🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - National City, CA
Short-Term Rental Crackdown in National City Delayed — But Still on the Table
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.
Short-Term Rental Crackdown in National City Delayed — But Still on the Table
National City’s long-awaited move to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) hit the brakes this week—but only temporarily. At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, leaders considered a draft ordinance to rein in the city’s roughly 200 unregulated STRs, citing years of complaints and lost tax revenue. But while there was broad agreement that action is needed, the council opted to hold off on a vote until more details are available.
Regular City Council Meeting
The proposed ordinance would require all STR operators to register with the city, provide a 24/7 local contact for each property, and follow a set of common-sense rules—similar to those adopted in neighboring San Diego County cities. National City currently charges a 10% TOT, but many short-term rentals have been flying under the radar.
Officials say the goals are simple:
âś… reduce neighborhood disruptions
âś… hold property owners accountable
âś… recover lost transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue.
Residents and city officials alike have expressed frustration with persistent problems linked to unregulated STRs, including noise complaints, party houses, parking headaches—and in more serious cases, illegal activity ranging from prostitution to violence.
“There’s no question we need something in place,” one councilmember remarked during the meeting. But others expressed concern that the proposal lacked specificity. The council ultimately directed city staff to return with a more refined ordinance—potentially at the next meeting on June 17.
With July’s annual recess looming, there’s a tight window for formal action before summer break. There was also talk of bringing the issue to a community forum this summer giving residents a chance to weigh in before the council takes a final vote.
For now, the message is clear: National City is serious about tackling STR issues, but wants to get the rules right. Whether the revised ordinance comes back on June 17 or later in the summer, change is on the horizon.
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