News Summary
The Beverly Hills City Council has approved new regulations banning short-term rentals in both single-family and multifamily homes. The council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ordinance aimed at addressing housing shortages and disruptive rental activities in the upscale community. While some council members voiced concerns over property rights, the measure is seen as a proactive step towards stabilizing the housing environment and enhancing community standards.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Beverly Hills City Council has approved new regulations that impose a ban on short-term rentals in both single-family and multifamily residences. The council voted 4-1 on July 1 in favor of the ordinance, which prohibits homes from being leased for fewer than 12 consecutive months on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. This decision aims to tackle issues such as disruptive rental activities and contribute to increased housing availability within the stylish community.
Vice Mayor John Mirisch was the only council member to vote against the measure, voicing concerns that the regulations may not effectively address community desires while also balancing property rights.
The introduction of the ordinance comes after an initial proposal was postponed earlier in the year, allowing residents displaced by wildfires to find temporary housing solutions. The council seeks to create a more stable housing environment in Beverly Hills by reducing the number of short-term rentals, which have become notorious for hosting loud parties that disturb local residents.
Councilmember Lester Friedman highlighted the urgency for addressing housing shortages, citing mounting pressure from the state government on cities to create more housing opportunities. Councilmember Craig Corman further acknowledged that the council should have acted against short-term rentals sooner, given previous discussions about their negative impacts on neighborhoods.
Despite the new regulations, many residents have expressed a desire for exemptions for historic single-family homes. Deborah Blum, a historic property owner, proposed a “historic caretaker exemption,” which would enable these landmark properties to rent guest houses for periods under 30 days while requiring homeowners to maintain primary residence and supervision of the properties.
Initially, the ordinance proposed allowing rentals in multifamily units for under six months, but the council decided to standardize a 12-month prohibition for all property types. The city council plans to revisit this ordinance for final approval in an upcoming meeting. Council members will consider drafting potential language regarding exemptions for historic landmarks in collaboration with the Planning Commission.
In addition to the short-term rental ban, the council conducted a public hearing regarding a new mixed-use development planned at 55 La Cienega Drive. This seven-story structure will feature 140 residential units, including 11 designated for very low-income families and an additional 11 for moderate-income households. The development promises various amenities such as a rooftop deck, pool, outdoor bar, lounge space, and sun deck. The revised proposal received council approval in a 4-1 vote, with concerns regarding noise and parking raised by local residents, leading Mirisch to oppose it once again.
Furthermore, during the same meeting, the council approved budget allocations for the fiscal year 2025-26. A maximum of $497,969 has been earmarked for holiday décor, specifically for lighting and decorations along Rodeo Drive, under the theme “Enchanted Holiday Dreams on Rodeo Drive,” inspired by the Nutcracker Ballet. The Rodeo Drive Committee also received a budget of $184,998 for marketing services to promote the area’s local retailers and hotels.
The recent actions taken by the Beverly Hills City Council reflect a proactive approach to resolving both housing challenges and community concerns over short-term rental practices while also planning for economic development through holiday festivities in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: City Moves Towards Banning Short-Term Rentals
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Will Likely Ban Short-Term Rentals
- Canyon News: BH Suspends Short-Term Rental Restrictions With Urgency Ordinance
- Wikipedia: Short-term rental
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Short-term rental
