Residents be dammed, we want the tax money.
After 4½ hours of public comment and debate about if and how short-term rentals should exist in Pacific Grove, the City Council voted 4-3 to continue to allow them.
That decision was just the first followed by a series of amendments discussed to determine future standards and restrictions on the complex topic.
Among the changes to be instituted are:
• Safety and health inspections will be required of short-term rental applicants.
• Neighbors within 300 feet be notified about a short-term rental.
• A cap of 260 short-term rental units in the city was agreed upon. There are currently more than 180 registered units in town.
“The task force doesn’t safeguard the quality of life of residential areas,” said resident Regina Doyle. “… Instead of seeking (transient occupancy taxes), please ask residents if (short-term rentals) are in our best interest.”