Raising fines for VHR violations on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, January 23 at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include a discussion and possible vote on raising the fine on vacation home rental (VHR) violations, citizen appointments to commissions and boards, and an extension for completed plans for a 14-unit condominium project.

VHR fines to increase from $250-$1000 to $1,500-$5,000. In November the Council received a presentation on VHR enforcement and asked staff to come back with a resolution to increase the fine amounts for VHR citations to the maximum amounts allowed by Senate Bill 60.

Local jurisdictions can establish fines for violations of an ordinance relating to short-term rentals that is an infraction and pose a threat to health or safety, to $1,500 for a first violation, $3,000 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year, and $5,000 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.

The current fines for VHR citations range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the violation. The intent of increasing the fines is meant to discourage and penalize violations, so the hope is that the number of citations issued will decrease with the increased fines.

VHRs in South Lake Tahoe are only permitted in the tourist core and commercial zone, but some violations have been occurring in other areas where they are not allowed.

Tentative Map Extension for 3708 Highway 50 Town Homes. The City received a request from SLRV Investments, LLC to extend the expiration date of the 3708 Highway 50 Town Homes Tentative Subdivision Map. The Tentative Map for a 14-unit multi-family project was originally approved by the Planning Commission on March 10, 2022, and on April 5, 2022, by the City Council, and expires on April 5, 2024. The City may grant an extension for a period or periods not exceeding a total of six years.

The proposed multi-family project, which is located between IHOP and the former Chevy's on Lake Tahoe Blvd., is currently undergoing a plan check by the Building Division and additional time is needed to complete the permitting process. Staff is recommending a 24-month extension.

To view the complete agenda, visit HERE. For instructions how to view and/or participate, visit https://cityofslt.us/84/Watch-City-CouncilCommission-Meetings. The meeting will be held in person at the Lake Tahoe Airport.