2020 10 01 STVRP AD-HOC1
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM OCTOBER 1, 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, OCTOBER 1, 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 Program 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 OCTOBER 1, 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 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 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 three minutes
(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
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SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM OCTOBER 1, 2020
AD-HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
Note: Consent Calendar items are routine in nature and can be approved by one
motion.
1.APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1.CITY OF LA QUINTA FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
STUDY SESSION
1.DISCUSS LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT AND UPDATE
2. DISCUSS MARKETING SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT AND UPDATE
3.DISCUSS DENSITY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT AND UPDATE
4.SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL ENFORCEMENT UPDATE
BUSINESS SESSION
1.APPROVE DENSITY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS TO
MODIFY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL OCCUPANCY LIMITS
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Thursday, November
5, 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 September 28, 2020.
DATED: September 28, 2020
LORI LORETT, Committee Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM OCTOBER 1, 2020
AD-HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA
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.
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 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California,
92253, during normal business hours.
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 1 of 5 SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
MEETING MINUTES
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL
PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE
MINUTES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program Ad-Hoc
Committee (Committee) was called to order at 4:01 p.m. by Committee
Secretary 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 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,
Shelton, Spinney, Tamm and Chair Schutz
ABSENT: Committee Member Navarro
STAFF PRESENT: Design & Development Director Castro, Hub Manager
Sanchez, Permit Technician Lopez, Administrative
Assistant/Committee Secretary Lorett, Public Safety
Manager Mendez, Code Compliance Supervisor Meredith,
and Community Resources Director Escobedo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Committee Secretary Lorett led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Committee Secretary Lorett announced the following WRITTEN PUBLIC
COMMENTS were received as of 12:00 p.m., 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 5 SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
MEETING MINUTES
• Valerie Smith – recommendation of phasing STVRs out of the Cove;
• Arlene Gotshalk, Jennifer Porter, John Hastie, and Shannon Chavez – in
support of STVRs;
• Rod McGuire – provided recommendations on how to enhance the STVR
Program;
• Bob Beebe, Lynn & Richard Reich, Laurie & Mark Parkin, Connie & Donald
Nimis, Jim & Barbara Lambert, Chuck & Teri Eckman, Carrie Breeswine,
Cindy Coppola, Jim & Carol Hurst, Tom & Sandy Baak, Marde & Mark
Olson, Dean & Cathy Graves, Coach Woodruff, Richard De Leonardis,
Tom & Andrea Thomas, Rod McGuire, Terry & Patricia Pracht,
Christopher Cranfill, and Linnea Van Kirk – in opposition of STVRs;
• Marie & Craig Thompson – recommending continuing the moratorium
on new STVR permits;
• Linda Hagood and Gary & Yvonne Velasquez – STVRs enforcement;
• John Hastie, David Dinnel, and Jeanne Chalfont – Committee
membership concerns.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 6, 2020
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
McDonough/Caldwell to approve the Consent Calendar Item No. 1 as
submitted. Motion passed: ayes 13, noes 0, absent 2 (Monroe and Navarro).
2. APPROVE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 2020
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
Church/Jonasson to approve the Consent Calendar Item No. 2 as submitted.
Motion passed: ayes 13, noes 0, absent 2 (Monroe and Navarro).
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS DENSITY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT AND UPDATE
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 3 of 5 SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
MEETING MINUTES
Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Design and Development Department.
General discussion followed regarding the Density Sub-Committee focus;
efforts in reviewing research on property density and occupancy; and the goal
to prepare a report with recommendations for the Committee’s review and
consideration, which when approved will be presented to the City Council.
The Committee reviewed a comparison spreadsheet of other local city
ordinance’s and their STVR rules and regulations; and various graphs and
charts showing STVR growth, complaints, and citations from January 2019 to
July 2020.
The Committee discussed options on how best to separate the City into areas
that will allow to effectively and accurately concentrate on density.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. RE-EVALUATE DENSITY SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Design and Development Department.
The Committee discussed whether to reaffirm or modify the existing Density
Sub-Committee membership.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
Best/Shelton to approve the existing Density Sub-Committee membership.
Motion passed: ayes 13, noes 0, absent 2 (Monroe and Navarro).
2. APPROVE ENFORCEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT WITH
RECOMMENDATIONS TO MODIFY STVR FINES AND VIOLATIONS
Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Design and Development Department.
General Committee discussion followed on the Enforcement Sub-Committees
report and recommendations, more specifically on the following topics:
• General STVR violations, such as noise, parking, etc.;
• Operating a STVR without a valid permit;
• Failure to respond to a complaint within the allowed timeframe;
• Exceeding occupancy limits;
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 4 of 5 SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
MEETING MINUTES
• Ability for the City to notify all adjacent properties when a STVR permit
is revoked.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
Caldwell/Best to approve the report containing the Enforcement Sub-
Committee Recommendations to modify STVR fines and violations as
submitted. Motion passed: ayes 8 (Best, Butler, Caldwell, Church,
McDonough, Shleton, Spinney, and Shutz), noes 5 (Coronel, Franco, Grotsky,
Jonasson, and Tamm), abstain 0, absent 2 (Monroe and Navarro).
COMMITTEE MEMBER MONROE JOINED THE MEETING AT 5:28 P.M.
3. APPROVE FORMATION OF ADDITIONAL SUB-COMMITTEES AND
APPOINT RELATED MEMBERSHIP
Hub Manager Sanchez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design
and Development Department.
The Committee discussed the formation of additional sub-committees to
conduct a focused review and research on STVR Marketing and Licensing.
Committee Members Church, Grotsky, Jonasson, Shelton and Vice-Chair
McDonough volunteered to serve on the Marketing Sub-Committee.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
Spinney/Monroe to approve the Marketing Sub-Committee membership.
Motion passed: ayes 14, noes 0, absent 1 (Navarro).
Committee Members Best, Caldwell, Jonasson, Monroe, and Chair Schutz
volunteered to serve on the Licensing Sub-Committee.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Committee Members
Butler/McDonough to approve the Licensing Sub-Committee membership.
Motion passed: ayes 14, noes 0, absent 1 (Navarro).
