BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City Council approved a couple changes to a proposed ordinance that would set brand new rules for Airbnbs and Vrbos in the city if approved.
The City Council held its first reading of the proposed short-term rental ordinance during the regular Wednesday meeting.
Short-term vacation rentals are prohibited from operating in Bakersfield, but the city has around 500 such properties currently operating, according to officials.
‘Hotels are at a disadvantage’: Bakersfield City Council to consider new rules for Airbnbs
The ordinance seeks to allow STRs to operate in the city by creating a new permitting process as well as regulations that operators would have to follow.
Residents from the Westchester neighborhood attended the meeting Wednesday afternoon to express their concerns about the presence of STRs in their area. They argued STRs disturb the identity of neighborhoods and prevent neighbors from forming relationships.
The permit would be valid for 12 months and can be renewed each year as long as the operator qualifies and follows the renewal steps, according to the proposed ordinance.
It would also create new rules, such as establishing a 24/7 emergency contact person, limiting maximum capacity to two people per bedroom, prohibiting outdoor pools and spas from being used during the nighttime and more.
The property operator would have to provide proof of liability insurance covering the rental use.
The rentals would also pay transient lodging tax — also known as transient occupancy tax or “hotel tax” — to the city with this ordinance, which is 12% of the total fee.
The city of Bakersfield is expected to gain $1 million or more per year from short-term rentals, according to city officials.
The City Council voted to change the ordinance to reduce the liability insurance amount requirement from the proposed $1 million to $500,000 and have the STR platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect the tax from operators directly. Ward 3 Councilman Ken Weir was the only one who voted no.
The City Council is slated to hold its second reading and final adoption of the proposed ordinance at a future meeting.
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