Anaheim Extends Moratorium on Short-Term Rentals

After listening to residents for about two hours, the Anaheim City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to extend a moratorium on new short-term rentals until May, like those found on Airbnb, Homeaway and VRBO.

“It changes the nature of a neighborhood,” said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait.

But while Anaheim is tightening its leash on short-term rentals, the city of Santa Ana seems to be welcoming them.

Santa Ana City Council members on Tuesday eagerly tossed out that city's emergency moratorium, put in place last month.

"I’m a huge supporter of the shared economy,” said Councilwoman Michele Martinez. “Certainly, my goal is not to be restrictive, prohibitive and overreaching."

Martinez said the short-term rental problem didn’t seem as big in Santa Ana, and city officials seemed to agree.

Santa Ana's municipal code doesn't clearly define or identify short-term rentals in a residential area, according to a city staff report. Officials decided to ask a transportation council committee to discuss how changing the city’s zoning code could regulate short-term rentals.

Across the country and particularly in Southern California, cities such as Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and West Hollywood have introduced regulations to control the growth of short-term rentals.

In Anaheim, the growth has been rapid. The number of short-term rentals has doubled over the last year to about 400, with another 176 awaiting permits.

Read the full story via KPCC