CHAIRPERSON AND COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS
1. DISCUSS EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 10 IMPOSING 90-DAY
MORATORIUM ON PROCESSING ANY NEW APPLICATIONS FOR
STVRS IN THE CITY, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 4, 2020
Hub Manager Sanchez read a “Statement from the Office of the City Attorney”
related to the rights and powers, pursuant to state and local laws, that may
be exercised to respond to the spread of COVID-19 and related public health
DRAFTSTVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE Page 5 of 5 SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
MEETING MINUTES
threats, and related legal authority and oversight expressly given to the City
Manager in City Council Resolution No. EM 2020-001 to issue Executive
Orders, such as Executive Order No. 10.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee
Members Caldwell/McDonough to adjourn this meeting at 5:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LORI LORETT, Committee Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
City of La Quinta
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE: October 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: DISCUSS LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT AND
UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
The licensing sub-committee will provide an update of their findings and seek
input from the full (parent) Committee.
SUMMARY
A licensing sub-committee was formed to review and make recommendations
on types of licenses, duration of stay, notification of neighbors, home
inspections, and other license requirements. The STVR Program Ad-Hoc
Committee listed licensing/permits of STVRs as one of the topics for review
and study.
The licensing sub-committee members are Lawrence Best, Mary Caldwell, Lori
Jonasson, Malia Monroe, and Gavin Schutz. City staff members in attendance
are Danny Castro, Tommi Sanchez, Lori Lorett, and Michelle Lopez. The
licensing sub-committee has met on September 21 and 28.
The assignment of the licensing sub-committee is to focus on licensing of
STVRs in La Quinta, research and study this topic and to report back their
recommendations to the full (parent) Committee. The subcommittee will
periodically report back their findings to the parent Committee while they
continue to work through their assignment. Ultimately, the Committee will
deliberate on the sub-committees work and make its recommendations for
consideration by the City Council.
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1
City of La Quinta
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE: October 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: DISCUSS MARKETING SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT AND
UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
The marketing sub-committee will provide an update of their findings and seek
input from the full (parent) Committee.
SUMMARY
A marketing sub-committee was formed to review and make
recommendations on issuing a survey to STVR operators, review current
marketing items (website, social media, good neighbor brochure, etc.), and
review current City “branding” for STVR program. The STVR Program Ad-Hoc
Committee listed marketing of STVRs as one of the topics for review and
study.
The marketing sub-committee members are Stella Church, Kelly Grotsky, Lori
Jonasson, Michele McDonough, and Sally Shelton. City staff members in
attendance are Danny Castro, Tommi Sanchez, Lori Lorett, and Michelle
Lopez. The subcommittee has met on September 23 and 30.
The assignment of the marketing subcommittee is to focus on marketing of
the STVR program in La Quinta, research and study this topic and to report
back their recommendations to the full (parent) Committee. The sub-
committee will periodically report back their findings to the parent Committee
while they continue to work through their assignment. Ultimately, the
Committee will deliberate on the subcommittees work and make its
recommendations for consideration by the City Council.
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 2
P r s r t S t d
U S P o s t a g e P a i d
P a l m D e s e r t C A
P e r m i t #1 4 9
E C R W S S
R e s i d e n t
L a Q u i n t a , C A
City of La Quinta
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE: October 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPROVE DENSITY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT WITH
RECOMMENDATIONS TO MODIFY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL
OCCUPANCY LIMITS
RECOMMENDATION
The density sub-committee will provide a report of their findings to-date and
seek input and approval of their recommendations regarding occupancy
density.
SUMMARY
A density sub-committee was formed to frame issues and make
recommendations relating to occupant and property density (over-
concentration) of STVR properties in La Quinta. The STVR Program Ad-Hoc
Committee listed density/over-concentration of STVRs as one of the topics for
review and study.
The density sub-committee members are Lawrence Best, Mary Caldwell, Stella
Church, Gavin Schutz, and Derek Spinney. City staff members in attendance
are Danny Castro, Tommi Sanchez, Lori Lorett, and Michelle Lopez. The
subcommittee has met on August 14, 21, 28, and September 11, 18, and 25.
The assignment of the density sub-committee is to focus on the issue of
property density/overconcentration, which is the number or concentration of
properties in a geographic area, and occupancy density, which is the number
of occupants that are permitted to occupy a rental property. The sub-
committee continues to review and study property density, and at this time
has made recommendations on occupancy density for input and approval of
the Committee.
Attachment: Density - Recommendations on Occupancy
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1
Page 1 of 3
City of La Quinta STVR Committee
Density - Recommendations on Occupancy
The subcommittee on STVR Density has been formed to frame issues and make
recommendations relating to occupant and property density concentrations of rental properties
in the City.
There are two questions regarding Density:
•Occupancy Density: The number of occupants that are permitted to occupy a given rental
property.
•Property Density: The number of STVR properties as a percentage of total properties in a
geographic area
This recommendation is part 1 of 2 and addresses only the issue of Occupancy density. The
Subcommittee continues to work on part 2 of 2 – recommendations on Property density.
The subcommittee is recommending Ad-Hoc Committee adoption of the following:
Part 1. Occupancy Density
Discussion
Occupancy caps can be used to manage renter behavior and help preserve neighborhood
residential characteristics. The City has daytime and overnight residential limitations on STVR
properties; however, issues continue to arise from certain properties where heavily populated
gatherings result in neighborhood disruptions from excessive noise or other personal conduct
issues (“party houses”).
In addition, evidence suggests once a property is established as a party house it tends to attract
a reputation within the STVR community via social media postings and booking company
recommendations. This may result in properties having repeated violations, causing
neighborhood stress.
Noise and personal behavior violations resulting from high occupancy events are very visible
within the community as they tend to disturb neighbors within a wide radius of the subject
property for extended periods. The high visibility and resulting severe adverse community
reaction towards these properties often masks the majority of peaceful neighborhood STVR
businesses.
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1
City of La Quinta Ad-Hoc STVR Committee
Recommendations on density: Occupancy
Page 2 of 3
Citation statistics confirm the noise issue is worse for properties that have absentee owners or
managers. This is because an onsite owner/manager is able to directly and expeditiously
supervise the property in real time by limiting the occupancy or other renter behavior (and
therefore noise generated) of a property.
Properties where there is no onsite supervision have a more difficult time managing the
numbers of people on property as they are in most cases only alerted to the issue after it
becomes problematic.
