City Council Votes to Ban Short-Term Rentals in Anaheim

The city of Anaheim voted to ban short-term rentals after many resident complaints. Renters have 18 months to comply with the new ordinance, which means renters who have already made reservations get to keep them. Toni Guinyard reports for NBC4 at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016.

Anaheim visitors who opt for short-term vacation rentals to avoid expensive hotels will no longer have the option.

The Anaheim City Council voted Wednesday to ban short-term rentals, like Airbnb VRBO and HomeAway.

Residents with a mix of opinions crowded the city council meeting for a debate that has been ongoing for years.

Opponents of the short-term rentals claim rowdy guests are ruining their neighborhoods with noise, trash and parking issues.

"It is now time to restore our neighborhoods... [short-term rentals] are not an extension of the resort area," one critic said. "It is time to take care of the residents."

Meanwhile other residents argued property owners cleaned-up the neighborhood to attract visitors.

"We live close to several short-term rentals and have never had an issue with trash, parking, excessive noise or anything else to complain about," another attendant said.

Short-term rentals have been operating in Anaheim for at least two years. The fast-growing business has drawn travelers to Anaheim's popular destinations such as Disneyland, Angel Stadium and Honda Center.

Owners of the 363 permitted short-term rentals will have 18 months to stop operating. Travelers with current plans for later this year can still use their reservations "in terms of the short-term rental status with the city."

While short-term rentals are phased out, stricter regulations and increased fines for violations will be in place.

The ordinance will go to the city council for a second review before going into effect in mid-August.

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