San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department held a virtual meeting on November 16 to inform the public of the findings from a comprehensive study of the impact of short-term rentals (STRs) on the housing market. After Z107.7 reported on the County’s virtual meeting, we received a response from the Morongo Basin Conservation Association.
After my report aired on the San Bernardino County virtual meeting, I received emails from President Steve Bardwell and Director Janet Johnson of the Morongo Basin Conservation Association (MBCA) saying the County’s executive summary misrepresents the conclusions of the Granicus report/study. Granicus, a Civic Engagement Platform monitoring short-term compliance, has reported a direct link between STR activity, housing availability, and home and rental prices.
The Granicus report stated, “The short-term and long-term housing markets while vying for the same spaces, do not follow the same economic models. The difference in income potential from STRs (tied to tourism dollars) and long-term units (tied to local incomes) put price pressure on all long-term housing units, whether by justifying a switch to a higher value use or by setting new sale’ comps,’ or by reducing supply.”
Additional points emphasized by the MBCA were that the public had a very short time to review the County’s lengthy report, and the County’s conclusion that STVR is not affecting affordable housing needs to be corrected.
The Granicus report also says the expansion of the short-term rental industry at the beginning of the pandemic came at the expense of long-term housing opportunities. Whether through direct sale ‘flip’ or a homeowner choosing to change the use of their unit, thousands of homes became unavailable to residents. Johnson said, “There is a lot of good information in the (County) report once you get past the first page or two.” Johnson also suggested the County report is only part of the story and should include the findings of the Granicus report and public input, including how to increase the availability of long-term housing and how the report will inform balanced policy.
Affordable housing is a complicated and vital issue. Z107.7 will continue to research all sides, monitor the actions taken by the incorporated cities and the County, and report the findings.
Public input is welcome.
