RivCo has problems bigger than Airbnb

Riverside County supervisors have too much time on their hands.

Before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday was an ordinance to micromanage shortterm rentals.

The draft ordinance notes that, “short term rentals have been a staple in the county and they provide a benefit to the county by expanding the number and type of lodging facilities.”

Yet, according to reporting by the Southern California News Group, the proposed ordinance “requires rentals to be inspected and limits those who can stay at a rental to two guests per bedroom plus an additional guest or 10 people, whichever is less.”

Among other things, in addition, “Rentals also would be required to have one on-site parking space for every four occupants, and renters would have to stay for at least one night. County staff might also look at capping the number of rental licenses in wine country and Idyllwild.”

Fortunately, many shortterm rental owners stood up for themselves, noting the proposed regulations would hurt their small businesses.

“We’re facing something that will devastate our business,” short-term rental owner Tom DeCarlo told the board. “It’s at the wrong time and it’s not justified.”

They noted that there are plenty of rules already on the books for code enforcement to ensure are being followed if short-term rental guests are indeed being problematic.

Riverside County supervisor Kevin Jeffries also raised an important question, “What government employee is going to walk into the home and count how many people are in bed to see if they’re in compliance?”

The fact is Riverside County has enough problems on its hands.

Rather than micromanage entrepreneurial Riverside County residents for using their property to provide visitors a place to stay, Riverside County supervisors should focus on things that matter.

Rather than having county staff waste time drafting ordinances like this, or proposing to waste county employees’ time ensuring implementation, the Board of Supervisors should ensure the county is on a stable fiscal trajectory for a change.

The proposal was fortunately delayed. It shouldn’t be brought back.