential risk for complaints. Then also be
asked to share the information with all their attending guests.
Meet and greet: During a required MEET & GREET with the guests when they arrive at the property is when we go over the rules and
regulations a SECOND TIME, explaining the important details of the city and community guidelines / expectations. This gives them an
actual person that they are referring to for any issues while they are on property. We have found that this makes a great impact having
someone the guest is answering to and in communications with.
Property management 24 hour response: The peace and mind for home owners is that we answer around the clock, and are able to
respond to complaints as soon as they happen. I believe this is already in place when acquiring a permit at the city, that all owner's have a
point of contact that WILL respond to complaints around the clock.
Questions:
1. Are the home owners being held to that requirement to have a property manager listed?
2. Are the property management companies holding up to those expectations of responding to situations in a timely manner?
3. Would it be possible to set up guidelines for property management companies to uphold as representatives working within the city.
(Such as implementing proper contracts to each guest, that express the City of La Quinta current regulations & the individual property
guidelines) Then again reminding the guests of the rules when they meet them during their initial greeting at the home.
4. Is the process having the call center take messages when someone is responding to complaints actually working? Do the messages get
retrieved by code enforcement within the 45 minutes grace period letting them know the issues have been responded to and taken care of?
Thank you for your email, and offering us a chance to give our viewpoint on the matters regarding this matter.
Jessica Young | Desert Concierge
Po Box 6503 | La Quinta CA 92248 |
www.yourdesertconcierge.com
Please take some time to leave your comments and reviews on our google page, Our business thrives on your referrals! - Thank you!
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY JESSICA YOUNG ON BEHALF OF DESERT CONCIERGE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written Comments
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 10:12:50 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Jennifer Cooper
La Quinta
Public Comments - STVR Moratorium
Hello, I am a La Quinta Cove homeowner and have been a resident of the Cove the last 6 years. As a resident, I am
starting to think after reading these public comments from fellow LQ residents that they have never heard the saying
“cut off your nose to spite your face” . While I understand some of the concerns and problems my neighbors are
facing, I think they are failing to see the benefits the STVR are providing our community. Let this be clear, I am a
full time resident and I do not rent out my property.
Many of these problems neighbors are facing are annoyances that a full time residents can bring as well, except they
are temporary. My first property on Avenida Vallejo was surrounded by issues brought on by full time residents.
The home directly behind me had a party every other weekend, the home next to us had an outdoor dog that barked
all hours of the day and night. The house across the street regularly had the police showing up for domestic
disturbances, and the list goes on and on. There wasn’t much I could do to change my situation because these were
full time residents that clearly had no intention of moving and you can’t choose your neighbors. After many calls to
law enforcement, talking to our neighbors and explaining our concerns, and little to no change, we moved. BUT - I
wasn’t going to let this change my thoughts on the La Quinta Cove, I loved it here. I loved the character of the
homes. I loved going to Old Town and supporting local businesses. And I loved not living in an HOA. So we bought
a house on Avenida Navarro. 6 months in to our new home the house directly behind us sold and became a vacation
rental. Yes, I do hear intoxicated people outside from time to time, yes I do hear music outside from time to time,
but I know it will go away, these people are temporary, they are vacationing. All the renters I have spoken to
popping my head over the fence about turning the volume down have been respectful and accommodating.
The fact is that these STVR have increased property value and the Cove has seen an increase of flips and new
construction due to investors being interested in a once “undesirable” area. This benefits ALL homeowners in La
Quinta. Property values for detached homes in La Quinta have increased by 7% in the last year while other cities
like Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells, who overwhelmingly do not allow STVR are down. This is not a coincidence.
STVR owners maintain their properties to high standards, which increases neighbors property values as well.
La Quinta, while it is a Resort area, has an incredible lack of lodging for all the events that take place here and all
the visitors they attract. Ironman, golf tournaments, concerts, etc. If we eliminate short term rentals those visitors
will stay in other cities and negatively impact the city’s revenue as well as local businesses. The financial impact
will be felt by everyone who lives here and the next problem we will be facing is that of Rancho Mirage that has
refused to “change with the times” and is now facing decreased property values and empty store fronts. I do not
want to see this happen to a city that I love.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT JENNIFER COOPER
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Short term rentals committee
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 8:31:17 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello, My name is Tony Terrazas,
I am a resident of the City of La Quinta for 24 years. I am currently a maintenance technician for a rental
company in the city of La Quinta, and formaly Maintenance Director for the Palm Springs Air Museum for
10 years and a veteran of this great country which provides job opertunities for all. I currently live in North
La Quinta and the home next to me is a short term rental. The owners live in the LA area and we have
open communication. We have never experienced any issues regarding his renters.
Restricting short term rentals surely would hurt me and my family financially. The City benefits from the
income from visitiors who come to our beautiful Valley. I ask that you consider all the workforce people in
this industry that will be affected, who rely on this to pay their bills and feed their families.
Thank you
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT TONY TERRAZAS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Questions & Comments For Meeting Tonight
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 9:45:03 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello,
1. If The Cove is the main area with difficulty right now, why is the entire city being
negatively impacted. The order cited the “quality of life for residents”. Income is
directly related to quality of life! Times are tough right now and responsible and
conscientious homeowners are now being penalized and prohibited from using their
own investment and property to generate supplemental income if they’re interested or
need to. How is that right?
2. How will the city address abuse of this anonymous hotline? It is well known that
many residents use this tool to not only file fraudulent and bogus claims/complaints
but this also is a terrible abuse of the system and wastes valuable and already thinly
stretched city officials and resources. There’s kind of a “he said, she said” dynamic
between complainants and homeowners and it appears the burden of proof and guilt
is on the homeowner and that doesn’t seem right or even legal.
3. Would the city consider limiting new permits in problem areas or taking new
permits on a case by case basis?
4. There are several income properties in escrow right now that were sold and
purchased for the specific use of these properties to make income for the new
owners. This new moratorium will scare homebuyers off and will have a huge and
detrimental impact on our local economy. Many current escrows will be cancelled and
people that either want or more importantly need to sell their homes are now in a very
serious and financially devastating situation. How is the city prepared to handle and
address this?
5. The city council is generally required to act as an informed and responsible
decision maker and representative for all in the community. This is not happening
sans this new order does not represent the entire community or the best interests of
all community members of La Quinta. Nobody appreciates this city and the city
officials more than I do but a more proactive approach is definitely needed here.
However this new executive order places a huge financial burden on many of your
citizens and that’s exactly the opposite of what should happen. Please review this
decision and I’m sure the city can come to an agreement and develop a plan where
we can get control of the bad actors here but let the residents that won’t be an issue
have a chance here.
Thank you very much!
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT STACY FINATH
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Sincerely,
Stacy Finath
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT STACY FINATH
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:
Subject:Rental
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 12:03:05 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello,
We recently closed on a house in La Quinta (could not be further from the cove area) and we were going to be
seeking a short term rental permit for when we would not be using the home personally to help supplement our
income.
This new executive order is so wrong and doesn’t make any sense. Why are we being penalized for the acts of
others? You are allowing bad actors to literally take money out of our pocket and prohibiting us from being able to
use our property and our investment in a way that will benefit us financially! That’s criminal! Why are you allowing
these bad actors and homeowners to dictate how the rest of the homeowners in the city can use their home and their
investment to make supplemental income for themselves? This is completely backwards and it’s not in the best
interest of your city residents!
We would not have purchased this home how do we know when that we would not be able to use it to supplement
our income. I realize you all have a lot on your plate but you need to rethink this and come up with a different plan
that properly disciplines the problem people/properties and does not negatively impact the other residents of the city.
In this day and age especially, you should not be enacting orders that mess with peoples income and their financial
situation!
Thank you very much!
Best,
Gwen Jones
Sent from my iPhone
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT GWEN JONES
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:For Meeting Today
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:38:40 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you very much to all of you for you consideration and service to this city.
Respectfully, this order doesn’t make a whole lot of sense because the issues you’re
currently having are with permitted homeowners. Why do this to people that have
done nothing wrong or have no history of STR but would like to get a permit?
I know firsthand there is a huge problem with the anonymous hotline as it is abused
by complaining parties that have an agenda to not allow short term rentals at all. This
is very wrong! There needs to be more oversight of the hotline and there is no reason
a complainant can’t provide their name, address, etc. for a legitimate complaint. This
doesn’t have to be disclosed but the setup is currently being abused so no wonder
your code enforcement department is stretched too thin.
Consider limiting new permits up in The Cove but not all of the city. Instead of
stopping new permits, maybe focus on the problem areas.
Thank you very much.
- Robert G. Levee
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ROBERT LEVEE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Submission
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:16:46 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello,
We own a vacation rental property in La Quinta and have never had
an issue with our tenants, neighbors and have never had a call placed
about us to the anonymous hotline (which is a joke by the way). We
love the area and love our home and all this area and city has to
offer. We were considering purchasing another income property
down here to help pump some money into the local economy but to
also benefit from the great rental market that exists down here. Now
this executive order comes out and we have to call this off. Our
home is nowhere near The Cove and we are not even interested in
homes in that area. Not only are you essentially keeping us from
making money but you are directly impacting people who are trying
or will be trying to sell their home. This also hurts the city and its
businesses financially that benefit from rental properties, local
tourism, etc.
I get there are some bad actors out there but give them more
oversight then and be more proactive when it comes to noise,
occupancy, etc. We all pay plenty of taxes here that the city should
be able to hire some more people to handle the short term rentals. I
don’t feel and I am sure I am not alone that this new executive order
not only hurts our local economy and community members but just
doesn’t make sense. How does limiting new permits do anything to
address the issues the city is facing in The Cove and/or other
problem properties? This just doesn’t make sense and if the answer
is that it helps the city and its officials play "catch up" then that is
simply ridiculous and not an acceptable response. If the city is
playing catch up here then clearly something is wrong and that needs
to by all means be addressed but this is not the right way to do that.
This is not in the best interest of all or even the majority of
community members. How does this address our "quality of life" as
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT RUSS RENO
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
residents? This is not the answer. Thank you very much.
Best Regards,
Russ Reno
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT RUSS RENO
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written Comments
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 10:22:09 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Name: David Earle
Address: , La Quinta , CA 92253
Phone:
Public Comment on EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 10 ORDER IMPOSING
90-DAY MORATORIUM ON PROCESSING ANY NEW APPLICATIONS
FOR SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA.
This Executive order is an abuse of power and shows a lack of leadership by the City. This is
not a solution. This is the City of La Quinta responding again to the emotional comments of a
relatively small group of residents against the short term rental community. The City needs to
keep its focus. Short Term Vacation Rentals are essential to the quality of life for La Quinta
residents and its small businesses. It allows us to share the “ GEM of the Desert” ! We need
to be setting policies and creating Executive orders that promote the rebuilding of our local
economy and restoring the freedoms that we all had to temporarily give up for the betterment
of us all.
