Keep Neighborhoods First was queried regarding their likes or dislikes regarding the draft Home-Sharing Ordinance (short-term rental ordinance) that was released Friday.

Keep Neighborhoods First, which originally started in Venice and later united with other residents, neighborhoods, and organizations throughout the City, has pushed for an ordinance to quell the proliferation of short-term rentals and to regulate these rentals such that neighborhoods are not destroyed.

“We are happy that the Los Angeles City Planning Department has taken an important step forward and released the proposed Home-Sharing Ordinance,” wrote Judy Goldman on behalf of Keep Neighborhoods First.

“We are encouraged by the draft ordinance language and greatly appreciate that the Planning Department took the time to listen to all of the stakeholders while drafting it – and to draft an ordinance that fulfills the intent of Councilmembers Bonin and Wesson who brought forth the Motion.

“Keep Neighborhoods First has worked hard over the past several months to build a strong coalition of neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by short-term rentals and this long-awaited draft ordinance includes the elements we were most concerned about. The ordinance holds the rental platforms accountable; curtail commercial operators by finding a way to identify primary residences; and most importantly, protects our vital affordable and rent-stabilized housing.

“We look forward to the ongoing dialogue as the conversation continues and the ordinance is finalized. We continue to be concerned about enforcement. We know that the best ordinance will do no good if the City is unable to enforce it. It is urgent the City adopt a strong ordinance as soon as possible, as we continue to lose housing stock every single day with no enforcement of the current laws.”