For reference, the current ordinance allows the following occupancy:
Number of Bedrooms Total Overnight Occupants* Total Daytime Occupants
(Including Number of
Overnight Occupants)**
0 - Studio 2 2 - 8
1 2 - 4 2 – 8
2 4 – 6 4 – 8
3 6 – 8 6 – 12
4 8 – 10 8 – 16
5 10 – 12 10 – 18
6 12 – 14 12 – 20
7 14 14 – 20
8 16 16 – 22
9 18 18 – 24
The Committee recommends the following occupancy levels:
Number of Bedrooms Total Overnight Occupants* Total Daytime Occupants
(Including Number of
Overnight Occupants)**
Studio, 1 2 6
2 4 8
3 6 10
4 8 12
5 10 14
6 12 16
7 14 18
8 or more 16 18
* Overnight (10:01 p.m. – 6:59 a.m.)
** Daytime (7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1
La Quinta STVR Ad-Hoc Committee
Subcommittee on Density
Note: Occupancy levels exceeding these numbers will require a Special Events Permit.
There are several factors for recommending these occupancy limits:
•Occupancy ranges are not necessary because the concept of a limit implies only the
highest number is relevant.
•Occupancy ranges may be confusing from an enforcement and STVR renter perspective.
•The recommended occupancy levels are consistent with other desert communities.
•Reasonable and fair accommodations are made with respect to the number of
additional daytime visitors, while also preserving a neighbors’ right to quiet enjoyment,
privacy and safety.
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1
WRITTEN
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
STVR AD-HOC
COMMITTEE
MEETING
OCTOBER 1, 2020
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written Comments
Date:Thursday, September 3, 2020 12:04:51 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. **
1. Olivier Chaine
2. La Quinta
3.
4. STVR -
5. Providing Positive STVRs in La Quinta
6.
We feel strongly that STVR are an important part of the fabric of our society, in creating a
dynamic where groups who don't live in La Quinta and the Coachella Valley can come and
experience what we have here, from the sun, golf, pools, restaurants, and nature. Not only do
they bring money to our economy, fund capital improvements, and revitalize often neglected
homes, but we've had several guests fall in love with the community and work with local
realtors to purchase their full time forever home.
We recognize that some vacation rentals are very poorly managed, and can create
nuisances for neighbors, just like some long term renters and even negligent homeowners
(next to us). Lets come up with other ways to quickly address issue like parking and noise in a
swift and effective way - directly between the neighbors and property managers, and Eliminate
or control poorly managed, unpermitted, or flagrant violators under the existing rules.
We believe there needs to be a good, positive way to work together to improve the quality of
live for long term and recent la quinta residents, while respecting the property rights of owners
and increasing the positive aspects of STVR of our community.
--
--
Olivier Chaine | | |
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT OLIVIER CHAINE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Good morning Lori, (9-9-20)
I listened to the STVR committee meeting last week. I think the intention of my letter of
8/26/20 was not clear.
I am not in favor of STVRs. Their disruption to a neighborhood is well documented. In fact, I
think that it is not stressed enough that the safety and security of local residents is invaded.
STVRs violate regulations and local residents are forced to be the first responders. There are no
background checks on renters of STVRs. An unsafe atmosphere lingers in the neighborhood
long after the visitors leave.
My letter was saying that currently, LQ budget has TOT income that is 13% of budget. An
elimination of STVRs would result in loss in TOT income. Building more hotels would solve a
shortfall of TOT income if there were no STVRs.
However, if the City continues with STVRs, the established problems caused by STVRs need to
stop. I was suggesting that many of the problems we are currently facing might be eliminated
by instituting high fines for infractions and recruiting professional management of VRs. Higher
fines would communicate that we are serious about our regulations and professional
management would bring strong and continued local oversight.
Tourism is an important part of the Valley economy. Nevertheless, I think it would be to our
advantage to diversify our income stream and create a more sustainable local economy that is
not so dependent on tourism.
One way to create more wealth for our community is to attract new residents who would
become part of our community. Alain Pinel discussed this idea in The Desert Sun Opinion
section (9/8/20). He suggests we recruit techies and other remote workers who can
telecommute “who can buy here, raise a family here, pay taxes here, create more jobs here,
create more businesses here, shop and eat at local restaurants, and help preserve the beauty
and the character of our communities”.
We all benefit from an increase in new long-term residents.
Once again, thank you for your help and support of the STVR Committee.
Sincerely,
Arlene Gotshalk
La Quinta, CA
Please include my letter in both the STVR Committee packet and in the City Council Member’s
packet for their respective upcoming meetings.
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ARLENE GOTSHALK
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett; Jon McMillen
Subject:STVR Ad Hoc Committee... Please Help!
Date:Monday, September 14, 2020 10:56:48 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. **
Dear City Officials & Committee Members,
My name is Lindsey Myers I own the stvr at . La Quinta, CA.
Beginning on August 29, 2020 I received my first phone call from the short term
vacation rental hotline regarding a noise complaint at my property. I missed the call
but received the voice message, I made contact with the guests at the property and
they were caught off guard as they were inside the home watching movies with their
family. I returned the phone call to STVR hotline with a resolution, however there
was no answer to the hotline, nor is there an option to select from the automated
system for resolutions, just for anonymous complaints (please see attached call log
which was emailed to La Quinta Code enforcement as evidence for attempting to call
back within the required 45 minute time frame). Due to the fact nobody answered the
phone on the hotline the police were dispatched to the property.... Per the City of La
Quinta PD statement recorded on camera they sat in front of my house and heard no
noise... the police then went to the front door informed the guests that there was an
anonymous call and they were just making contact to let them know.
This was the first call that we have ever received at this location and I thought little to
nothing of it.
The following weekend on September 5, 2020 I received another call from the hotline
around 7:30-8pm letting me know of again a noise complaint.... I made contact with
the guests and again was informed that they were just swimming in the pool, they
didn't have any music on on anything going on. I again returned the call to the hotline
withing 45 min. for a resolution... this time getting through to a code enforcement
officer... when I spoke to the office he indicated he didn't have a complaint in the
system... none the less I let him know I received a call from what seemed like was the
call center and was following up with a resolution. Following my phone call a code
enforcement officer went to the property....sat in front of the property listening for
noise... not hearing any noise he proceeded to go to the door disturb the guests and
inform them that there was a complaint but it was unfounded. Then around 10pm the
police arrived at the property... sat in front of the property listening for noise and didn't
hear any noise and proceeded to go to the front door to again make contact with the
guests letting them know there was an anonymous complaint for noise but it was
unfounded and all the officer could hear when he was parked in front of the property
was "crickets".