Executive order No. 10 does not promote either of these goals…..
Thank you
Dave Earle
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT DAVID EARLE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Submission
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 10:13:17 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello,
We are trying to sell our house and in fact are in escrow with someone who was
interested in using the home as an income property. We did not rent our house out
ever since we live here but know it would make a great rental. They are most likely
going to back out of the sale now and that is going to be terrible for us. We have to
sell this house because we are being relocated. This directly hurts us what you all
have done! Why are new permits or new owners or new permit seekers being
targeted when they truly have done nothing wrong?! Take care of the problem
properties and use our tax dollars to hire more help and give more oversight but don't
take money out of our pockets and other resident pockets because of other people
behaving badly. I am speaking from ourselves and our specific situation but this will
hurt more people and will keep investors out of La Quinta. That is not what we or you
as our city council want! You are turning away and scaring off investors and home
buyers and that is going to kill our economy and hurt many of your constituents that
have nothing to do currently with short term rentals yet they have to pay the price in
the future? How does this make sense? Please rethink this! There are other better
ways to tackle this without shutting everything down and screwing people trying to sell
or buy a home here in La Quinta.
Thanks,
Rubina A.V. Vartanyan
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT RUBINA VARTANYAN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:
Subject:City Council"s actions appear malicious
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 5:47:48 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Good afternoon,
My name is Greg Parker. My family and I are owners of three Short Term Vacation Rentals
("STVRs") in La Quinta. No doubt the Covid Virus has created tremendous problems for us
all. The economic consequences have been devastating for almost everyone. That said, the
City of La Quinta has taken it upon itself to exacerbate an already difficult situation and
make it worse for the STVR owners and managers. The results have been economic
devastation to STVR owners, managers, and the thousand of support personnel employed in
the STVR industry.
Personally, my family goes to great lengths managing our homes. This is a no nonsense
business for us. We rely on the bookings and the income generated as a part of our
ordinary income and retirement strategy.
Selective Bookings:
We are very selective who we book. We target multigenerational families. Guests are
warned of our stringent rules multiple times before they book and subsequently arrive.
Guests have to understand and agree to the City rules governing STVRs as well as our own
more stringent rules before they can book.
Barrage of Warnings:
Upon arrival, guests face a barrage of warnings throughout the property. Reiterating the
rules they agreed to multiple times.
Noise Monitoring:
Noiseaware decibel monitoring sensors are strategically located inside the home and in the
rear yard. Set below City mandated noise level ceilings, NoiseAware notifies us immediately
in realtime if the decibel levels exceed acceptable levels.
Video Surveillance:
With our realtime video technology, we are able to monitor activity and proactively manage
possible issues. All video and decibel readings are recorded. Video cameras record their
arrival and movement in front of the homes. We know how many cars, guests, pets, what
they are carrying, deliveries, etc. all in realtime.
Framed Warning Signs:
Once inside our homes, Guests are faced with framed and mounted outlines of City and
House rules at each door. Each delineating - No outside music. No parties or gatherings.
Quiet time after 10 PM. Do not park in front of a neighbors house. No smoking inside or
outside. Failure to abide can result in immediate eviction and /or fines from $1,000 -
$5,000.
Reflective Signs Posted "Silence After 10 PM":
Each property has a minimum of four reflective 6' x 24" signs strategically posted in the
back yard to remind the guests "Silence After 10 PM."
My family and I go to tremendous lengths to be good neighbors. We have many friends
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT GREG PARKER
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
who are also STVR owners and we know they all go to similar lengths to make sure their
guests abide by City ordinances.
The City's continuing policy to tighten the STR rules does not appear to have anything to do
with Covid. It does appear the City's actions are tantamount to economic harassment and a
willful and malicious attempt to drive Short Term Vacation Rentals from La Quinta. As
stated earlier, our STVRs are a significant part of our ordinary income and retirement
strategy created by our corporate attorney and CPA. If continued, the actions of the City
Council will have a drastic negative effect on my family's income and net worth thereby
jeopardizing our livelihood and retirement plan. The economic and emotional damages to
my family and to other STVR owners and support personnel is incalculable.
We urge you to take appropriate action within the STVR Ad-Hoc Committee to reverse this
trend with the City Council and to restore the pre Covid policies and restrictions upon
STVRs.
Respectfully,
Greg Parker
CC/ Brian Hill, CPA
Tim Randall, Attorney
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT GREG PARKER
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Short Term Rental Moratorium
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 11:53:47 AM
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello-
My wife I own 2 units at Legacy Villas. Since we have valid rental licenses, we are apparently not
subject to this most recent arbitrary assault against our rights as property owners. Nevertheless, we
are deeply troubled by the previous and current restrictions. There was a time earlier this year
where we, as owners, were unable to visit our OWN property. That was ridiculous and likely
unlawful, and now the lunacy continues with this latest development. Legacy Villas was designed as
a short-term rental community and the apparently loud minority voices of those who choose to live
there full time should not be allowed to drown the interests of those who have an financial interest
in being to be able to lease their property. We understand that these are difficult times but
everyone’s rights need to be recognized and public policy needs to be applied equitably and
consistently.
Regards,
Jon
The best compliment I can receive is the referral of your Family, Friends and Colleagues.
I CAN ALSO ASSIST YOU WITH LIFE INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE AND LONG TERM CARE
INSURANCE.
Jon R. Dahlstrum, CFP®
CA Insurance License #0681397
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Member FINRA/SIPC
4165 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 255
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Web: www.RaymondJames.com/DahlstrumFinancial
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT JON DAHLSTRUM
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Public Comment on PROPOSED City of LaQuinta Executive Order 10 - Order Imposing 90-Day Moratorium on
Processing Any New Applications for Short Term Vacation Rentals
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 9:31:32 AM
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To the City of La Quinta Short Term Vacation Rental Committee:
I am writing to you today to request that the city NOT issue a moratorium on short term vacation
rental licenses.
I am a property owner of a condominium at Legacy Villas in La Quinta. We have owned our property
since 2012, but we have visited and enjoyed vacationing in La Quinta (and the surrounding Coachella
Valley) since the mid-1980s. We take pride in owning our property in La Quinta and love sharing the
beauty of the area with our friends and family and guests.
A large part of why we purchased our home at Legacy Villas is the ability to generate income from
and use of the property when we are out of town. Legacy Villas was designed and intended to be
rented to short-term guests. In fact, long term leases (over 30 days) are banned. Our property has a
proud history of showing the best of the Coachella Valley when visitors arrive for events such as
Coachella, Stagecoach and the BNP Paribas Open. As property owners, we are extremely sensitive to
the value of our home and take great measures to ensure we do not diminish our home’s value in
any manner.
The imposition of a moratorium – even temporarily – on short term vacation rental licenses will have
a devastating impact on property values in La Quinta in general and on Legacy Villas specifically.
With the nationwide uncertainty stemming from COVID-19, our government’s primary objective
should be to maintain the status quo and to provide certainty where none exists. This is particularly
so with respect to long-standing property rights. A moratorium on short term vacation rental
licenses – particularly on properties such as Legacy Villas with long term rental bans – will devastate
the value of the properties at this beautiful location. Moreover, given the crushing impact of COVID-
19 on the city’s finances, it does not make good economic sense. Every single cent of the transient
occupancy tax my guests pay goes directly to the city, and the city (and the surrounding residents)
benefit when my guests support local shops, eateries, and businesses.
I urge the city to reject the proposal to issue a moratorium on short term vacation rental licenses.
Thank you.
Jeanette Petersen
La Quinta, 92253
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT JEANETTE PETERSEN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:STVR standards and F/T residents- Equal treatment for EVERYONE
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 7:07:59 AM
Attachments:RiversideCo.SheriffNoiseOrdinance.pdf
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello Lori,
Please enter as “Written Public Comment” for the STVR Ad-Hoc Committee.
After my recent (first) noise violation on the weekend of July 25th- out of curiosity I
contacted the Sheriff's office to find out what the process is for homeowners and
long-term renters in LaQuinta that are causing excessive noise. Specifically, if there is
any amplified noise during the day, or noise around their respective pools, what sort
of fees are assessed to them?
The response was very interesting. The officer told me that if they take a call about
noise, the sheriff goes out to the location, and has a conversation with the owner or
person in charge, and unless there is belligerent behavior (example, drinking) from
those at the property, they would consider writing a ticket to that person. There is no
instant citation as there is with STVR owners.
I have attached a copy of the Riverside Co. Sheriff Noise Ordinance document I
found on line.
This is VERY DIFFERENT than the City of LaQuinta's accountability expected of the
STVR owner.
1- The ticketing from the sheriff is subjective, not absolute. Full-time residents
(owners and renters) are not ticketed on first offense. If a STVR is in violation and is
reported, that OWNER will be fined if the noise doesn't stop within 45 minutes of
notification.
2- If a full-time RENTER is making the noise and is belligerent , the RENTER is cited
by the sheriff, not the OWNER of the home.
The STVR owners are being held to a different standard than the owner/ renting
residents. This is not right. If the City of LaQuinta decision is to fine the home
owners, this needs to apply to ALL home owners, if you live in your home or not.
If the City of LaQuinta is citing violations to current residents of the house, it should
be clear that this definition also includes people RENTING the property- whether it is
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LARRY MOAD
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
month to month, an extended lease OR a weekend for STVR.
In my case, my home was an AirBnB before I bought it. During my appeal hearing
yesterday, the officer that cited me stated that the woman that reported the noise 'had
called multiple times on the house.' I have owned the house just over 1 year, with my
first rental in late fall of last year. Jan and Feb of this year were rented on a long-term
basis to a company for the horse and tennis tournament.
If the woman complaining about my house is upset about previous noise, how am I
responsible for that? I am a superhost with AirBnB and I do not 'instant book'. All
requests for booking are approved by me once I have had a chance to message the
guest.
If the woman that called simply doesn't like having a rental in her neighborhood, what
sort of rights do I as a home owner (that also pays property and monthly rental taxes
to the city) have? If I have the same rights, the accountability for violating the rules
must be the same.
How can the City of LaQuinta separate previous behaviors from current?
These questions need to be addressed and answered. It appears that we STVR
OWNERS are being held to a different standard than full-time residents. My first time
violation as a STVR OWNER cost me $1,000 (fine is doubled), plus a suspension of
my permit/ license for 3 months. I was booked all of August weekends, amounting to
over $3,000...plus Labor Day at over $1,100.00. Additionally, it cost me $250 to apply
for the appeal.
This means that my losses for the violation and 3 month suspension cost me
over $10,000.
