ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The City of Escondido passed regulations on short-term rentals for the first time in the city’s history.
The proposal has generated strong feelings from both sides of the argument.
“I live next-door to an Airbnb and it’s a nightmare. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever had in my life,” said a man named Michael during public comment.
After a lengthy discussion at Wednesday’s city council meeting, ultimately the council voted 4-to-1 to approve the short-term rental pilot program.
It will include requirements like:
- A short-term rental permit
- Escondido business license
- Payment of transient occupancy tax
- A designated contact available 24/7 to respond to complaints
Part of the ordinance creating some controversy involved not allowing STRs within 500 feet of a school, which would affect almost 30 current rentals.
“By targeting one or two homes, you’re saying that those are party homes. You’re effectively impacting 24 other families,” said Sky Management owner Mo Rashid.
Right now there are an estimated 181 short-term rentals within Escondido that have gone unregulated.
“We never know who’s going to be there. There are 10 trash cans out at one time, they’re parking in the street, they’re making a lot of noise. My concern is for the children in our community,” said Carolyn Rangel.
Under the new ordinance, a maximum of 2% of the city’s total housing units would be allowed to become rentals, capping the amount at 942 units.
For right now, city council says they’ll get up to 200 applicants, then pause for review, and do that for every following 100 applications.
The pilot program will be implemented in July 2025 and unless extended, it will expire three years from the time the program begins.
