La Quinta Votes on Measure A – Short Term Rentals
By a narrow vote and after much debate over La Quinta Short Term Rentals, Voters did not approve Measure A . If approved, it would have phased out and permanently banned short term vacation rentals within city limits by the end of 2024. Short Term Rentals are defined as any lease or rental for less than 30 days.
What the vote means if you want to rent your home in La Quinta as a short term vacation rental, (STVR)
The current La Quinta Municipal Code remains in effect for La Quinta Short Term Rentals, including the permanent ban on new STVR permits in non-exempt areas. The city has exempt areas that allow short term rentals, see the map here. Outside those exempt areas, short term rentals are being phased out. The city isn’t issuing new STVR permits in residential zones.
The History of Short Term Rentals in La Quinta
The debate over a homeowners’ right to rent their property vs a homeowners’ right to quiet enjoyment has been a controversial issue among La Quinta residents for sometime. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Mayor Pro Tem for the city of La Quinta points out it’s an extremely emotional issue because people feel the impact in their home, and in their neighborhood.
The City Council has taken an official position. “We are against Measure A,” said Fitzpatrick. “We’ve worked really hard to get to a place where I think we’re at a compromise. We have a permanent ban in place. We haven’t issued a new permit in any residential zone since Aug of 2020.”
Right now, new STVR permit’s, except for dwellings located in exempt areas… are banned in La Quinta.
Revenue from Short Term Rentals
According to a report (“Economic Impact of Short-term Rentals in Greater Palm Springs 2020”) by Tourism Economics, short-term rental visitors spent $108 million at La Quinta businesses in 2020, or about $300,000 per day.
That means short-term rentals, or STRs, supported 692 jobs in La Quinta.
State and local tax revenues from STR stays totaled $17.5 million in 2020, consisting primarily of sales tax, lodging tax and prorated portions of homeowners’ property taxes.
With this final vote, it means all parties must work together to find an amiable way to coexist. With exempt-zones and plans for effective rule enforcement, the issue may be resolved once and for all.
Looking for a FAB home in La Quinta? Look no further… We have some great choices for you!
We’re on standby to help, reach out to us directly or send us an email today for more information.