Last time I was at the house, the neighbor next door at 530 in the morning had his
car running with hiphop music and filthy language at full volume. I went outside and
had to YELL over both the racket and fence to a late teens/ early twenties male that it
was too loud.
A homeowner inside of the city of LaQuinta would not sit quietly if they were being
fined this amount of money for playing music while they washed their car, barbecued
with family on a Saturday afternoon, or played with family in the pool at 11 at
night...especially if they were called on by a disgruntled neighbor from years before.
The results of these actions need to be the same for both sides of the fence.
Thank you .
Larry Moad
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LARRY MOAD
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:
Subject:Public comment for the Ad-Hoc Committee
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:15:41 AM
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hi Lori,
Please find below our public comment for this afternoon's Ad-Hoc meeting to be distributed to
the Committee's members.
Thank you.
---------------------
AvantStay is a vacation rental company specializing in group travel with 16 properties
currently in La Quinta and another 30 in the surrounding markets of Indio, Palm
Springs and Rancho Mirage. We strive to be the best citizens we can be in all of our
markets and work with cities, owners and guests to be respectful of
the neighborhoods in which we operate. We paid $110,000 in TOTs to La Quinta last
financial year, and have a positive and collaborative relationship with the team at the
City of La Quinta, always ensuring fees and paperwork are filed in a timely manner
and any issues of non compliance are swiftly addressed. Towards that end, we
wanted to issue the following statement to the Ad-Hoc Committee regarding
Executive Order #9 on today's agenda:
The part of the order that most concerns us is the following: "This order applies to
any and all short-term vacation rental units in the City of La Quinta, regardless of
whether they are occupied by persons paying rent or not." This lack of distinction
between behavior of short and long-term-renters, or owner-occupied homes for that
matter, is concerning. By the terms of the order, the City would allow a renter (long- or
short-term) at a home that is not registered with the City to play loud music at any
time, however a family who has a 6 month lease on a property that is permitted as a
short-term rental would be severely punished for playing any music outside at any
time. The applicability of the new EO to any persons occupying a permitted home
incentivizes bad actors to continue to operate illegally and not register with the City or
pay any taxes or fees, and disincentivizes best practice rental management and compliance
with City rules.
If the desire is to manage noise complaints for all types of tenancy, these rules should
be applied to all property types and not just permitted short term rentals. If the desire
is to reduce disruption from short-term rentals, then the EO should be applied to
short-term rentals only. If there is difficulty distinguishing between what is a short-term
and a long-term rental, then the City can adapt an alternative strategy that more
effectively addresses the issue, such as requiring that long-term rentals are pre-
registered with the City prior to check in. differently than long-term rentals simply
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY ANDY SYWAK & FIONA QUINN ON BEHALF OF AVANTSTAY
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO 1. - EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
because the home is designated a short-term rental. We are in absolute agreement
that parties and disruptive behavior from short-term rentals should be curtailed but
applying the order to permitted homes has the potential to punish law-abiding
operators while leaving unpermitted operators unscathed.
We are also concerned about order's blanket prohibition on outdoor music, rather
than limiting noise to a certain decibel level. In our experience, guests can enjoy
being outside with friends and family while enjoying low-decibel music. To ensure
compliance with noise levels, we have installed NoiseAware devices at our properties
that send an alert to our team when noise has exceeded a certain level. Our staff
reaches out to the guest and in this fashion, noise issues are often resolved.
We ask the Ad-Hoc Committee to recommend to the City Council that these changes
to Executive Order #9 be made.
Thank you.
--
Fiona Quinn
VP Business Affairs
fquinn@avantstay.com
--
Andy Sywak
Policy Manager
asywak@avantstay.com
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY ANDY SYWAK & FIONA QUINN ON BEHALF OF AVANTSTAY
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO 1. - EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:Jon McMillen; Kathleen Fitzpatrick
Subject:Public Comments - STVR adhoc committee
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:01:12 AM
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
City of La Quinta STVR AdHoc Committee
STVR code enforcement
Good Day -
Thank you for the opportunity to share our concerns and issues re: the STVR regulations and compliance
in La Quinta. Our main concern, which seems to be shared among most of the current 38 members (so
far) of our recently organized community committee, is the noise generated by these properties, and the
attendant degradation of the neighborhood lifestyle, as a result. We are not suggesting that STVRs are a
universally bad idea and should necessarily be banned, but instead, solutions should be found to assist
all stakeholders in having an improved experience with these properties. Few, if any of us, purchased our
homes in a residential neighborhood only to live next door to uncontrolled pool parties and screaming, on
a weekly, or often even daily, basis. Nor do most of us wish to be the STVR police, constantly conflicting
with neighbors. All of this is especially highlighted, now that we are also dealing with safety issues
associated with Covid 19.
Our specific queries are as follows:
--How is an owner notified of the rules and regulations? It would seem that many problems could be
avoided, if only owners would be well aware of current protocols, and communicate them clearly to their
guests, then insist on compliance. We have noted a distinct tendency of the owner next door to us to
claim he is unaware of the rules, or he downplays the actions of his guests. It was especially
disconcerting to receive a similar response from code enforcement this past weekend when called to our
home. Although he affirmed he could hear their outdoor music, he further stated "it was pretty quiet", thus
minimizing the complaint. Not cool, and certainly not the type of response expected from the CIty. Not
sure what, if any, action was taken, but we were certainly left with the impression that this issue was not
taken seriously by the Code Enforcement Officer..
--What is the process, if any, for receiving follow up as to the status of each complaint? How are the
separate instances counted toward the 90 day suspension? Several other homeowners in our group
have stated that it seems like nothing happens administratively, after the initial complaint is received. Our
experience matches this, but would also like to add on a positive note, that the response time to
complaints has been timely, however what are the outcomes? This knowledge would be helpful in
assessing the results of any enforcement actions.
--How is the 24 hour rule between guests being enforced, if at all? Is it the honor system by the owner to
book correctly? I can state that our neighbor has violated this rule at least six times since March, including
twice in just the last week. Other nearby residents have stated the same experience.
We continue to believe that the STVR program in La Quinta can be successful for owners and local
residents alike, but much more attention needs to be paid to maintaining a reasonable quality of life for
local homeowners, as opposed to allowing ongoing raging pool parties day after day. It seems there is a
definite tendency to omit advising guests of the actual rules, in order to minimize risk of losing a booking.
Add the indifference of some distant owners to the actual impacts of their properties, and we have a huge
disconnect that bears far too heavily on the property owners of La Quinta, while leaving the absentee
owners to enjoy their profits from afar.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ROD MCGUIRE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Best Regards,
Rod McGuire
La Quinta Cove
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ROD MCGUIRE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Dear STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Members,
I am a full-time resident of the Cove neighborhood and I support an immediate
moratorium on STVRs and the implementation of a plan to eliminate all existing STVRs
here. We are a residential neighborhood and not a commercial zone. STVRs have, in
affect, turned residential zones into commercial zones, circumventing any due process,
besides attaining a permit from the City. STVRs operate at the expense of the
community for personal gain.
There are developments in La Quinta that have housing which was developed and sold
as STVR investments. Other gated communities with HOAs are fine with STVRs and
have their own agreements governing them. In the Cove, City government and this
committee is, in affect, our HOA and we are behind the curve with STVR regulation.
Many desert cities have already implemented regulations in response to the same
grievances we are are suffering. In fact, because so many resort cities have enacted
STVR legislation, we are now the wild west of STVR development, unprotected as we
are.
Courts have long been deciding cases in favor of cities that are eliminating and/or
instituting strict regulations on STVRs. Way back in 1989 Carmel-by-the-Sea prohibited
STVR’s in residential districts. There was a challenge by homeowners, and in 1991 the
court rejected plaintiff’s claims and upheld the ordinance. The court determined: “…
such rentals undoubtedly affect the essential character of a neighborhood and the
stability of a community. Short-term tenants have little interest in public agencies or in
the welfare of the citizenry. They do not participate in local government, coach little
league, or join the hospital guild. They do not lead a scout troop, volunteer at the library,
or keep an eye on an elderly neighbor. Literally, they are here today and gone
tomorrow-without engaging in the sort of activities that weld and strengthen a
community.” Last year, in October 2019, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit of
Appeals rejected a class-action lawsuit against the city of Santa Monica, which had
passed prohibitions on STVRs in 2015. The court agreed that STVRs “sometimes
disrupt the quietude and residential character of the neighborhoods.”
What about the investors that bought here as a STVR investment? They can still rent
their properties for more than 30 days. Or sell. Right now, La Quinta real estate is fast
moving. Well priced homes are selling in days. As people from urban areas realize that
they can work from home anywhere, they are moving here. If someone wants to sell
their home, it’s a sellers market and profits can still be made. No one guaranteed a
STVR owner the ability to operate a commercial establishment in perpetuity here.
Airbnb and VRBO operators/investors know that there has been movement towards
increasing regulation from cities like ours where a new idea turned out to have
unfortunate consequences. STVR investment is a gamble, like many investments.
Kona, HI just restricted STVRs to select commercial zones and instead of a glut of
homes on the market, which real estate agents assumed would drive down prices,
home values kept going up, like everywhere else. That will happen here too.
What about the loss of TOT? La Quinta is finishing three new hotels and certainly more
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT EDWARD ARMENDAREZ
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
are on the way. Other communities in our city welcome STVRs and that won’t be lost.
Other cities realize there will always be bad actors and full time enforcement officers are
needed. Make the fines for violating rules significant, just like other cities are, and help
fund those positions with those fees. Carmel prohibited STVRs years ago, but they
have allowed 24 permits in commercial zones. In fact, several California cities have
allowed a set amount of STVRs in commercial zones. Density is of primary concern as
well, so in these zones, there are only a certain amount within a set distance from each
other. Home Sharing might be an option If we keep density in mind, providing they are
at a distance from each other and the owner must always be present during rental
periods. Santa Monica and Santa Cruz allows this to help alleviate housing shortages.
The elimination of affordable housing is another example of how STVRs transform a
community. Home prices and rents are affected. As investors drive up prices,
opportunities for others will be lost. With Covid-19’s economic impact, more homes may
be lost and come on the market, increasing the possibility of purchases for STVRs.
There is an immediate threat to our public health, safety and welfare and I urge you to
act now.
I love the dark skies, the natural beauty and the quiet that (used) to exist here. Like
many cities everywhere, it’s time to restore our communities to the neighborhoods they
were. Either designations of “Residential Zones” and “Commercial Zones” mean
something, or they don’t.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Edward Armendarez
La Quinta Cove
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT EDWARD ARMENDAREZ
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Short Term Rentals
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 10:55:09 AM
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
To the STVR Ad-Hoc Committee:
Me and my wife are full time residents at PGA West and consider short term rentals to be the
worst infringement on our lives, period, even exceeding the coronavirus. Since short term
rentals have been allowed to reopen for business, we have had to constantly put up with an
endless stream of strangers from out-of-town, during a coronavirus pandemic. These current
renters are vacationing fools who would normally be going to party their asses off at the
Colorado River, in Vegas and Mexico, but are now all in our backyard because we are a short
drive away from greater LA and Arizona.
