12/20/2018
Measure T Regarding Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) Approved by South Lake Tahoe Voters; City Taking Steps to Ensure Proper Implementation and Enforcement
Measure T, the citizen-initiated ballot measure that places additional restrictions on vacation home rentals (VHRs) in South Lake Tahoe, was approved by voters on November 6. Election results were recently certified, and the immediate provisions of Measure T are effective today. Measure T also requires the full phase-out of VHRs in residential areas of South Lake Tahoe over a three-year period, and the implementation of these provisions will occur by 2021.
As of today, Measure T reduces the maximum occupancy limits for VHRs in residential areas to 2 people per bedroom, and no more than a maximum of 12 people in any VHR. This occupancy reduction affects all existing VHR permits in residential areas, but not those in non-residential areas. City staff is in the process of reissuing all 1,344 existing VHR permits in residential areas to reflect the new maximum occupancy limits, and new permits will be mailed to VHR owners soon.
City staff will continue to diligently enforce all existing VHR regulations pertaining to neighborhood disturbances (noise, parking, hot tub use, trash, and other disturbances), and will also enforce the new maximum occupancy limits on any VHR that also creates a neighborhood disturbance (i.e., multiple violations will be issued for both the disturbance and the violation of the new maximum occupancy limits). The City understands that many VHR reservations were made under the old maximum occupancy limits, and is attempting to be reasonable during the initial Measure T implementation period. In an effort to accommodate previous VHR reservations, City staff will initially use discretion in enforcing the new maximum occupancy limits if VHR guests are responsible visitors and do not violate other VHR regulations by causing neighborhood disturbances. City staff will continue this enforcement approach on a trial basis in the coming weeks and will adjust the enforcement strategy as needed in the future.
Measure T prohibits the issuance of new VHR permits in residential areas, and no new permits will be issued. There are currently 1,344 existing VHR permits in residential areas in South Lake Tahoe, and these permits may only be renewed in 2018, 2019, and 2020. All existing VHR permits in residential areas will expire in 2021, and no renewals will occur in 2021 or beyond. Measure T does not affect the existing 429 VHR permits in non-residential areas (tourist core, commercial, recreation) of South Lake Tahoe, and new VHR permits may be issued in non-residential areas in the future.
The City urges all VHR owners and their guests to respect their neighbors. The City respects the citizen-initiated ballot measure, and will diligently enforce VHR regulations to promote peaceful neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe. Please help us implement the immediate provisions of Measure T in a responsible, diligent, and understanding manner.
A “Measure T Fact Sheet” is attached, and includes a concise explanation of the City’s VHR regulations effective with the passage of Measure T. A map indicating the residential and non-residential areas in South Lake Tahoe is also attached.
The City of South Lake Tahoe will notify all permitted VHR owners of any changes to VHR regulations and/or enforcement as the implementation of Measure T moves forward.
Thank you for your cooperation!