Leading up to the Los Altos City Council’s specially scheduled meeting Wednesday (July 20), town officials are soliciting resident opinion on short-term rentals like those offered through companies such as Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO.
The town Friday (July 15) published a four-question survey about the contested topic at www.surveymonkey.com/r/YRCPGGY. The survey will remain active until noon Wednesday.
Although scores of Los Altos Hills residents list their homes through short-term rental websites, legal counsel recently interpreted the city’s municipal code as not permitting the practice.
“The attorney’s office stated that short-term rentals are a commercial use that is not specifically listed as an allowed use,” wrote Steve Padovan, city consultant planner, in an email to the Town Crier.
“The attorney’s office added that the council is looking at potential regulations for short-term rentals at the July 20 meeting. Thus, further clarification of the use of homes for short-term rentals will be discussed at that time.”
Wednesday’s meeting will also likely cover the proposal to add a TOT, or “transient occupancy tax,” on short-term rentals if an ordinance is passed to allow them. The discussion begins at 6 p.m. at town hall, 26379 Fremont Road. A copy of the meeting agenda is available online at https://bit.ly/29OQ4pJ.