During 4th of July weekend, a major house party with 4 unrelated couples in their late 20s
occurred a few doors down from us on the night of July 3rd, and was basically out of control.
They took over the pool next to their rental unit and were drinking, yelling and crawling all
over each other. We called security and were told that our call was 13th on their list to deal
with, so in the meantime the party raged on.
On the 4th of July, the same pool was taken over by a different group of approximately 25
renters all partying together, talking loudly, playing loud music and acting like they owned the
place. Certainly no one else could use the pool in the middle of that coronavirus cesspool.
Last weekend, a group of drunken partying idiots were running up and down our street NAKED
between two different swimming pools. That was at approximately 10PM.
Unfortunately, this kind of behavior has become the norm lately, as landlords appear to be
renting to anything that can fog a mirror so that they can recoup their precious lost rental
income, while in the meantime living off the backs of full-time residents' rights!
In fact, as the rentals have spiraled out of control this summer, a good indication of how many
units are being rented is to look at the density of people at our pools. Throughout July, all of
the pools on our street, Oakhill in the Palmer Course, have been taken over every single
weekend by vacationers from mostly LA and Orange Counties, and Arizona. Last time I
checked those were some of the worst hotspots in the U.S. for COVID-19. The most galling
thing is we can't even use our own amenities for which we have paid HOA dues and taxes for
23 years, because a bunch of jerk renters are taking the place over with groups of people
renting a condo and all hanging out together.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT STEVEN PARKER
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
We don't want to catch the coronavirus. Short term rentals are being used to spread the
disease from some of the worst hotspots in America. They are buying beer at Ralph's with
masks below their noses while spreading coronavirus to full time La Quinta residents who
have to shop there. They are picking up food from our few open restaurants. Short term
renters are using our city to party like it's 1999 in the middle of an incredibly infectious
coronavirus pandemic!
This nonsense needs to stop immediately!! Please, for the love of mankind, put a moratorium
on short term rentals in our city, until someone out there finally gets this disease under
control!!!
Thank you,
Steven Parker
La Quinta
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT STEVEN PARKER
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Please do not include my personal information (provided in items 1-5) in the public record.
1.Gwen Dixon
2.
3.
4.Please address this letter during Public Comment, Business Session 1., Study Session 1.,
Study Session 2.
5.Concerns & Considerations for STVR Ad-hoc Committee Members to address
Hello STVR Ad-hoc Committee Members,
Thank you for the time and effort each of you has dedicated to this work. As a long-time
resident of La Quinta, as well as an Owner/ Operator of more than one City of La Quinta STVR; I
have direct experience with many of the topics you are and will be addressing.
To this end, I request that this Committee, rather than approaching the work in a rushed and
reactive manner;
-proceed by taking more time to meet with/ hear from/ receive input from city Residents and
STVR owners. This will provide you with a greater level of context and information prior to
implementing an entirely new set of actions that may or may not be beneficial to desired
outcomes.
-consider that, there are not only STVR owners who may exhibit the need for “behavior-
modification”, but residents as well. I can provide you with undeniable proof to this fact. If the
intent of the Ad-hoc Committee is to implement new policies designed to, as you have stated,
modify the behavior of negligent owners; we should at minimum also afford STVR owners with
the same right to address the “behavior modification” of residents who are subtractive to the
city’s ability to allocate Code resources in an effective and cost-effective manner.
-Instead of arbitrarily requesting more dollars to secure additional Code Compliance staff, let’s
first ensure that their resources are being effectively implemented. I would be happy to meet
with a STVR sub-committee or present to the entire Ad-hoc Committee to share with you how
many hours were recently dedicated to an item that could have been resolved in a matter of
minutes. Instead, over 9 management level staff members, legal representation, and support
staff dedicated multiple hours to addressing this topic. More doesn’t mean better or more
effective/ efficient.
-consider a shift in the current Ad-hoc Committee structure. The current configuration though
widely applied in bureaucratic organizations; is not equitable or effective. As a first step, I
would recommend having a neutral Facilitator lead the work. Although I am sure quite
competent, assigning a Committee Member to serve as the Facilitator immediately changes the
dynamic and tips the balance. How can true change result from a process where those charged
with leading change are not afforded equal rights and voice?
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT GWEN DIXON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
As a long-term public employee, I understand first-hand the complexities of a bureaucracy. I
have also watched as more dollars are thrown at an issue, to no avail. I do not believe the
remedy you seek can be solved with a “more is better” approach. At minimum, we should
adhere to the idea of “first doing better, together”. Only then will we be prepared to ascertain
if more is needed.
Finally, all bureaucracies are built on the idea of procedure and compliance. I would raise the
(well-proven) idea that most effective change does not result from more procedures and
compliance. Rather it is built on strong collaboration and the development of highly effective
teamwork. Your efforts to rapidly create new rules and consequences will likely have the same
end as the current mode parameters in which we work.
With Community,
Gwen Dixon
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT GWEN DIXON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:Lori Lorett
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:FW: STVR recommendations for La Quinta
Date:Tuesday, August 4, 2020 11:38:01 AM
From: Edie hylton <>
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 5:32 PM
To: Tommi Sanchez <Tsanchez@laquintaca.gov>; Chris Escobedo <cescobedo@laquintaca.gov>;
Kevin Meredith <Kmeredith@laquintaca.gov>; Jon McMillen <jmcmillen@laquintaca.gov>
Cc: Jeff Smith ; Kay Wolff ; Linda Williams
; Edward Armendarez ; Toby Browning
; Mishael Patton ; Katie Barrows
; Nancy Salvatierra
Subject: STVR recommendations for La Quinta
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Dear Ms. Sanchez,
The Cove Neighborhood Association has discussed the Short Term Vacation Rental program and we
have several recommendations for the Adhoc Committee and the City Council we would like to have
considered.
After listening to the Adhoc Committee discussions, reviewing the STVR map and
experiencing neighborhood concerns with short term vacation rentals we request the following
changes be considered and initiated:
Significant increase in fines for 2nd violations and permit revocation for 3rd violation
Limit any one investor or LLC to a certain number of STVR (3) rental properties in city.
Limit the amount of rental homes to 1 on any one street block which includes behind and
across the street
Homeowners provide a $5,000 bond or escrow fund for any STVR permit to be used for
violations that occur and affect R-1 neighborhoods
In our research we found that the cities of Santa Cruz and Pacific Grove in Monterey County have
more stringent ordinances to manage and control the issues. You may want to take a few minutes to
peruse their city websites.
Thank you
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY EDIE HYLTON ON BEHALF OF THE COVE ASSOCIATION
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:La Quinta Short Term Rental Properties - Thursday Aug 6th 2020 meeting.
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 9:53:34 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello,
Thank you for me this moment to address the La Quinta short term rental properties.
I came to the desert in 2007, purchasing my first home on Villeta Drive in La Quinta.
All was good for several years, until 2012 when the house next door was purchasedas a short term rental. The owners of this property live in Orange County. Theyhave no commitment to this community, and this property was purchased solely for
their profit. They are committed to Orange County, not La Quinta.
Since 2012 I have lived beside a revolving door of parties. I am a Registered Nurse,where I am expected to take care of patients. Unfortunately there are days I haveworked with little sleep because of these parties. Is it right that I go to workexhausted because I slept so poorly due to renters? There are times I have had tocall off work as a result of not getting any sleep at all. Is it right for me to call offwork, with loss of pay, because the house next door is a rental, and those renting itwere up all night partying? Is it right that the emergency room was short staffed,
resulting in many ramifications, because I was so exhausted that I did not feel it safe
for me to work (safe in the sense of what nurses do - drug calculations, medication
distribution, working 12-hours in general). No, it's not right. None of this is right at
all.
So why haven't I called the police? I used to call all the time. This has been on-going for 8 years. Several years ago I came to City Hall to speak about myfrustrations. But I am tired. I work full time, and I go to school full time. I am in arigorous Nurse Practitioner program. I am tired. I know if I get out of bed to call thepolice, the likelihood of getting any sleep is less than if I just try to be still. Imagine -
it is after midnight, there is music thumping next door, your alarm is going off at
4am, because you study before going to work......and you know that the difference of
getting 2 hours of sleep is better than none. This is not right.
There is only so much the police can do. The renters do not care - they are there fora short time and a fine split between 20 people is very little. This should not be apolicing issue - this is a city ordinance issue. Police have many other items theyshould be responding to, not noise violations. Two weeks ago I called the short termrental hotline. I was number 25 in the que. After making little headway on this call,I hung up. I called the next day and she asked me what city I was calling from, I
was so disappointed to find out I was speaking to someone in Colorado. First - why
would someone in Colorado care about short term rental properties in La Quinta?
Secondly - why is the City of La Quinta not employing locals to manage this hotline?
I should not need to defend my right to live peacefully in my own home. This
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MEAGAN BEAVERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
community should be supporting its members and providing an environment that
allows inhabitants to thrive. As I look out my front window, I see the short termrental across the street, a different house but a similar story - a savvy owner fromthe coast. Tucked in his backyard is a school bus painted purple. A purple schoolbus, perched beside his backyard pool - I don't even understand how this is okay.
I love this community, but it is frustrating to be surrounded by homes purchasedsolely for the purpose of profit. We need to support the people who live in this
community. The two immediate homes that affect my well-being, are not owned by
people in this community, yet with the continuance of short-term rentals, it is their
well-being that is being supported, not mine, not this community at large.
Sincerely, Meagan Beavers
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MEAGAN BEAVERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written Public Comment
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 12:42:58 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hi Lori,
As per your email to me concerning the Ad-Hoc Committee dealing with the
subject of STVR in the City of La Quinta, I am sending my comments
directly to you as "Written Public Comment” for the next meeting of this
committee.
While I am fortunate enough to live in a gated community where STVR is
not allowed, I am dismayed to read some of the horror stories that La
Quinta residents have submitted to this committee.
The plethora of problems created by STVR such as noise pollution, trash,
drug and alcohol abuse, and increased crime is well established
nationwide. My analogy is to liken the destruction created to that of drug
abuse.The only entities having any “advantage” are the suppliers and the
pushers. They are in it to make money for themselves. In the case of
STVR these are the rental agencies and the owners of STVR houses. Again,
they are in the business to make money for themselves. Unfortunately this
profit motive is at the extreme expense to all those neighbors who suffer
from the complications mentioned above. Add to this their reduction in
home values and the outcome is deeply saddening.