Following this weekend on Monday September 7, 2020 I called the code enforcement
office to let them know what was happening. I spoke with Michael Salas and
informed him that whoever the anonymous caller is, is clearly mistaken (which is my
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LINDSEY MYERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
hope) or is for some reason targeting my property and potentially other properties
utilizing city resources on unfounded claims and disturbing the right to quite
enjoyment for the guests at my home. I told Michael there has to be some way to
notify the caller that the claim is unfounded or hold the caller accountable. Michael
informed me that this is the way it is setup by the City of La Quinta and suggested I
reach out to the Ad Hoc Committee for STVR. I contemplated emailing the Ad-Hoc
Committee but thought maybe this is just a rare occurrence and that everything will
work itself out.
The most recent weekend on September 12, 2020 I again received another call from
the hotline around 2pm informing me of a noise complaint. I again reached out to the
guests who again were just outside swimming in the pool with no music on. I also
contacted PGA West security and asked that they go by the property to see if there
was an issue. PGA West security reported back to me and indicated that there was
no noise at the property and the noise was coming from a different house in the
neighborhood. I called the resolution line back and I got a hold of Michael Salas from
the code enforcement office. I told him my resolution that I informed the guests of the
complaint and that there isn't any noise at the property. I asked Mr. Salas if he
choose to send a code enforcement officer or the police to the property to please not
disturb the guests if there is no violation. Mr. Salas said he understood but that there
were policies in place and that he couldn't control if the caller was going to contact the
police directly. At 2:40pm a code enforcement officer showed up at the property and
notified the residents that there wasn't a violation and that he did hear noise coming
from another house in the neighborhood. Again No Violation at my property.
Then around 8pm the same evening of September 12, 2020 I received yet another
phone call from the hotline indicating an anonymous caller calling about noise. I
again contacted the guests, they indicated they were swimming in the pool and
weren't making any noise. I called the hotline back with the resolution letting them
know I informed the guests again of the complaint, and at 8pm the La Quinta PD
showed up that property stating there was no violation, but he was there because of
"an anonymous caller to the hotline". Again disturbing innocent peoples right to quite
enjoyment.
This has to STOP! The city cannot give carte blanche to anonymous callers who get
to hide behind the veil of anonymity to utilize community resources for unfounded
claims with no way of even reaching back out to the caller to inform them of the
unfounded claim or have any sort of accountability for the caller. The accountability in
this situation strictly relies on the property manager and owner, even when the claim
or multiple claims in the scenario are unfounded. The penalties for not returning the
call to the hotline within 45 min. is an automatic 90 day revocation of my STVR
license. I am an ordained minister who was presiding over a wedding service on
Saturday September 12, 2020 and immediately after the service I had to return the
call to the hotline for an unfounded claim otherwise I loose my license. What if I had
a medical emergency, my wife was giving birth to our child, I'm on a flight etc etc. I
understand the City would hopefully take these circumstances into consideration but
there is no mechanism for the consideration and I would be at the mercy of the City
for a determination. I feel like I have to at all times be available to respond to these
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LINDSEY MYERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
anonymous unfounded calls that not only are disturbing to me and my families way of
life, but to the guests who are abiding by the rules yet still have to deal with this.
All interactions with City Officials and Guests at my property are recorded and
available should the committee or City Officials wish to review them.
Please Help!
Sincerely,
Lindsey Myers
Office
Cell
Real Estate Broker
Cal BRE
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT LINDSEY MYERS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:Lori Lorett
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:FW: I respectfully request that this letter is attached to the next agenda of both the next Ad Hoc STVR
committee meeting and the next City Council meeting.
Date:Thursday, September 24, 2020 7:59:31 AM
From: Shevy Akason
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2020 2:12 PM
To: Monika Radeva <mradeva@laquintaca.gov>; Jon McMillen <jmcmillen@laquintaca.gov>; Linda
Evans <Levans@laquintaca.gov>; John Pena <jpena@laquintaca.gov>; Kathleen Fitzpatrick
<kfitzpatrick@laquintaca.gov>; Robert Radi <Rradi@laquintaca.gov>; Steve Sanchez
<ssanchez@laquintaca.gov>
Subject: I respectfully request that this letter is attached to the next agenda of both the next Ad Hoc
STVR committee meeting and the next City Council meeting.
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
To Whom it May Concern:
I respectfully request that this letter is attached to the next agenda of both the
next Ad Hoc STVR committee meeting and the next City Council meeting.
A loss of short term rentals will have a devastating effect on the city of la
Quinta. The losses will be felt in numerous areas including but not limited to losses to golf
courses, restaurants and restaurant workers, cleaning staff, pool cleaners, grocery stores,
property managers, property owners, convenience stores, retail stores and more.
The losses will also be felt in property value, they will be felt swiftly and with
no regard to the type of property owner that is trying to sell.
I strongly encourage that the Ad Hoc committee and council members consult
with top local agents prior to making any policy decisions related to this important topic.
To demonstrate my point,
PGA West, short term rentals are part of the foundation that contributes to the health
and well being of this community.
$710,000 Sales price in 65 days on market
56855 Jack Nicklaus Blvd, Built in 1997, 2379 square feet, 9000 square foot lot, with a pool,
on the golf course sold in 65 days for $710,000 in 65 days on the market
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/56855-Jack-Nicklaus-Blvd_La-
Quinta_CA_92253_M20358-48821
VS
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT SHEVY AKASON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
Near identical property not in PGA West
Rancho La Quinta, no short term rentals allowed
$600,000 sales price 138 days on market
78742 Via Carmel, build in 1997, 2403 square feet, 8276 square foot lot, with a pool (larger
pool than Jack Nicklaus), on the golf course, sold in 138 days for $600,000.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/78742-Via-Carmel_La-
Quinta_CA_92253_M24233-51464
A deed restriction or other regulation that leads to a loss of the ability to short term rent
or a loss of the fair treatment of owners of short term rentals in the city and within HOA's like
PGA West will likely result in a quick loss of value of over 15% of value pretty much
overnight, with an average home value of circa $915,000 and over 3,000 homes in PGA West
the net loss in taxable value of property in PGA West alone is over $400,000,000 at a property
tax rate of circa 1%= a net loss of over $4mm annually in property taxes not to mention the
loss in TOT revenue to the city, lost in sales tax from the loss of golfers, loss to restaurants etc.
