More changes to VHR ordinance in El Dorado County to be discussed

During the July 24 El Dorado County Board of Supervisor's meeting, the next phase of additions to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance will be discussed.

The ad hoc committee of Supervisors Sue Novasel and Michael Ranalli will be making the following recommendations:

Cap at a maximum of 12 overnight occupants, even if a home has enough bedrooms to accommodate more. The calculation of 2 people per bedroom plus 2. If someone wishes to have more than 12 the homeowner may apply for a conditional use permit.

Quiet hours of 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. will apply to all activities, not just hot tubs.

Penalties will be imposed on the entity directly responsible for the violation.

Enforcement staff will be equipment with noise decibel meters.

The owner or property manager will be required to check in with the renter on-site at time of arrival or within 10 hours of arrival.

There will be an online course and test for VHR owner/manager as part of the permitting process.

Maximum of 900 VHR permits allowed in Lake Tahoe Basin with new permits allowed only with expiration of others. (would not apply to those renting out a room while they are present or to homes on the West Slope).

The Board of Supervisors will make recommendations on the above points to staff, and a document for them to vote on will be brought back at the August 28 meeting for a first reading.

As will this rest of this process, the ad hoc committee and supervisors stress that the ordinance will continue to be evaluated as new rules are put in place.

If you have any comments you would like to submit for the Board's consideration, please contact the Clerk of the Board at edc.cob@edcgov.us.

A new website has been created for VHRs in the County, including meeting notes, resources and a list of permits. It can be found here:
https://www.edcgov.us/Government/TaxCollector/Pages/El-Dorado-County-Vacation-Home-Rentals.aspx.

On July 7, 2018, eight portions of a new VHR ordinance took effect:
-Restructure of violation and penalty provisions of the ordinance, with fines of $500, $750 and $1,000 over an 18-month periord in place.
-Language changed from "should" and "best efforts" to "shall" to get cooperation from renters and home owners.
-Exterior signage wih contact info now required.
-The number of occupants during quiet hours is capped.
-Inspections must be made by Lake Valley Fire prior to a VHR permit being issued.
-Ordinance will be in place county wide, not just Lake Tahoe Basin.
-Review of VHR functions.
-Bear Box trash receptacle are mandatory for VHRs in Lake Tahoe Basin.

The next meeting of the El Dorado County VHR Ad Hoc Committee Meeting is scheduled for July 26, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School, 1095 E San Bernardino Ave.

Beginning in mid-July, enforcement of the ordinance governing VHRs in El Dorado County will transfer to the Department of Planning and Building from the Tax Collector. Compliance activities will become the responsibility of Code Enforcement. The Treasure-Tax Collector will continue to issue VHR permits and business licenses for the rest of 2018. Early next year, the County anticipates transferring the permitting and licensing function to the Department of Planning and Building.

“With this new approach, the County hopes to offer a more streamlined process that ultimately provides residents with greater transparency, efficiency and satisfaction,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Don Ashton. “Between now and the end of the year, we will be making additional recommendations to the Board regarding programming, staffing and funding related to VHR and code enforcement activities as we move forward with the transition process.”