Neighboring cities have set the precedent to deny STVR .
Thus the rhetorical question for La Quinta is: does the city wish to
continue to strive to be The Gem of the Desert? If so, it is obvious what
the resolution is. As with the slogan for drug abuse: JUST SAY NO.
Thank you for listening,
Robert E Cedergreen MD
La Quinta Resident
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ROBERT CEDERGREEN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Short term Rental in the Cove
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 10:55:14 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello Lori,
I am writing you about my AirBnB in the Cove.
I recently had a guest at the house that lied about her intent to stay- and after
agreeing to the rules of the house, ignored them and made all kinds of noise in the
back yard. I had a hearing this morning with the City of LaQuinta and am looking
forward to hearing their decision.
I am asking for decision consideration of the City to strongly fine the ones RENTING
the home- instead of the owners. If you borrowed a car and were pulled over for
speeding, that driver would be the one ticketed, not the owner of the car. If someone
rented the car, and was in an accident, the driver of the car would be be responsible,
not the car rental company.
When the virus hit, for roughly two months there were no short term renters allowed,and I followed the rules.As the Covid 19 essential worker housing needs increased,I offered my place at a significantly reduced amount for first responders- doctors,nurses, respiratory specialists, pharmacists and other support personnel that arecoming to the desert from out of state, and also locals that didn’t want to expose theirfamilies- to help at various hospitals in the area. I figured if we all just do a littlesomething, we can get through this. I could do this with my house, as it was theentire house available, not just a single room AirBnB.
I do everything I can to insure that my home is occupied by people that are
considerate of the neighborhood and the property and all that is in it. I have been
licensed for just under a year now, and have been tapped as a 'SuperHost' now. I do
not use the 'instant booking' feature- I communicate with the inquiring guest, read
previous reviews (ask open ended questions about their stay, the people coming, little
ones, etc). I confirm that they have read the house rules and they will abide by them.
I disclose that there is a camera at the front of the house, that there is no parking
inside of the garage to keep people from coming and going with out being on
camera.
My home was an airbnb with the previous owner. She too was a
superhost...however, during today's hearing I heard through the testimony from the
violations officer that the neighbor that called on me stated that 'she had called many
other times on the house.' This behavior applies to the previous owner, as this is my
first offense with the city. If that neighbor has ANY grievances with the previous
owner, it's now directed at me.
I have added a notation on my AirBnB house rules that there is now a camera over
the pool area- intended to audit the noise during the daytime (no amplified music) and
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LARRY MOAD
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
evening (no noise after 10P). Although I have not installed the camera yet, this did
keep a potential guest from renting....which is fine with me. I am that committed to
being a good neighbor and stopping the problem.
This ONE violation cost me $1,000.00. Additionally, my permit was suspended for 3
months. I was booked every weekend during the month of August....amounting to
just over $3,000, plus the weekend of Labor Day (over $1,000.). At that established
rent, for the 3 months this guest cost me $9,000.00, plus the $1000 fine. I had to pay
$250 for the appeal. I made a request from the guest for the money, she has denied
payment. The renter just blew me off- I have elevated it to AirBnB help, but they have
an increase in this activity and are slow to respond (still haven't heard from them).
Due to this guest, my first offense has cost me $10,250 and no business for 3
months. I use this money to make my mortgage payments, utilities and other
expenses for the home as well as my personal retirement income.
Please reconsider the expenses being directed to the home owner. If we are able to
show that we did our due diligence in our job to get the best guests for the house,
fines like this are too costly.
Would you please forward me the link to your next meeting? I look forward to hearing
the discussion.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
Larry Moad
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LARRY MOAD
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:STR"s
Date:Monday, August 3, 2020 3:37:47 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
We purchased a home in PGA West about a year ago. When the covid 19 hit ,we realized we
had 2 str houses across the street and one next to us on the west. Up until covid struck we
enjoyed all aspects of our purchase. Since covid , we see carloads of people filling up the
houses to escape the bigger cities. Im fine with that but, no one is wearing a mask or social
distancing. They are here to party. Kissing, hugging with no awareness of the covid 19 virus
inside and outside the houses. This needs to stop. Then they leave only to have the cleaning
service come for 45 to 60 minutes. I dont know how any two people can disinfect a 4000 sq
foot house. Its troubling to read about our hospitals at or near capacity. Being a senior, Im
deeply concerned with this total disrgard of any rules set by the officials. I would like to know
what we can do to help rid this covid 19 in our community. Please let me know . Chuck
Meadows . LaQuinta 92253
Thank you for your response
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT CHUCK MEADOWS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Public Comment
Date:Tuesday, August 4, 2020 11:09:11 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
I have been a City of La Quinta STVR permit holder since 2016. I have paid my Occupancy Taxes on
time, paid my permit fees, and have had never had a complaint about my property for 4 years. My
concern is that it appears there are a small percentage of property owners in the city operating
STVR’s that are causing issues with neighbors and not following the rules like the rest of us.
STVRs like in other resort communities are responsible for millions of dollars in tax revenue,
increased tourism, and much needed income for restaurants and small businesses. I cannot
understand why we cannot find a way to eliminate the minority of permit holders that are causing
the problems for their neighbors. I have gone 4 years without a single complaint, so there is no
reason why there should be a few propertys that are consistently the ones receiving them.
There are ordinances that other citys have implemented which have struck a balance between full
time homeowners and those that choose to rent such as yearly limits on how many nights per year
you can rent, and not allowing large groups no matter what the size of the property.
In summary as a full time La Quinta resident, Tax payer, homeowner, and STVR permit holder that
follows the rules, I would like the city to find a way to remove the licenses from the properties who
consistently receive the complaints, as it appears to be the same ones over and over.
Mark Williams
La Quinta
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MARK WILLIAMS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:STVR request of Adhoc committee
Date:Tuesday, August 4, 2020 7:43:56 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
From:
Marie Thompson
, La Quinta, CA 92253
I would like to request ahold be set on any new STVR and have a community discussion on
density in our residential neighborhoods.
I would like for your new rules about fines and violations become standard and not just
temporary.
I think STVR have grown way to fast and you need to address how this is changing our
neighborhood.
When we bought our home in 2013 this was a residential neighborhood no vacation rentals.
Today we have 4 just on our block.
Since the lift from COVID-19 the one across the street has a constant flow every week. Some
are ok and others are just here to party.
I do not think I should have to police my neighbors and have to report this every time we get a
nuisance renter.
Please consider a hold on any new STVR and review what is happening especially with
Cathedral City changing their rules and regulations and quite possibly sending more people
looking into investing (not living) in our community.
Thank you for your consideration.
--
Marie Thompson
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MARIE THOMPSON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:
Subject:#6 Written Comment and Public Comment #5
Date:Monday, August 3, 2020 6:40:00 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Public Comment #5
To: Lori Lorett Short Term Vacation Rental Program Ad-Hoc Committee Secretary
From: Renee Payen, La Quinta, CA.
Subject: Written comments #6 STVRS
This subject is encroaching on my personal space and time to complain once again in regards
to the STVR’s. I attended a meeting at La Quinta City Hall and voiced my concerns and it fell
upon deaf ears.
I Purchased my “Single Family Home” a little over 21 years ago based on its proximity to
work, schools, hospitalization, shopping and other conveniences.
I made a 30 plus year commitment when I purchased this house and made it my home. I am a
taxpayer! I take pride in ownership and this is my safe haven where I come home to for my
family’s enjoyment and rest.
Unfortunately our good neighbors decided to sell and move to a bigger development. The new
owners (unfriendly) moved in for about one year and then moved out. When I asked them why
they were leaving, they said they were going to remodel. They were never forthcoming about
what they were really doing. We had to find out on a very eventful Friday night in May of
2018. I heard multiple car doors around 8 o’clock in the evening. I went out front and noticed
three men getting out of their car and going towards our public mailboxes. All three were
urinating on the block wall! They proceeded across the street through our lawn to the house
next-door. Multiple cars pulled up and parked in the driveway while blocking the entrance to
the driveway and the fire hydrant. Multiple people exited the vehicles with open containers of
alcohol in their hands. We actually thought our neighbors construction workers were partying
in their yard and we had no way to contact them. We went next-door and inquired as to what
was going on. We demanded that they call the owner or we would call 911 immediately. Cars
were turning away when we were at the door talking to these short term renters, “unknown to
us at the time”. The other man that was renting was obviously telling people to go away for
now on his cell phone. The police did show up and the owners were notified. That was just our
beginning!
Would you like several cars pulling up in groups of 4 or more, rolling their suitcases up the
driveway arriving “home” drunk at night, and blocking driveways and sidewalks? What about
the families next-door and the small children? Every week I am filled with uncertainty or
unease as to who is coming and going to the house next-door. Many of these guest can cause
real problems for neighbors by creating excessive yelling and screaming, loud music and
partying at all hours! They are irresponsible and have absolutely no respect for anybody but
themselves. This wouldn’t be the case if the host was not so irresponsible. Shame on you La
Quinta for not taking care of these matters. I am so tired of having to waste my time
contacting Code Enforcement or the local Sheriff most every week. Obviously there aren’t
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT RENEE PAYEN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
very many consequences for those breaking the rules.
My quality of life as a property owner has diminished. I now have to tolerate this? I have to
put up with vulgar language, indecent exposure, cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, drones
flying over, people sitting up on the block wall looking into my yard or jumping off of it into
the swimming pool, illegal fireworks, littering our streets, Lyft and Uber drivers dropping off
or picking up people at all hours, food and alcohol delivery? (They haven’t figured out that we
drive on the right side of the street either)! So, when you park backwards on the street it also
means that you have driven on the wrong side of the street to get there. Very dangerous for
others when they are driving or walking down our street.
These Airbnb‘s are a nuisance for us. A nuisance is defined as; “something that interferes with
the use of property by being irritating, offensive, obstructive or dangerous”.
The Vacation rental issue is an insidious problem, as it quietly robs the community of its
collective voice to speak out about local issues that effect us.
Vacation renters don’t care about how good our local schools are, how much work the roads
need, speeding issues through neighborhoods, local land development, pollution or for a host
of other issues that Home owners and long-term renters are concerned about.
But perhaps the most troubling issue is the loss of our self identity that comes with these
changes. Vacation rentals in high concentrations cause deconstruction of a neighborhoods
character that can be difficult to see. These rentals are spruced up, a facade that suggest a
resident is happily living there. Nothing could be further from the truth. What is the point of
neighborhood get together’s, or playing in the streets or helping one another, when there are
no other families, kids or anyone else actually living in the neighborhood? Who are we when
we are surrounded by hotels with people from out of town? Ultimately, we have to answer the
question of who the city was built for. The residents who live here, or those that just want to
vacation here (including those who profit from them)? Frequently it feels like it is tourism at
all cost. I would like to see a moratorium on vacation rentals in our neighborhoods. Not only
do we have another housing bubble growing, but we are losing our sense of community. We
should not have to compromise where we love to live, because the vacation rental market is
not being regulated. Again, our houses are our homes, not hotels.