It's important to recognize that the City of La Quinta has seen an increase in challenges
related to short term rentals but not overreact to them. An overreaction will have far greater
and much more harmful consequences. While the challenges must be addressed, our leaders
cannot lose sight of the value that short term rentals provide to the community. There are
numerous examples of golf course communities that lost sight of the foundations that built
them only to lose the centerpiece and the foundation of their communities all together.
One doesn't have to look too far to see examples, here's a link to the now closed
Rancho Mirage Country Club
https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/golf/2017/11/24/closed-rancho-mirage-country-club-
golf-course-may-get-second-life/883484001/?
fbclid=IwAR0n6bnX0mer8qTwdLX6h4g6VJmOCG96-w_Ys5_S78sOzPjtxdrwl7nrsd4
While this community had a once thriving golf course, it was closed, a plan to build
condos behind the homes that once backed the golf course got shut down by irate
homeowners. Last I heard the golf course was full of weeds, then the owners of the homes that
backed to the course had an explosion in their dues to maintain the course, finally there were
plans to build a hotel in the middle of the golf course.
It's up to our leadership to ensure the proper decisions are made so that this does not
happen in the city of La Quinta.
While NIMBYs are common and vocal in every community speaking out against development
and then complaining that there's no affordable housing for their kids and grandkids, speaking out
against short term rentals and then complaining when the course behind their house turns to weeds
or condos. NIMBYs will always exist, they will complain louder and longer, but that doesn't make
them right. It's much easier to take rights than to add them, I encourage you to act slowly,
methodically and think very carefully about the decisions you are making as they will affect this city
for generations to come.
While right now there is an influx of vacation renters benefiting the courses at PGA
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT SHEVY AKASON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
West, I've been told that with this influx the courses at PGA West are doing well. While it's
not lost on me that this has been to the detriment/disastisvation to some groups of owners.
You already know that tourism and golf are an important driver to the city's economy.
You understand the history of communities like PGA West that were built as vacation
communities. PGA West specifically, all 3 sub HOA's since they were built. Buyers that
purchase there know that going in. To complain and try to take owners rights away is a blatant
attack on property rights. Please don't forget the foundation that the city of La Quinta was built
on, the large number of people who purchased with the understanding that short term rentals
are allowed with the established permit process of the city.
While PGA West has seen an unprecedented number of summer visitors to short term
rentals, it's important to recognize that courses, such as PGA West, local restaurants, grocery
stores, cleaning staff, managers, and property owners have also benefited, thus benefiting the
entire community and the cities tax collection during a difficult time.
Common ground: We believe we all agree on the following
1)Residents of La Quinta deserve quiet and peaceful enjoyment.
2)Golf courses are an integral and important part of La Quinta
3)Vacation rentals are legal in La Quinta and have been legal in communities like PGA West
since the community was founded.
4)Many vacation renters golf, dine, and contribute towards the viability and well being of the
courses within PGA West. Vacation rentals represent a critical revenue stream for not only the
short-term injection of money to keep our golf courses and restaurants afloat, but also increase
the exposure and reputation of the city of La Quinta. Indeed, today’s vacation renters are
tomorrow’s future residents.
5)A vast majority of vacation renters and are peaceful and are respectful of the community.
6)A loss of vacation renters and next generation buyers could lead to the demise of one or
more of the public courses, local businesses, and restaurants. Numerous studies show that
vacation renters spend more on local business and entertainment that full-time residents.
7)Vacation/owners renters that do not abide by the rules should be fined a reasonable amount
commensurate with the offense.
8)The process should be as objective and efficient as possible to avoid unnecessary drain on
community resources.
9)Guests/owners that blatantly break the rules with no regard should be fined substantially
enough to dissuade them.
10)The next generation of home buyers are vital to the continued health and prosperity of La
Quinta. As a realtor that has represented dozens of buyers that chose La Quinta over other
cities, I can tell you, that generation of buyers will look elsewhere if the city becomes
unfriendly to the next generation of buyers.
Important goal our community should work for
1)Ensure quiet and peaceful enjoyment of our community for all members
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT SHEVY AKASON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
2)Help preserve the golf courses, local businesses, and local restaurants
3)Maximize community time, money, and resources
4)Reduce and eliminate unnecessary tension and frustration between community members
While I don't need to re-hash behaviors that accompany bad neighbors, I want to point out
that bad neighbors come in all forms. Bad short term renters are just that short term while bad
long term renters and owners are just that, long term.
The key to successful policy in a city like La Quinta is to
a)Recognize that short term rentals are an important part of the community
b)Create laws that directly address the negative aspects that can come along with short term
rentals, including issuing citations directly to the occupants while ultimately, also holding the
owner responsible.
c)Clear objective rules with strict enforcement
While it's important to recognize that there are bad short term renters, it's also important
to recognize that bad neighbors come in all forms. As a short term rental manager and owner I
have witnessed or had first hand stories recounted to be documenting the following behavior
that is also not acceptable.
1)Neighbors calling HOA security and the Sheriff's department for kids playing in
swimming pools.
2)Neighbors videotaping men, women, and children while swimming in backyards
3)Neighbors telling people that their goal is to call security whenever there's a guest
because their goal is to get the home banned.
I'm a firm believer that if one is not improving they are getting worse. No doubt there's room
for improvement, any improvements made cannot come without clear rules against crying wolf.
In conclusion, I know people that have owned homes for 10+ years in the city of La
Quinta and in PGA West, a neighbor purchases next door and then complains to the city and
HOA consistently, not because there's any violation but simply because they don't want to be
next to a home that's a vacation rental even though it was like that long before they purchased.
A majority of the HOA's within the city do not allow short term rentals. There is plenty of
housing supply in the city for those that do not want to live next to a short term rental in fact,
one can purchase almost the exact same home outside of PGA West for circa 15% less than
what they can purchase the same home inside of PGA West simply because the advantage of
less deed restrictions owners within PGA West have, there value is 15% higher than
comparable properties with more deed restrictions. Not only would a ban on short term rentals
be a violation of property rights, it would have devastating effects on the values of homes for
all owners and more than likely eventually lead to the demise of one or more of the public
courses.
