Rental of a South Lake Tahoe vacation home or motel could result in fines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their emergency meeting Wednesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to support the temporary use of the City's recreation center for the homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic and to follow the State of Calfornia's lead not halting commercial evictions at the time.

They also unanimously approved staff to draft an order that gives the City of South Lake Tahoe the ability to issue a citation to the owner of a vacation home or other lodging property that chooses to rent to people who are defying the Governor's order that bans non-essential travel.

Council said they had no desire at this time to go over and beyond what the State and El Dorado County have already said, there is to be no travel for anything other than essential business and there is to be no rental of lodging and vacation homes.

For how long is still unknown as the State did not put an expiration date on their order. It could be for 30 days, or longer, depending on what happens at the State level. The City said they are aiming for April 23, but in reality, it could be longer.

Once ratified, the police department can fine the owner of a property $1,000 for renting to a person(s) after March 19. They can also fine a renter $1,000 a day should they not leave when the owner/management company asks them. The fine would be for violating a State Order.

Interim Police Chief Shannon Laney said his CFO officers can issue an administrative citation. If the Council had made it a criminal violation only sworn-in police officers could issue the ticket.

Council said they wanted some "teeth" in their vote so people comply.

On Tuesday, the County issued a directive telling people not to travel into the county for recreation or vacation purposes, or to use lodging properties. The prior move by the State of California to restrict travel was an order.

Monday, the City of South Lake Tahoe sent out emails to motel, hotel and vacation homeowners to let them know not to rent their properties until the Governor's order is lifted. There have been many reports of those not complying so today's Council vote was made to show they mean business. If fines continue with a property, the police could involve criminal action.

If an owner is cited it will go against their vacation home rental permit renewal.

City Attorney Heather Stroud said the booking isn't the violation, nor is the advertising. It's the travel to South Lake Tahoe that is the violation.

"I want people to do the right thing," said Mayor Jason Collin. Traveling to a second home is a tough one, he said, but an order to stay at home order means just that.

The Council said they recognize the importance of tourism and the role of property managers in South Lake Tahoe and didn't arrive at their decision lightly.

"This is difficult for us to do," said Collin as they strive to keep the community's best interest in mind. "We are doing everything we can to inform and educate."

In other actions, the Council decided to not follow their residential property directive last week for commercial properties. Last week they called a halt to all residential evictions during times of no employment due to the coronavirus.

They think California will be doing something concerning commercial properties this week and will follow their lead should that happen. If Governor Newsom does not address it they will bring it up again next week.

They don't want to put landlords into financial hardship should they stop evictions for nonpayment of rent, but also have concern for businesses.

In their other item on the emergency meeting agenda, the Council discussed allowing the Tahoe Homeless Coalition to use the City's recreation center temporarily for homeless 24/7 housing. In order to get them into "Shelter in Place," the current location of a warm room only allowed 24 beds and had just one bathroom with no shower facilities. The Rec Center has showers and rooms for the 40 or so needed beds.

The center has been closed since all non-essential services were closed due to the coronavirus. Staff said they will make sure the building is cleaned prior to the public being allowed back inside.

The Coalition has also reached out to local motels to rent rooms to them. They got funding to put some up in motels but many of their clients would not do well in a single-occupancy environment and need a larger group with staff.