🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Solvang, CA
Solvang Moves to Cap Short-Term Rentals at 30, Keeping Them Within Downtown Zone
Solvang Draws the Line: Short-Term Rentals to Stay in the Village Core
Solvang’s short-term rental saga is coming to a head — again. During its Sept. 22 meeting, the City Council circled back to a debate that’s been simmering for months: where, exactly, should short-term rentals (STRs) be allowed? After another round of back-and-forth, the council gave clear direction — keep STRs inside the Village Mixed-Use (VMU) zone and cap the total number at 30.
This discussion marked the second time in six weeks that the council revisited the city’s STR ordinance. Back in August, they requested two versions of an update — one keeping STRs confined to the VMU (the heart of Solvang’s downtown) and another allowing them citywide in residential zones, except high-density areas. But as Councilmember Mark Infanti pointed out, enforcement is already lagging within the current boundaries. Of roughly 25 active STRs in the VMU, many don’t even have permits. “We need to chase these people down,” Infanti said bluntly, while Councilmember Elizabeth Orona floated the idea of reinstating fines for unpermitted operators.
Community Development Director Rafael Castillo urged patience, explaining that enforcement has been paused while the city redefines its policy. But he noted that bringing unlicensed operators into compliance would also bring in more transient occupancy tax revenue — a win for the city budget.
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Public feedback, however, leaned heavily against STR expansion. Tracy Beard of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce called the practice “a poor decision,” citing unfair competition with hotels and a lack of ADA compliance. Others, like Councilmember Claudia Orona, argued for fairness toward long-time STR owners who’ve played by the rules. “Rational people have been compliant for years; it’s tough to suddenly tell them no,” she said.
In the end, the council backed a compromise — maintain STRs within the VMU, tighten the permit count to 30, and officially ban “homestays,” where owners share their home with guests. The message from City Hall was clear: STRs can stay in Solvang’s tourism core, but they won’t be spreading further into residential neighborhoods anytime soon.
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