Fremont To Create STR Ordinance, Looks For Resident Input

FREMONT, CA — The city of Fremont is looking to create an ordinance outlining rules and regulations for short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb and VRBO and wants input from residents on what they would like to see included.

“A short-term rental refers to an activity in which a ‘host’ agrees to rent out all or a portion of a residential unit to a ‘guest’ for less than 30 consecutive nights,” the city explained in a news release. “The new ordinance would continue to allow STRs to operate in Fremont but would adopt regulations that fit the characteristics of the city and preserve community character.”

To kick off the process, the city, using the new community engagement platform, MyFremont, is looking for public feedback on STRs and has added a survey, a discussion forum and even a place for residents to post questions about the new STR ordinance.

Some suggestions already made include for the city to state its principle and goals for the STR to include what problems the city is intending to solve and what benefits the city intends to provide with the ordinance, clear rules and enforcements around the responsibilities of the landlord to the existing neighborhood in terms of safety and comfort and even restrictions that limit the ability of corporations to buy up too much housing so homeownership for families in Fremont can be protected.

Registration is required to participate in the discussions but involves just a few simple questions. The feedback received will help inform concerns and interests related to STRs and the contents of the new ordinance, the city said.

Fremont will also host a virtual community meeting Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more or providing feedback about STRs.