The Yucca Valley Town Council heard dozens of public comments last night on the subject of short-term vacation rentals, an issue which continues to divide residents. Reporter Jef Harmatz was at the meeting, and brings us the details…
At last night’s regularly scheduled meeting, a public hearing on policies related to vacation rentals began with two members of the town council recusing themselves for potential conflicts of interest. The remaining council members heard comments from residents on all sides of the vacation rental issue, with the majority speaking in favor of more stringent regulations and even a moratorium on new vacation rental permits. After hearing comments, the council asked town staff to identify ways that they could quickly act to amend ordinances regarding guest occupancy, increase punitive fees for problematic rentals, and improve the enforcement of existing codes. Also at the meeting, the council extended a moratorium on murals in town for ten months, with the hope that an overhaul to mural policy can be enacted sooner rather than later.
