Council Gives Final OK To Short Term Rental Ordinance

The Palm Desert City Council gave final approval Thursday to an ordinance that cracks down on short-term rentals in Palm Desert.

The ordinance -- which underwent a few changes since its first reading earlier this month -- requires property owners to get a permit to operate a home as a short-term rental.

During the first reading, Councilwoman Jan Harnik requested that the ordinance be changed to allow renters to have more daytime guests. The law previously stated that only one daytime guest was allowed for every two renters.

Under the law, anyone who operates a short-term rental in Palm Desert without a permit could face fines between $1,000 up to $5,000 over a year-long period. In addition, violators of the city's code could face a fine of $250 up to $1,500, according to a city staff report.

In addition, home owners have to provide a local contact who will be available 24-hours a day to respond to potential problems.

City officials hope the new law will help Palm Desert collect unreported transient occupancy tax.