News Summary
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission has voted 3-2 against a proposed ordinance that would exempt historic homes from a citywide ban on short-term rentals like Airbnb. The decision reflects ongoing discussions about how to regulate historic properties amidst concerns over maintenance costs and the impact on housing affordability. Advocates for exemption argue it helps homeowners but faced opposition from housing advocates and hotels. The City Council will make the final decision on this matter.
Beverly Hills – The Beverly Hills Planning Commission voted 3-2 on September 11 against a proposed ordinance that would have exempted historic homes from a citywide ban on short-term rental properties. This decision comes as part of ongoing discussions regarding the treatment of historic properties in the context of short-term rental regulations.
The commissioners who voted against the exemption included Myra Demeter, Terri Kaplan, and Chair Jeff Wolfe, while Vice Chair Lou Milkowski and Commissioner Gary Ross supported the measure. The final decision regarding whether to create this exemption for historic homes will ultimately rest with the City Council.
On July 15, the City Council had already enacted an ordinance prohibiting short-term rentals, which encompasses platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, defining short-term rentals as lease agreements of less than one year. The proposed exemption for historic properties arose in response to concerns from owners of these homes regarding the financial burdens of maintenance and the potential of short-term rentals to provide income for upkeep.
Historic Homes in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is home to 45 historic landmarks, of which 18 are classified as single-family homes. Among these, 16 have structures that could theoretically be rented out on a short-term basis. Advocates for the exemption, such as Deborah Blum, a historic homeowner, argued that facilitating short-term rentals for these properties could assist in covering maintenance costs while also enhancing the city’s appeal to tourists.
Commissioners’ Perspectives
Commissioners opposed to the exemption expressed concerns about fairness, suggesting that permitting some homeowners to rent their historic properties while denying others could create an unequal playing field for residents. Kaplan emphasized that homeowners, regardless of their property’s historic status, should have equal opportunity for short-term rentals, especially since many own expensive properties that require significant upkeep.
Ross recognized the importance of supporting historic homeowners and advocated for an exception to help preserve the city’s unique character and charm.
Concerns from Hotels and Housing Advocates
The discussion around the exemption also drew attention and opposition from hotels and housing advocates, including organizations like Better Neighbors L.A. They expressed worries that allowing historic homes to operate as short-term rentals could further undermine housing affordability in the city and exacerbate issues related to disturbances typically caused by short-term stays.
Robert Bibeault from the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau expressed concerns that these rentals can lower demand for hotel accommodations, create an uneven playing field among property owners, and deprive the city of critical tax revenue needed for public services.
Context of Short-Term Rental Regulations
This ban on short-term rentals in Beverly Hills aligns with similar regulations enacted in nearby cities, such as West Hollywood and Santa Monica, which have also moved to limit or prohibit short-term rental operations to combat potential negative impacts on their communities.
The Planning Commission’s recent decision regarding the exemption for historic homes will be forwarded to the City Council, where the matter will be further deliberated for a final determination.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Luxury Rental Market Surges in Los Angeles
Legal Disputes Surge Over Housing Developments in Beverly Hills and Redondo Beach
Beverly Hills City Council Rejects Synthetic Turf Ban
Beverly Hills Mayor Discusses City Budget and Financial Stability
Offer Nissenbaum Elected Chair of Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce
Beverly Hills City Council Imposes Ban on Short-Term Rentals
Beverly Hills City Council Moves to Ban Short-Term Rentals
Beverly Hills Real Estate Agent Charged with Price Gouging
New FTC Rule Bans Hidden Fees on Tickets and Lodging
Los Angeles Wildfires Cause $30 Billion Real Estate Loss
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press
- Realtor.com
- Beverly Hills Courier
- Google Search: Beverly Hills short-term rental regulations
- Mansion Global
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
