Measure T one-day trial over in El Dorado County; Parties now to submit final briefs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Six years after narrowly passing, Measure T is still caught up in the legal system. The ballot measure was a citizen-initiated one that restricted vacation home rentals (VHRs) in South Lake Tahoe located in residential areas. They were still allowed in non-residential areas (tourist core, commercial, recreation) and residents were allowed to rent their homes, no matter the location, up to 30 days per year.

Since passing, the measure has been facing legal challenges. A group called South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group challenged Measure T in a lawsuit filed in December 2018, arguing that Measure T violated the constitutional rights of property owners. The group is made up of homeowners and property managers.

On September 29, 2020, the court issued an order finding most of the constitutional claims to be without merit and eliminating most of the issues from the case.

Most parts of Measure T were found to be legal by the appeals court, except for the portion allowing permanent residents being allowed to still rent out their homes. These are known as Q Rentals or qualified vacation home rental permits. The property owners group said this discriminates against second homeowners.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the matter was brought up in the El Dorado County Superior Court. Both parties, the City of South Lake Tahoe and the South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group will now submit closing briefs with a deadline of December 13. The court then will take the case under submission and render a decision, most likely within a few weeks of that date.