I pray that the city acts with the necessary care to address this.
Sincerely,
Shevy Akason
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT SHEVY AKASON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT KIM LARSON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:Lori Lorett
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:FW: (no subject)
Date:Wednesday, September 30, 2020 5:27:00 PM
From: Kimberly Estrada
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2020 2:08 PM
To: Monika Radeva <mradeva@laquintaca.gov>
Cc: Linda Evans <Levans@laquintaca.gov>; Monika Radeva <mradeva@laquintaca.gov>; Jon
McMillen <jmcmillen@laquintaca.gov>; Tommi Sanchez <Tsanchez@laquintaca.gov>; Lori Lorett
<llorett@laquintaca.gov>
Subject: Re: (no subject)
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Hello,
I would like my email to be in public comment for next meeting.
My name is Kimberly Estrada and we are home owners and use our home for short term vacation
rentals. We would like to address the noise ordinance in place for STR. Can we please let rules in
place for all residents and guests as uniformed? It isn’t fair that residents can play music near the
pool yet guests cannot. Having uniform rules will enable uniform compliance without confusion.
We ask for the board to change the no amplified music to an agreed upon quiet hour span. This
ordinance is pitting residence against short term rental owners. Please know that as property
owners we are working together.
Thank you
Kim Estrada
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT KIMBERLY ESTRADA
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Linda Evans; Robert Radi; John Pena; Kathleen Fitzpatrick; Steve Sanchez; mcmillen@laquintaca.gov
Cc:Lori Lorett
Subject:STVR Challenges
Date:Tuesday, September 29, 2020 3:04:51 PM
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Dear Mayor Evans, Councilwoman Fitzpatrick, and Councilman Radi, Pena and Sanchez:
1.I've heard many STVR owners state that even if they do everything right, they still can
get a bad renter which is a problem for everyone. Suggestion: impose at the City level, a
"safety/security deposit" of $2000 upfront for all STVR in the City of La Quinta to be held
by the STVR owner for up to but no more than 30 days past the last day of the rental. If the
City cites the location for a violation of a City code, then the STVR can assess the renter up
to 50% of the assessed fee paid out of the safety/security deposit. Several points for this
approach: 1. Levels the playing field from a competition standpoint for all STVRs in La
Quinta as it would apply to all STVRs 2. Helps the STVR owner recoup some costs from a
bad renter 3. I would expect that some STVR owners will not like this as they will say it
will drive competition to other cities where no such deposit is required - I would respond
that deposits are common in many fields and if the renter has no intention of "bringing the
house down" during their stay, they will not worry about the deposit but for those that plan
to party all night, they may go else elsewhere and I think that's OK. 4. Would require the
City to notify the STVR owner within 30 days of any citation so they can pass down the
expense.; 5. I use 50% of the fee to split to keep both parties "renter" and "STVR owner" as
responsible parties to maintaining the peace and quiet. The actual percent split can be
whatever the powers that be think it should be. 6. Lastly - the renter would know up front
that they have dollars at risk if they violate city code when on their STVR in La Quinta.
Note: the deposit can be a flate dollar amount per rental (as I suggest above) or can be
variable i.e. based on the number of bedrooms advertised ($500 per bedroom) or based on
the beds advertised ($500 for every two beds advertised). Details can be determined by the
ad hoc committee. The primary point of this suggestion, is to place the renters on notice
that they have a deposit at risk based on their behavior during the stay!
2.Clearly, we need to do more to address the problem renters who disturb the quiet
enjoyment for our residents. It seems we should allow either Code Enforcement, La Quinta
Police, or Riverside Sheriff to make contact with a problem renter and if the problem is not
resolved immediately, allow the responder to cite the renter on the spot. We need to take some
of the burden off the STVR owner and place it on the people who are creating the problem and
it needs to be done on the spot. Assessing the homeowner a few weeks after the incident, does
not fix the immediate problem. Thank you.
Timothy McQuiggan
La Quinta, CA
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT TIMOTHY MCQUIGGAN
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Re: Written comments for ad hoc committee meeting on 10/1/2020
Date:Tuesday, September 29, 2020 11:04:45 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. **
Barbara Montavon
Residence in La Quinta, CA
Public Comment:
Please consider recommending the extension of the moratorium on STR permits.
The rapid growth of permits has resulted in the inability to preserve the character
of our single family residential communities. The occupancy allowed on these
vacation homes simply encourages large groups with no one enforcing the
number of renters day or night. No one is enforcing occupancy and to allow more
than 2/“as-built” bedroom is the root of the problem. This could be a resolution
the City can enforce to control the number coming into a single home. Right now
homes are set up like hostels and dorms with multiple bunk beds and cots in the
ad pictures provided.
Ads are blatantly stating that more than the City ordinance allowable tenants are
welcome. Even if the ads state the maximum allowed/home, the reviews tell it
all. Garages are being used for overflow and social spaces, not vehicle parking,
thus more cars on the streets and driveways. Twelve and up to sixteen people in a
3 bedroom home are reportedly having a great time while in the desert. The
overflow results in neighborhood disturbances on the patio and illegally
trespassing on private property where their neighbors must endure the noise and
antics.
Code enforcement is not able to keep up with the violations being reported.
Enforcement is not seeing how large groups are impacting our neighbors' quiet
enjoyment. Reporting has become a burden since the officers are asking for
documentation - this equates to neighbors gathering info on renters and is
resulting in disrespectful exchanges, cursing and name calling, with the worst case
scenario being threatened and harassed. This is not what we want of our
neighborhoods.
Please recommend lowering the allowable number of renters to 2/bedroom,
extending the moratorium on new permits and stop allowing spaces to be viewed
as bedrooms when there has been no increase in the home’s square footage.
Thank you for all your work on this topic.
Respectfully,
Barb Montavon
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT BARBARA MONTAVON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:Lori Lorett
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:FW: Written comments for ad hoc committee meeting on 10/1/2020
Date:Thursday, October 1, 2020 9:33:00 AM
From: Barb Montavon
Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2020 9:27 AM
To: Lori Lorett <llorett@laquintaca.gov>
Subject: Re: Written comments for ad hoc committee meeting on 10/1/2020
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Thank you!
