BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City Council could approve creating a new ordinance allowing and regulating short-term rentals in the city — such as Airbnbs and Vrbos — in the coming weeks.
The City Council is set to hold a first reading of the proposed ordinance during its regular meeting Wednesday, according to the meeting agenda.
STRs currently aren’t allowed to operate in Bakersfield, city officials said. The city estimates there to be over 500 such properties in Bakersfield.
The ordinance, if adopted, would require STR owners or operators to acquire a permit from the city on top of a business tax certificate.
The permit would be valid for one year and can be renewed if the owner didn’t receive two or more citations during that time, according to the proposed ordinance.
They would also pay the transient lodging tax, also known as transient occupancy tax or “hotel tax,” to the city. STRs can generate millions of dollars for the city in tax, city officials said.
The ordinance would also place several new restrictions on STRs, according to documents.
These include designating an emergency contact person available 24/7; limiting capacity to two people per bedroom; banning outdoor pools, spas and tubs during the night and more.
The ordinance aims to tackle issues like noise, trash and parking, along with an alleged decline in available long-term housing options, with the rise of STRs across the county, according to city officials.
The Bakersfield Planning Commission approved the proposed ordinance at a May 7 meeting.
The City Council could adopt the proposed ordinance during its second reading at a later meeting. The ordinance would take effect 30 days after it passes.
The first reading is set for 5:15 p.m. May 27 at 1501 Truxtun Ave., according to the agenda.
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