By Andrea Papagianis
The Dana Point City Council unanimously postponed a decision Tuesday night over the allowance and regulation of short-term vacation rentals, and directed staff to continue working on an ordinance with more stringent penalties to remedy issues.
The decision prolongs the five-year debate over whether or not the city should allow rentals—of less than 30 days—in residential areas. Current city code is silent on the issue, and as such, such rentals are considered illegal. The proposed ordinance is based on Planning Commission recommendations from 2009, staff and citizen suggestions, and draws on information gathered from a staff survey of 43 cities.
City staff will return to the drawing board to address concerns of council members and citizens. Before a council vote is made, the ordinance will need Planning Commission approval.