Barb
Please add to 9/29 comments:
The City currently allows 2 people/bedroom plus 2 for overnight occupancy in an STR. This scenario
creates overcrowding thus creating overflow into very small patios that are too close to adjacent
properties. Neighbors are usually tolerant of their neighbors having a large group over for a party
"every so often”. The weekend party never ends for STRs and the party happens every weekend
when an STR is your neighbor because “they’re on vacation”.
The City also allows daytime occupancy of 13 people for a 3 BR home and 16 people for a 4 BR
home. There is no controlling this kind of atmosphere. Our community resources are at a strain.
Again, consider living next door to a home with less than 0.25‐0.5 acre lots with 16 people partying
til 10 PM every weekend. How is this enforced now and how can you possibly enforce groups this
size without taking a count and going inside the property? It’s a rule that is ignored and not
enforced. Our community is a single family residential project. Having 8‐16 adults here for beer
pong, corn hole and seeing how obnoxious they can be in a 48 hr. period is not what we want as a
neighbor.
Owners can’t possibly have any quiet enjoyment.
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT BARBARA MONTAVON
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
1)Full Name: Kevin J. Miles
2)City of Residence: La Quinta, CA
3)Phone Number:
4)Public Comment: Opposition of current STVR
5)Subject: Residential Streets turning into “Frat Row”
6)Written Comments: Current STVR Policies allow for issues to persist with neighboring residents
a.Problems of businesses purchasing homes for sole intention to rent them as STVRs
i.Zoned Residential Property being solely used as Commercial Property
ii.Housing market is falsely being inflated. Homes selling above the true market
value
iii.Shortage of long-term rental properties
iv.Excessive amount of STVRs in North La Quinta, Cove, etc. where there is no
controlling HOA
v.STVRs affect the Census of La Quinta and its ability to obtain more government
funding because less residents equals less funding
vi.STVR’s renters are not being held accountable to neighbors
1.Speeding through neighborhoods
2.Excessive Partying
a.Loud music inside and outside
b.Loud and offensive language used outside
c.Illegal Drug and alcohol use (underage)
d.Excessive Trash
vii.STVRs are advertised on Airbnb and VRBO as having amenities that entice
partying (i.e. Surround Sound, Pool Tables, Yard Games, etc.)
viii.STVRs are being packed with people and advertised as sleeping excessive
number of individuals in home (i.e. 3-bedroom house sleeps 10 guests)
b.Suggested Resolution
i.Fulltime City of La Quinta residents should have the right to rent out their lived-
in homes on the weekends, holidays, events, and festivals.
ii.Seasonal City of La Quinta residents should have the right to rent out their lived-
in homes on the weekends, holidays, events, and festivals.
iii.City of La Quinta should place a 30-Day Max STVR limit to allow for renting of
homes for events held in the La Quinta area.
1.PGA Tournament = 5 days
2.BNP Paribas = 14 days
3.Coachella Fest = 6 days
4.Stagecoach = 3 days
5.Ironman = 2 days
iv.Limit can be used anytime within a calendar year and not just for events.
v.This would however remove the “STVR Only” homes from our neighborhoods.
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT KEVIN MILES
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written Public Comments - STVR Adhoc 10/1/20
Date:Thursday, October 1, 2020 11:58:42 AM
Attachments:PastedGraphic-2.tiff
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From: Karen Parnell Resort Home Destinations, CEO
City of Residence: La Quinta
Phone Number:
Public Comment Item: STVR Permit Moratorium + Modification of STVR Occupancy Limits
Resort Home Destinations
La Quinta, CA 92253
Attn: Stvr - AdHoc Committee.
We would like our comments to be read in the STVR Ad Hoc Meeting of 10/1/20
1.We are strongly AGAINST modifying the Overnight Occupancy Limits. Many of our
guests are families with children who occupancy a sofa bed in a large Den. 12 guests in
a 5500 sq foot home is not unreasonable. Homes that already abide by HOA STVR
occupancy requirements should be held to their own HOA community rules. There is no
evidence, that we are aware, that 10 guests in a 4 bedroom and 12 guests in a 5 bedroom
have caused undue stress on the balance between community and tourism. These
occupancy limits have been in place for 15 years in our own company without issue.
Regardless of number of occupants the maximum vehicles must never exceed 4.
2. We are strongly IN FAVOR of decreasing limits on Day Guest Occupancy. As a
responsible rental agency we do not allow visitors to our properties if the occupancy is
already at maximum overnight occupancy. E.g., a guest in a 4B home with 6 overnight
occupants may have 4 day visitors - total 10 guests on the premises at any time.
However, the total number of vehicles must never exceed 4.
3.We are strongly AGAINST the STVR Moratorium suspending the issuing short term
rental permits. The Moratorium does nothing to combat the real problem of an
overwhelmed and undertrained Code Enforcement department. The City continues to let
the Bad Players play - this is the threat to balance in the Community. This Moratorium
far from addresses this.
At a minimum the STVR Adhoc committee should recommend an addendum to the
Moratorium. This addendum should allow homes that reside in an HOA community and
already adhere to strict occupancy and noise regulations, to be issued new STVR
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY KAREN PARNELL ON BEHALF OF RESORT HOME DESTINATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
permits effective immediately. This could be further defined by requiring any new
permit holders to have local professional management and pay higher registration fees.
The current Moratorium is not COVID related and is not beneficial to the majority of
our community. It does not address removing the repetitive Bad Players and assisting
those communities that have real issues. It is extremely disruptive to homeowners, real
estate agents, and business owners who will see a decline in business and reduction of
staff if this is not rectified soon.
Karen Parnell
Licensed California RE Agent
Resort Home Destinations
OLD TOWN LA QUINTA
LA QUINTA, CA 92253
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY KAREN PARNELL ON BEHALF OF RESORT HOME DESTINATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
From:
To:Lori Lorett
Subject:Written/Public Comments - STVR AdHoc Committee
Date:Thursday, October 1, 2020 11:59:14 AM
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when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. **
Greetings,
1.In the best interest of the public and residents of La Quinta, the AdHoc Committee should have some
open meeting for the residents to discuss with the committee in open forum. The Zoom meetings are not
d interactive with the residents you are suppose to be representing. You could have an evening meeting
at city hall or have open interactive Zoom meetings.
2.The moratorium the is set to expire in November needs to be extended to best serve the public as the
enforcement and AdHoc Committee does not seem to have come up with any solution on the STVR
program and the degradation experienced in some neighborhood due to the Hotel transient occupancy
levels. You are contributing to the destruction of fabric of La Quinta and its neighborhoods.
