Manhattan Beach Seeks Input On Allowing Short-Term Rentals Citywide During World Cup

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach could soon allow short-term rentals citywide temporarily for the FIFA World Cup, and city officials are asking for residents’ input.

Residents are invited to join a community meeting Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Police/Fire Community Room at 400/420 15th Street in Manhattan Beach, city officials announced.

“This meeting will provide an overview of the proposed changes and an opportunity for public input, prior to the City Council’s consideration,” city officials said.

In a three-to-two vote, the city council earlier this month directed city staff to return with a draft ordinance establishing a temporary short-term rental policy, limited to the FIFA World Cup.

“I definitely support this, but I want people to understand that … this will not become permanent,” Council Member Amy Howorth said at the meeting. “This is a way to monitor it and accurately enforce ... We should not miss this opportunity, because we're gonna get run over if we, if we don't.”

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, less than 10 miles away from Manhattan Beach, will host eight matches during the World Cup, spanning from June 12 to July 10, according to the Orange County Register.

Manhattan Beach first banned short-term rentals citywide in 2015, according to the city’s website.

The decision came after “numerous residents” weighed in about short-term rentals' “negative impacts on residential neighborhoods, such as increased traffic congestion, overuse of public parking, noise, and crime,” the city said.

In April 2022, the Court of Appeal issued an opinion saying the city’s ban does not apply to properties in the coastal zone, according to city officials.

Currently, to operate a short-term rental in the coastal zone, renters must obtain a business license, as well as levy, collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax.

Staff will return to the city council on Jan. 20 with a draft ordinance, which will define a timeline for temporarily lifting the short-term rental ban citywide, about one week before the FIFA World Cup and several days after, according to the city.

The ordinance will also include a cap on the number of operators permitted during the trial period, the city said.