Regards,
Renee Payen
La Quinta, CA
Sent from my iPhone
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT RENEE PAYEN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Paul and Margaret Hoesterey
La Quinta, CA 92253
August 3, 2020
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee
City of La Quinta
Via email to Lori Lorett LLorett@LaQuintaCA.gov
Dear Committee Members,
While I don’t fully know what your charge is, I understand you have a meeting this week about STVRs
in our city so I wish to submit these comments.
We have lived in our home in north La Quinta (Cactus Flower neighborhood) continuously since 1991.
Our enjoyment of this home and neighborhood has been greatly diminished since the city began to
permit short term vacation rentals..
I suspect the value of our property has been diminished as well – we are considering selling our home
but cannot stand the possibility of inflicting another STVR on our neighbors. It has gotten so bad, we are
also wondering if we would be required to disclose our adverse condition in escrow.
My big question for the City is this: If people aren’t allowed to run a business from their house, why
are you allowing people to use their house as a business?! Traditionally home businesses are
restricted based on such considerations as traffic load, parking of equipment, noise and other activities.
The negative impact of the STVRs far exceed traditional home business restrictions.
In our case, we are now surrounded – an STVR is directly behind us with its pool and patio less than
fifteen feet from our bedroom. Another is directly across the street. We are concerned that a third will
be established in the home directly across the adjoining street (we live on a corner) as that house has
been vacated and work is being done to prepare it for sale.
I will list SOME of the problems we have had just in the past six months. Admittedly, on their own they
may not justify our complaints. If they were occasional, we could quietly endure them. The problem is:
with STVR activity these are not isolated incidents … they are near constant. It is understandable that
people would want to use and fully enjoy the facility they rented for three days or a week. But then the
next group comes in and it starts all over again. And the next, and the next…
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS PAUL & MARGARET HOESTEREY
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Our experience:
•Loud music, pool and patio parties (drinking and drugs frequently involved)
This occurs daytime, evenings, and OFTEN well past 10 pm
•Parking
Frequently with more vehicles than regulations allow, often in unusual manners (blocking
sidewalks, sideways in driveway, wrong direction on street) and in front of other houses – ours
included.
We used to be able to keep an eye out for unusual activity in our neighborhood – but with
all the STVRs we can no longer recognize vehicles which would have been out of pace in the
past. This affects our sense of safety in these off times.
•Trash
It used to be we would receive Notice if we left our trash cans out overnight. Now with
STVRs, trash cans are left curbside for days at a time or debris is left to rot in cans and not placed
curbside on pick up days.
•Behavioral issues
After 10:30 or 10:45 pm, I have respectfully asked people to tone down the noise … most
comply readily but a few don’t.
Pool toys and other items have landed in our yard and on our patio cover.
Unsafe driving (vehicles speeding out of the neighborhood – most likely alcohol related.)
Arguments among the guests. Twice in recent months, it got so bad I stuck my head over the
wall to see/ask if someone needs help.
Our worst experiences:
•I have been verbally abused and cursed out
- once for asking people to quiet down well after 11pm
- another time one afternoon when the party was out of control (drugs, ‘music’, drinking,
shouting and arguing) after I asked people to stop fighting and was told if I didn’t like it to just
go back in my house (expletives deleted).
•One STVR owner confronted me after I filed a complaint – saying the city code enforcement
officer told him we filed a complaint and why don’t I just call him directly when there’s a
problem.
Here are a few suggestions:
•Follow the lead of Palm Springs (we understand they ended STVRs) and Cathedral City (!) as
they deal with this odious issue.
•Fully and aggressively enforce current regulations – we’ve seen something written about fines
for violations and suspensions of permits.
•PUBLISH the fines and violations so we know you are responding and so people know where
the trouble spots are located.
•Add local staff to the Hotline and have code enforcement staff on hand for immediate response.
We will not call the police for a noise complaint – they have far better and more important things
to do. But having some code enforcement officers working the night shift is not an unreasonable
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS PAUL & MARGARET HOESTEREY
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
solution … charge the STVR owners for each callout and add extra charges when/if violations
are noted
•Mirror existing land use statutes to get this problem under control: For instance, we have local
regulations that limit the proximity of porn ships and pot dispensaries to schools. Do the same
with STVRs.
Limit the number in each specific neighborhood.
Limit their proximity to each other.
Limit their proximity to adjoining single family dwellings.
Limit issuance of permits to properties of certain size and capacity.
•Raise permit fees to a level at which single family homes in established tract development
neighborhoods are no longer as attractive to investors interested in operating STVRs.
Frankly, we now dread the coming winter months. As noted, our bedroom is less than fifteen feet from
the pool and patio of the STVR behind us. Our days of sleeping with the windows open appear to be
behind us. We should not have to hunker down in our home because some absentee property owner, and
the City, want to make some extra money at our expense.
Unfortunately, our culture has largely lost the sense of respect for others. Our issues with STVRs in our
neighborhood are a reflection of that problem. It is made worse when our own city seems to consider
extra revenues more important than its residents.
Lastly, I am enclosing a sign I have posted above the wall in our back yard. Thankfully, it has helped
lessen some of the problems. But it is a sad statement that after thirty years of thoroughly enjoying our
neighbors in a great neighborhood, our living situation has deteriorated to this.
Please end the STVR program in La Quinta as soon as possible.
With respect,
Paul Hoesterey
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS PAUL & MARGARET HOESTEREY
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Public Comment
Date:Saturday, August 1, 2020 6:20:31 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
The night before last, the STVR party next door woke us just before 1:00. Lots of loud
singing, laughing, talking, and splashing in the pool. Oh, and the neighbor’s pool is less
than 20 feet from our bedroom window. Lucky us.
Last night, no noise. That was nice, but maybe it was because of the amount of pot smoke
coming from the pool area. Too stoned to party, I guess.
Fool me once… In the past, we tried working with the owner--he did not want to be a
“crappy neighbor,” but after texting him for 3 loud nights last week, we were left with the
promise to check into it in the morning. As you can imagine, this did not go over well at 1:00
am.
Fool me twice… We are tired of playing the nice guy. From now on, anytime the guests
create a disturbance, we are calling the STVR Hotline. The Hotline is a good idea, but it
does have its issues. For instance, any call after hours is handled by a contractor.
Another problem we have experienced with the Hotline is the owner is given a certain
amount of time to respond to the complaint. If he doesn’t, the police are called in. The
police, as you can imagine, have enough to do, and dealing with noise complaints has to
have a low priority. Often, if/when the police show up, everything is quiet. Keep in mind that
the disturbance has continued during this process. The other night, the noise continued
until just before 2:00.
I never imagined that I would be the proud owner of a home next door to a hotel. Maybe
STVRs are the wave of the future. We have seven (that we know of) within walking
distance. This begs the question: Who are the STVRs designed to benefit? The absentee
owner? The guests? The city? The families? I am glad that our kids are grown. I would hate
to raise young children in this type of environment.
You know, at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, schools, businesses, and STVRs
were shut down. It seemed like a good idea. Now that the positive tests--and fatalities--are
way up, Schools have long-distance learning, businesses are regulated, and children’s
playgrounds are closed, but STVRs are open for business. Strangers can come into the
neighborhood--on a revolving basis--have a good time (often at someone else’s expense)
and go home.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT WILLIAM ESTEP
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
And what about the homeowners? We had someone on our street who tested positive and
battled the Coronavirus for a number of weeks. Guess what? He lives next door to a noisy
STVR.
Question: What type of cleaning/sanitation procedure is enforced/regulated between guest
visits? Schools and businesses have rigid safety guidelines. We notice when the guests
leave, a maid shows up--and one-two hours later, another guest arrives.
We can hardly wait for the cooler weather. You know, when you can open up your windows
at night and get a nice refreshing breeze--and loud music, laughter, cursing, singing,
splashing in the pool, and the smell of pot. Oh yeah, we can hardly wait!
Thank you for providing an opportunity to be heard.
William Estep
La Quinta, CA 92253
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT WILLIAM ESTEP
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written Comments - STVR meeting Aug. 6, 2020
Date:Thursday, July 30, 2020 4:47:30 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Lori,
Please find below my comments to be included for the next STVR Ad-Hoc committee meeting.
I am not sure of the agenda item number so maybe it is just "public comment". I am writing
to ask that the City reconsider it's allowance of STVR's in our city neighborhoods. I am a
resident and homeowner in La Quinta who bought a home in this city because of it's beautiful
neighborhoods, quiet streeets, safe living environment. Earlier this year the house next door
to us was sold and then purchased by out-of-the-area owners who turned it into a STVR. Since
opening, it has been non-stop problems with renters. These type of vacation renters who are
here for 2-3 days seem to have no respect for their neighbors. We have had non-stop issues
with noise (loud music, talking, screaming), smoke filling our backyard (mostly marijuana but
also cigarettes), late night noise and multiple cars parked in front of our house. I am aware of
the regulations of code enforcement and have called the property management company and
the LQ 24/7 hotline multiple times, however I don't think we should have to do this constantly.
I am very upset that I cannot enjoy my own backyard anymore due to this. It is so difficult to
bear this day after day after day. There are new renters every 3 days and the same things over
and over. I am a non-smoker and I have young children so why should MY yard be absolutely
engulfed in marijuana smoke (legal or not)? Why should I have to listen to THEIR music playing
while they are out partying or in the pool. We have foound objects in our backyard and pool
that were clearly not from our yard so possibly thrown into our yard. These are not the same
problems we have with permanent neighbors where it happens every so often or with people
you know and can have a conversation with. These are total strangers coming into OUR
neighborhood and treating it like they are at a vacation resort or hotel. Our quiet streets are
NOT the place for such "tourism". We have people here who work all day and want to come
home and get some sleep, people who work from home and need the quiet, people who work
night shift and need to sleep during the day and there are kids who will soon be doing their
distance learning from home. We should be able to enjoy the quiet, family-minded
neighborhood we bought into and not be subjected to this chaos that was allowed into our
neighborhood. On an additional note, we also believe it is not appropriate during this time of a
world-wide pandemic that people from out of the area are coming into our neighborhoods
and subjecting us to potential health risks.
I understand the City of La Quinta relies greatly on tourism and I think it can be done with the
events that are held and with the proper locations such as hotels so that we can all live
together in this beautiful city. Please re-consider, as other cities have done, so as not to drive
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT KATHLEEN BOYLAN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
out your loyal residents.
