by Darryl Dufay
Councilman Mike Bonin led it off. Talked about the intense interest in Short-Term rentals. Said people have expressed themselves in hundreds of e-mails ranging from “no rentals” to “come on in!” – my words. He remarked that whatever is decided someone will be disappointed. Also, related that he and fellow Councilman Herb Wesson have taken a different tack on input on their Ordinance. Usually, an Ordinance is written and then gets comments. Their approach is to first hear from the folks before the writing. Hence, the three city wide “listening” meetings.

Mike raised two important words for what is a real Short-Term Rental: “True Shared.” This type of sharing is what we have been advocating for: Owners who are present and living on their property, who rent a spare room(s) or guesthouse, and who look after themselves and the community.

No Short-Term Rentals for owners who absent themselves and do not live on their property.

Then, the “listening” began. A member of the Planning Department stood up, stack in hand with over 100 speaker requests, which continued to grow in number. Each person was given a minute. I feverishly crossed out my two minute presentation.

It was interesting. W-I-D-E ranging expressions as you can imagine: Helping people with an affordable place to stay; paying for medical bill, education, etc.; helping the economy such as a local ice cream store; running a short term rental placement business with many employees; don’t want rentals in the hill communities because the danger of fire and congested narrow roadways; had wonderful relations with people from different countries; don’t use my neighborhood to make your money, and so it went.

I related the causes for the formation of the Venice Canals Action Committee and our support of “true sharing.” Ed spoke about the need to clearly define primary residence and where a owner actually lives.

With a large number of people wearing AirBnB sticker, I had the impression that there could be an overwhelming negative attitude to anyone making a comment who questioned limiting short-term rentals. However, as the speakers continued there was a distinct mellowing. There was an especially friendly feeling for those that were really sharing their homes More and more there were expression of applause for someone expressing a different point of view. It was not all hugs and kisses, but belied the AirBnB propaganda everyone was out to destroy Short-Term Rentals.

A learning experience for all. Now, we shall see how all the input is processed.