Thank you,
Rod McGuire
La Quinta, CA
STVR PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2020 - PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT ROD MCGUIRE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - RELATED TO STVR
POWER POINT
STVR AD-HOC
COMMITTEE
MEETING
OCTOBER 1, 2020
STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting 10/1/2020
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SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTAL
PROGRAM AD-HOC
COMMITTEE
October 1, 2020
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REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CITY OF LA QUINTA
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1
DISCUSS LICENSING
SUB-COMMITTEE
REPORT AND UPDATE
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STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 2
DISCUSS MARKETING
SUB-COMMITTEE
REPORT AND UPDATE
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 3
DISCUSS DENSITY
SUB-COMMITTEE
REPORT AND UPDATE
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STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting 10/1/2020
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STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 4
SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTAL
ENFORCEMENT
UPDATE
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STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting 10/1/2020
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BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1
APPROVE DENSITY SUB-
COMMITTEE REPORT WITH
RECOMMENDATIONS TO
MODIFY SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTAL
OCCUPANCY LIMITS
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STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting 10/1/2020
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OCCUPANCY DENSITY:
The number of occupants that are
permitted to occupy a given rental
property.
CURRENT OCCUPANCY LIMITS IN CITY ORDINANCE
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RECOMMENDATION TO MODIFY OCCUPANCY LIMITS
•Occupancy ranges are not necessary because the concept of a
limit implies only the highest number is relevant;
•Occupancy ranges may be confusing from an enforcement and
STVR renter perspective;
•The recommended occupancy levels are consistent with other
desert communities;
•Reasonable and fair accommodations are made with respect to
the number of additional daytime visitors, while also preserving
a neighbors’ right to quiet enjoyment, privacy and safety.
Note: Occupancy levels exceeding these numbers will require a Special Events Permit
FACTORS FOR RECOMMENDING THESE OCCUPANCY LIMITS:
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THANK
YOU FOR
COMING!
OUR NEXT
SCHEDULED
MEETING IS:
THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
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STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting 10/1/2020
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STVR Committee Meeting
October 1, 2020
City of La Quinta Financial Overview
Agenda
•Understanding the Budget
•Overview of adopted FY 2020/21 Budget
–Projections, Fiscal Impacts, Measure G, Reserves,
Staffing Levels
•Short-Term Vacation Rental Program Specifics
•Financial Analysis Recommendations
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STVR Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting 10/1/2020
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Who is involved in the budget
process?
The Budget Process
•January
–Community Workshop
–Mid-year budget updates & initial discussions for next year
•February – April
–Development & verification of budget requests
–Multiple public meetings
–Commission’s review and input
–External agency verifications
•May – June
–City Council budget study sessions
–Budget adoption by June 30th
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Budget Adoption Includes
General Fund
Revenues &
Expenses
Measure G
Sales Tax
General Fund
Reserves &
Carryovers
Summary of all
Funds
including CIP
Appropriations
Limit
Personnel
Schedule
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2020/21 Budget Reductions
Workforce
Reductions
Reduced and
Postponed
Contract
Services
Reduced
Programs
and Events
Decreased
Operating
Expenses
Budget Monitoring & Analysis
• Savings may reduce Measure G revenue allocation for 2020/21
Review Police Services
• Revenues and Expenses
Continuously Monitor COVID Impacts/Changes
• November, January, April or as needed
Quarterly Reports and Adjustments
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Measure G Sales Tax
General Fund Reserves
Fund Balance Summary Estimated as of
6/30/2021 Target Deficit
Emergency Reserves
Natural Disaster 10,000,000$ 10,000,000 -
Economic Disaster 6,800,000 11,000,000 4,200,000
Cash Flow Reserve 5,000,000 5,000,000 -
Capital Replacement Reserve 6,540,000 10,000,000 3,460,000
Unassigned Reserve 13,594,066 - -
Total Committed & Unassigned Funds 41,934,066 36,000,000 7,660,000
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How are 20/21 Capital Projects
Funded?
Funding Source Total Funding
Measure G Funds $525,000 (3%)
General Funds $1,652,000 (9%)
Federal Funds, Grants,
Reimbursements
$15,208,390 (82%)
Special Revenue Funds $1,050,000 (6%)
Citywide Staffing Overview
20/21 Funded Positions
•Personnel Schedule
•85 Full-time
•11 Part-time
•5 Elected officials
•3 Vacant positions
funded
Workforce Reductions
•Reduction of 10 FT and 5
PT positions as compared
to adopted 19/20 budget
•This was a reduction of
20% of the workforce
•Reductions generated
$1.8 million savings
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STVR Program Specifics
•The budget does not include a one for one
ratio for program revenues to expense funding
•STVR revenues have been tracked separately
from other TOT revenues since 2016/17
•No City staff is 100% dedicated to only the
STVR Program
Historical TOT Revenues
Actual Actual Actual Actual Budgeted
2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Hotels 6,426,594 6,588,185 6,718,847 4,426,061 4,031,300
STVR 2,383,229 2,804,647 3,489,726 2,851,145 2,093,800
B & B 123,360 105,133 97,870 63,580 80,000
Total TOT 8,933,183 9,497,965 10,306,443 7,340,786 6,205,100
Actual Actual Actual Actual Budgeted
2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Inspections - - 16,575 13,975 9,000
Permits 80,102 119,130 146,914 279,878 117,600
Business License
Appeals for Fines
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STVR Related Expenses
•Since no staff is dedicated to STVR alone, many City divisions are
involved in various aspects of STVR program
•Internal staff includes:
–The Hub – 7 employees
–Code Enforcement – 7 employees
–Finance – 4 employees
–City Clerk – 2 employees
–Marketing – 2 employees
STVR Related Expenses
•Consultants include:
–Compliance Vendors
–Security Services
–Hotline
STVR Community Events
Marketing Expenses
•Cost of processing appeals
•Cost of Administrative Citation Expenses for only STVR’s
•Staff training needs
•Software updates and license
•Legal services
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Fiscal Analysis Recommendations
•Update STVR fee analysis
•Quantify unknown costs
•Quantify STVR Committee Recommendations
–Revenues and Expenses
–By Staff and the Financial Advisory Commission
–STVR Committee is recommended to participate
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