Thank you for listening,
Kathleen Boylan
Name: Kathleen Boylan
City: La Quinta
Phone #:
*Please let me know if I have left out any pertinent information that is required.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT KATHLEEN BOYLAN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
To: Lori Lorett llorett@laquintaca.gov
Design and Development, Community Development
Good afternoon.
I am writing because I am very concerned about the burgeoning number of short term vacation
rentals in the Cove. In the two years that I have been living in the Cove, I have noticed an
increase in STVRs and the negative impact that this has created in our community. The nature
of the neighborhood is changing from a family friendly, safe environment to a loud, invasive
party zone.
I am shocked at what I just read!! I have a friend visiting who is thinking of moving to the Cove.
While looking at some listings of houses for sale, we read the following in the property
description of a house in MLS # :
“No rental restrictions in La Quinta Cove, just add cosmetic touches to make this home
all that it has to offer!”
I have never seen this kind of wording to describe a house for sale in a quiet residential area.
This is code for – This house would be great for a Short Term Vacation Rental.
There are reasons that most of the cities in the Coachella Valley have updated their STVR
ordinances and/or have declared a moratorium on permits until they review their policies and
ordinances. In fact, headlining in The Desert Sun this morning is:
Cathedral City moves to phase out vacation rentals - One council member said
allowing vacation rentals has amounted to "mini hotels" in neighborhoods.
People who come to vacation in our community and stay in STVR are just that … ON VACATION.
They are here to enjoy the area and to have fun. Oftentimes, there is a large group of people
engaged in FUN at all hours – from early morning until late at night. They are laughing loudly,
playing loud music at all hours, TVs are blaring movies late into the night, etc. There are many
cars that overflow their parking places, and trash is deposited wherever is convenient rather
than in the proper way or place.
I have many years of experience with STVR and how they are regulated. I moved here a couple
of years ago from another town, Santa Cruz, CA. Like La Quinta, Santa Cruz also relies heavily on
tourism to support their local economy. Santa Cruz noticed the changing dynamics in the
quality of life of its residents and responded by making changes to their ordinances regarding
STVRs. Here are some of the issues that they were considering and solutions that they made for
the health of their community.
1.Hosted rentals. Many people needed the income from hosted rentals. Hosted
rentals often are longer than a weekend and do not seem to bring much change to the
nature of the neighborhood or greatly impact the footprint of the community.
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ARLENE GOTSHALK
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
In Santa Cruz county (population approx. 250,000), they capped the number of hosted
rentals at 250. Short-term rentals of one or two rooms in a home requires a Hosted
Rental Permit per County Code.
2.Non-Hosted rentals. June 2020 Santa Cruz County updated its ordinance regarding
STVR.
“Supervisor John Leopold, who helped craft the ordinance, said that the growing
number of vacation and hosted rentals puts a burden on neighbors, who report loud
parties, parking woes and other troubles at many properties. The increasing number of
vacation rentals also reduces the number of available homes for county residents.”
The new ordinance has designated a maximum number of permits for STVR by
percentage of permits as follows:
Under County Code, different areas of the county have a maximum of STVR
permits ranging from 10%-20% of total parcels.
I know that there are many solutions that could be considered for our own unique and
beautiful city. There are many residents who have voiced their concerns on Next Door
regarding the growing number of STVRs in La Quinta. I have also heard neighbors having
discussions that as STVRs increase, the problems that they create also increases.
I feel that it is very important that La Quinta will respond to these concerns and problems
before the situation grows exponentially.
I recommend that we have a moratorium on STVR permits. Then, we as a community, can
review our policies about STVR to see if La Quinta needs to update its STVR ordinances and/or if
there needs to limit the number of permits issued.
I think it is very important that we move forward with respect and transparency to La Quinta
community members. I suggest that a process to address the issues of STVR be implemented
such as:
•Have an immediate moratorium on issuing STVR permits
•Convene some public meetings to hear and explore concerns of residents
•Explore and understand why other cities in the valley have halted STVR and have
updated their STVR ordinances
•Develop new guidelines and ordinances for La Quinta regarding STVRs
Thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns.
Sincerely,
Arlene Gotshalk
, La Quinta
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ARLENE GOTSHALK
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Metting notes
Date:Tuesday, July 28, 2020 1:46:05 PM
Attachments:Screenshot_20200728-133456.png
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
To whom it may concern,
So I know you put out a new executive order about no music allowed at anytime and no noise ordinance, I understand you have to look out for the residence and keep
their homes peaceful so they are able to live there. But this executive order is ridiculous especially since when I am by a pool or hanging out just like I feel most
people would agree I want to listen to some good music. I know there is decibel limits for doing the day and decibel levels after 10pm.
So I have a solution that I think could be used to allow People to still play music and still be respectful of the neighborhoods and neighbors. I will willing buy and
install a decibel meter in the back yard so that the renters can know what their noise levels are at and make sure that they keep the noise level under this level. I
attached a example of what I mean.
But saying no music at all and almost no noice is unfeasible. I already had three months of little or no rent now you are threatening fines and suspension over people
enjoying the pool in the back yard and making it very hard for people to rent, make income and keep these homes. If you keep pushing unrealistic executive orders you
are going to end up having a lot of foreclosures in the city and these houses are going to go down hill and make the community look worse then a little music playing
in the back yard.
Thank you,
Maverick Cissell
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT MAVERICK CISSELL
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO 1. - EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
From:Lori Lorett
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:FW: STVRs
Date:Tuesday, August 4, 2020 12:17:12 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Valerie Smith <>
Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2020 9:37 AM
To: Tommi Sanchez <Tsanchez@laquintaca.gov>
Subject: STVRs
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
To the AdHoc STVR Committee:
Thank you all for volunteering for this committee. I strongly urge you to recommend to La Quinta City Council
to place a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new STVR licenses immediately. That will give you time, as a
committee, to carefully consider this important issue that affects the quality of life of all of our residents. Valerie
Smith - La Quinta Cove
Sent from my iPad
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT VALERIE SMITH
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:Lori Lorett
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:FW: 90 day Moratorium on STVRs.
Date:Tuesday, August 4, 2020 12:14:01 PM
From: Edie hylton
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2020 3:30 PM
To: Tommi Sanchez <Tsanchez@laquintaca.gov>
Subject: 90 day Moratorium on STVRs.
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Dear Ms. Sanchez,
Please consider a moratorium on permits issued for short term vacation rentals for the next 90 days.
The adhoc committee is now hearing comments from the community and looking at the data
regarding the rental densities and increased violations. It is a logical time to put a hold on any new
permits while the group does their work. Please take this request to your committee and ask them
to consider this along with the other recommendations from residents in the Cove. The increased
number of short term vacation rentals have made a tremendous impact on our neighborhoods.
Thank you
Dan and Edie Hylton
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS DAN & EDIE HYLTON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
1
I hope everyone is in good health and I thank you for your leadership. I am writing out
of concern about the recent ordinance that was sent out.
We are home owners of 2 homes out there and also use the homes as vacation rentals
when we are not using the home ourselves. The ordinance lays out that Vacation
Homes may not have any amplified sound outside. I can certainly understand quiet
hours but to not permit any music at a low level is raises concern. I called the office
today to ask who do we contact if home owners violate this order and I was told that
this ‘rule’ was only for vacation homes. This is a form of discrimination if this ordinance
is not in place for all members of the community. Sadly we have already had to deal
with people calling your office with untrue allegations.
I would like to formally ask for an agenda item on this at the next meeting and to have
some time for a group of us to speak about this. As you know we pay taxes, follow
HOA rules and pay HOA fees and yet we are being treated differently than owners.
This is extremely unfair.
I know these times are hard and again I agree that quiet hours should be in place for
all, not just vacation rentals but this ordinance needs to be revisited. Also how will
false allegations be addressed? I ask you to reconsider especially during a time that
equality is ever so important.
Thank you.
Kimberly Estrada & Eddy Estrada
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, levans@laquintaca.gov <levans@laquintaca.gov> wrote:
Good Morning La Quinta City Council Members,
I hope this email finds all of you in good health, we greatly appreciate your hard work
during these hard times. I am writing to share some concerns around the La Quinta
Vacation Rental Ban. While I understand the importance of taking precautions during
COVID 19 I am a bit confused of the vote that took place last week and the reasoning
behind it.
We have noticed that La Quinta closely follows the County guidelines in terms of when
to lift bans. When the city of Riverside lifted the bans for golf and swimming pools
then the city of La Quinta also followed suit. Governor Newsom is giving cities the
autonomy to decide what is best for them. Below is the link to where he speaks about
the power now that cities are being given to make decisions best for the city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZKTXrkVCIg
On Jul 15, 2020, at 8:09 PM, Kimberly Estrada <> wrote:
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper
judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for
information. **
Good evening,
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS KIMBERLY & EDDY ESTRADA
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO 1. - EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
2
make every effort now to restore the economy. I hope you will consider lifting the
vacation ban.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Kimberly Estrada
Aid in Future COVID‐19 Relief Funding and Get Your Community Counted! Take the 2020 Census Online
Here: https://my2020census.gov/, Everyone Counts!
On May 20th Newport, California voted to resume vacation rentals. As vacation
owners we have taken COVID very seriously and already have done extensive
cleaning training with our cleaning crews to prepare when the ban is lifted. What can
we do to expedite the decision to lift the ban? See the link below where Newport
resumed their vacation rentals.
https://www.ocregister.com/2020/05/13/newport-beach-gives-go-ahead-to-resume-
short-term-rentals/
Not only does the ban affect owners but cleaning crews, pool crews, and many
more. Before long you will see that owners are going to go into foreclosure which will
greatly impact the economy of La Quinta. Below shows data that is up to date. I have
included the source.
https://kesq.com/news/coronavirus/2020/05/18/riverside-county-coronavirus-update-
5952-cases-3833-recoveries-242-deaths/
If possible can my email be read during tonight's meeting? As an Owner of multiple
vacation properties in La Quinta I take the health and safety of the residents and our
guests very seriously. As the graph shows, the results are improving and we need to
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS KIMBERLY & EDDY ESTRADA
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO 1. - EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:STVR Property
Date:Saturday, July 18, 2020 10:42:16 AM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
We are writing this to the City of La Quinta to complain and question
STVR property. There is a home located at ,
LaQuinta, Ca 92253, which is catty-corner to our property. This
property is managed by Turnkey Property Management.
