🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - National City, CA
Airbnb Rules Tighten: National City Eyes Crime, Caps, and Community
Unanimous Vote Moves STR Ordinance Forward in National City
After years of debate and mounting complaints, National City leaders are one step closer to rolling out regulations for short-term rentals. On Tuesday night, the City Council gave unanimous approval to the first reading of an ordinance aimed at curbing crime, reining in operations, and balancing neighborhood concerns with tourism dollars.
The draft ordinance takes a firm stance. It would set a citywide cap of 180 STRs, with no more than 60 units in any one district. Hosts would need to live locally—either in National City or within a quarter-mile of their rental—and obtain an annual $250 permit. Properties couldn’t be used for business purposes, and non-hosted rentals would face a 90-day annual limit. Hosted rentals, however, wouldn’t have restrictions on the number of nights.
The move comes after police raised alarms about STRs being linked to serious crimes like shootings, human trafficking, and rowdy parties. Councilmember Jose Rodriguez didn’t mince words, calling these incidents “nefarious activities” that undermine community safety.
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Beyond safety, there’s also the question of money. If the city applies its 10% hotel tax (TOT) to STRs, staff estimate it could bring in as much as $3.3 million annually. But Councilmember Luz Molina poured cold water on the rosy numbers, reminding colleagues that it’s unlikely every STR will rent out at high nightly rates.
Still, officials see the ordinance as less about dollars and more about protecting community character. Acting Community Development Director Martin Reeder emphasized that cracking down on public nuisances is the real driver.
The ordinance must clear a second council vote before becoming law, but staff expect the changes could roll out in early 2026. For residents weary of party houses or crime-ridden rentals, that change can’t come soon enough.
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