As you are all aware the world is in an out-of- control pandemic, that is
highly contagious. For the weekend of Thursday through Sunday, June
25-29, July 22-5 and July 9-12 the above-referenced property has been
rented out. The noise coming out of the property, to include boom
boxes, was out of control. There are multiple people in the house on
these weekends. It is to the point that homeowners, such as ourselves,
cannot go into their own yards and enjoy being outside, in our pools,
having our own meals outside, etc. We are 75 years old and are at the
highest risk not only due to our age but my wife has an autoimmune
condition and has to go to Younes Medical every 4 weeks for infusion
therapy. It has been widely publicized that this virus is an airborne virus
and having large groups of party-goers who are not wearing masks or
practicing social distancing is harmful to not only our home but to all the
homes around. We moved down here for her health. For the past 4 1/2
years, we have lived in a quiet family neighborhood and now we have to
put up with STVR on the weekends.
We have called Turnkey Property Management and Randy Sommers
the property manager to complain, all to no avail. We have been told
our complaint will be passed along but nothing seems to be done. The
rental continues without any thought or concern as to how it is effecting
the homeowners and neighborhood, especially in light of this awful
pandemic.
How, in good conscience, can the City of La Quinta allow this to
continue knowing the dangers of this pandemic and easy spread of it?
Why is La Quinta not following suit of the other cities in Coachella by
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS DENNIS & STEPHANIE STEWART
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
stopping these short term rentals? You are not only helping the spread
of the virus but you are lowering property values in these family
neighborhoods when you are allowing this to happen.
Respectfully,
Dennis and Stephanie Stewart
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENTS DENNIS & STEPHANIE STEWART
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:STVR July 2020 meeting
Date:Friday, July 17, 2020 1:00:01 PM
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Lori,
Thank you for the on line meeting video & minutes. I just listened on line.
Request:
Please identify, on the on line meeting video & minutes page, on the committee
member list:
city rep, stvr owner & LQ resident, stvr owner only, stvr management co rep, resident.
Also, identify on same page, but separately from member list, the Chairperson,
ViceChair and manager (in charge person) of the 2 departments that work with the
STVR adhoc.
EX: Lori Lorett, LQ staff
Also, a link to the resume submitted for position on the adhoc committee.
And, with hopes that the following is appropriate, please relate to chairperson for
committee consideration:
1.STVR maps be available to licensed STVR owners, or even to all LQ residents. It
would help STVR owners help the city find non licensed. We know our
neighborhoods.
2.STVR workshop requirement for new license requests should be on video. Saves
staff time and information is consistent. The video can be updated as appropriate.
3.Limit city wide STVR: Consider a limit to a percentage of total LQ households.
Consider a limit in neighborhoods, i.e. Topaz: 5 maximum. Neighborhoods that are
not identified like "Topaz" can be segmented by city blocks.
4.Allow for event time only licensing to include a higher licensing fee: Coachella-WE
1 - $75; Coachella-WE 2- $75; Stagecoach- $75 or Event month-$200. License
issuance should be 'calendared' to insure the TOT is reported/paid by end of
subsequent month.
thank you, smile ... anita Anita Marlowe
We make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give.
After all is said and done, more is said than done. --Aesop
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there. --Rumi
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ANITA MARLOWE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Cc:Tommi Sanchez
Subject:Presentation to STVR Ad-Hoc Committee
Date:Thursday, July 16, 2020 1:16:52 PM
Attachments:image001.png
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution
when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Lori,
I am the local public affairs representative for Expedia Group, which includes two of the leading
vacation rental platforms, HomeAway and Vrbo.
I wanted to offer my availability to make a short presentation to the STVR Ad-Hoc Committee
regarding the tools that Expedia can provide to make La Quinta’s STVR program more effective.
Expedia has recently partnered with several cities to:
1. Require STVR owners to provide a permit number before publishing their listing
2. Remove listings that are deemed non-compliant by the City
3. Collect and remit TOT revenue to the City on behalf of STVR owners
We could discuss the logistics of these measures and share the impact they have had in other cities.
We could also share some perspective on other steps the City could take to strengthen the STVR
program based on our experience in other cities. I think we could do all this in about 10 minutes,
perhaps a few minutes more if there are a lot of questions or discussion for the committee.
Please let me know if this is something the committee would be interested in including on a future
agenda.
Jeremy Ogul
Public Affairs Director
Madaffer Enterprises, Inc.
1620 Fifth Ave. Ste. 400, San Diego, CA 92101
74333 Hwy. 111. Ste. 205, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Office: 858-627-0727 | 760-340-4515
www.Madaffer.com
STVR AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - AUGUST 6, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY JEREMY OGUL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
POWER POINT
STVR AD-HOC
COMMITTEE
MEETING
AUGUST 6, 2020
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Regular Meeting 8/6/2020
1
SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTAL
PROGRAM AD-HOC
COMMITTEE
August 6, 2020
1
2
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Regular Meeting 8/6/2020
2
Enforcement
Sub-Committee
Recommendations
ISSUE 1:
Communicating With The City / Verifying A Complaint
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff the hotline with a live, (local, trained) person who are familiar with La
Quinta geography and empowered and equipped to initiate complaint
resolution immediately.
Increase field enforcement staffing by at least two additional full time STVR
trained officers available for immediate dispatch during times of need.
Hotline and enforcement staff should be intelligently managed: more staff
when the hotline is heavily used (evenings and weekends) and less staffing at
times when complaints tend to be low (weekday mornings and afternoons).
3
4
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Regular Meeting 8/6/2020
3
ISSUE 2:
STVR Homeowner Not Registering With The City
RECOMMENDATION:
Publicize the registration requirements regularly on the web site and through
social media outlets.
Include mail inserts to all residents in any surface mailings sent out to
residents.
Where possible, partner with HOA communities and Management Companies
to exchange information on STVR rental activities.
Assess significant monetary penalties for non-compliance. These penalties
must be paid before an STVR license can be obtained.
ISSUE 3:
STVR Owner Not Aware Of The Rules
RECOMMENDATION:
Applicants and Management Company representatives who directly
manage a property must attend a compulsory workshop prior to the
issuance of permits.
STR Owners and Management Company representatives who are directly
responsible for managing a property that have been assessed a violation
must retake the compulsory workshop at their own expense.
5
6
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Regular Meeting 8/6/2020
4
ISSUE 4:
Renters Not Aware Of The Rules
RECOMMENDATION:
The owner / manager obtains a signature from the renter in advance of
occupying the property – i.e. when the rental agreement is signed.
Perhaps a signed copy of the ordinance certifying the renter has read and
agrees to be bound by the document.
A condensed copy of the relevant ordinance must be permanently fixed to
a prominent location in the property. This document will be generated by
the City and outline the relevant rules in plain language.
ISSUE 5:
Neighbors Not Aware Of The Rules
RECOMMENDATION:
Neighbors surrounding STVR properties should be notified by the city of an adjacent
STVR property and supplied with the same documents the Owner is required to furnish to
the renter. (This could be a requirement placed on the STVR owner if the City feels it is
appropriate – as long as the neighbor gets the information). This must also include all
contact information for complaints to the City as well as contact information for the
Property owner and the Property Manager if applicable.
These documents should be refreshed annually as part of the license renewal process.
A document should be prepared and provided to the neighbor clarifying definitively the
meaning of any technical terms. Where possible real-life examples should be used to
illustrate the terms used. This document should be provided to renters as well.
7
8
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Regular Meeting 8/6/2020
5
ISSUE 6:
No Contact With Owner / Representative
RECOMMENDATION:
Implement an escalation process whereby if the first call to a property
manager (or local contact) goes unanswered, a second call is made to the
property owner. If neither are available within the 45-minute window, a
call is made the RSO and a citation is issued according to the current
ordinance.
As described above, increase the number of trained and dedicated
enforcement personnel to levels that can actively address the situation
with or without the homeowner / property manager.
ISSUE 7:
Noise / Behavior / Party Events
RECOMMENDATION:
A document should be prepared and provided to all parties clarifying definitively the meaning of any
technical measurements and how these measurements should be interpreted. (See also above).
Enforcement personnel should be provided with and trained to use relevant noise level meters and
other tools that enhance objective measurement of noise. They should also be trained to explain the
results of these measurements to neighbors and renters in the event of a complaint.
Where possible, real-life examples should be used to illustrate the terms used. This document should
be provided to renters as well.
The City should implement tutorial workshops that clarify what the noise and behavior rules are. These
workshops should open to all community members and conducted on a regular basis (perhaps once
every calendar quarter).
Quiet hours shall be between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8am. No amplified noise is permitted
between the hours of 8pm to 8am.
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ISSUE 8:
Occupancy Limit Violations
RECOMMENDATION:
Empower and require enforcement personnel to ask and verify (subject to
legal applicability) the number of occupants at time of a complaint.
Notify the STVR owner or property manager immediately if a citation will
be issued. This is will enable recovery of any fines from the occupants
before security deposits are refunded, etc.
Limit overnight parking for STVR properties. (This is the way some HOA
communities manage occupancy issues)
ISSUE 9:
Parking
RECOMMENDATION:
Limit the number of vehicles that may be parked on the street to a
maximum of three vehicles during times the property is rented.
Property Owner / Manager must provide and require the renter to display
a sign clearly identifying the vehicle as being associated with the rental
address.
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ISSUE 10:
Trash
RECOMMENDATION:
Current regulations are adequate for dealing with this issue, however,
during the process of getting a license, the STVR applicant should be
specifically made aware of the current trash collection policy, including the
availability of larger capacity bins and concierge collection services, as
well as the fines associated with non-compliance.
The STVR owner must inform the renter in writing of the property specific
trash policy as part of the rental agreement.
ISSUE 11:
Repeat Offenders / 3 Strikes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff the hotline with a live, (local) person who is familiar with La Quinta
geography and empowered and equipped to initiate complaint resolution
immediately. (See previously).
Increase field enforcement staffing by at least two full time STVR trained
officers available for immediate dispatch during times of need.
Reduce the current 3-strike rule to a 2-strike rule for noise and personal
conduct violations.
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Executive Order No. 9:
ORDER GOVERNING USE AND
OCCUPATION OF SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTAL UNITS IN THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA
EFFECTIVE 12:00 P.M. July 15, 2020
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EXECUTIVE
ORDER
NO. 9
2 violations = suspension of STVR license
Immediate 90-day suspension for non-
responsive owner/host
STVR rules apply regardless if unit is rented
(applicable to owner or guest of owner)
Fines will be double
No sound amplification permitted outside
Noise limits
Suspensions to take place after current occupant
vacates premise unless egregious offense in
which suspension will be immediate – (simple
administrative appeal process)
Executive Order No. 10:
Order Imposing 90-Day Moratorium
on Processing Any New Applications
for Short Term Vacation Rentals
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 4, 2020
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Formation of
Sub-Committee
for Density Issues
QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?
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STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Regular Meeting 8/6/2020
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THANK
YOU FOR
COMING!
OUR NEXT
SCHEDULED
MEETING IS:
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
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