Share Love & Joy This Holiday Season

Join Coldwell Banker in a virtual charity drive.

Pass the love along this holiday season. November 10-30

The Toys for Tots Program has been delivering a message of hope to children everywhere for 73 years.

You are invited to share in this mission by making an online donation to the organization's national literacy program or one of its local toy programs.

Visit https://cb.today/losangeles/2020/toys for more information

"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more"

-H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Malibu Enacts Short-Term Rental Ordinance

For the first time, Malibu's leaders have attempted to regulate Airbnbs and other short-term rentals in Malibu—despite opposition from some residents.

Last Tuesday, Sept. 28, Malibu City Council enacted its first-ever short-term rental (STR) ordinance. 

The “enforcement ordinance” is designed to give the city’s code enforcement efforts teeth when it comes to disruptive party houses and other issues caused by some STR properties and their owners. The ordinance, which will go into effect only until more comprehensive and permanent short-term rental rules can be drawn up, passed on a unanimous, 4-0, council vote with Council Member Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner absent from the meeting.

In 2015, Malibu struck a deal with short-term rental companies like Airbnb—by subpoenaing their rental data, the city was able to force the companies to comply with transient occupancy taxes. In the end, Airbnb even agreed to collect the tax on behalf of the city, a practice that was rare at the time but eventually became standard for the vacation rental behemoth. 

Since then, though, complaints against STRs have risen steadily—as has Malibu’s income from the hotel tax, which nets the city well over $1 million annually. And opponents to short-term rentals of any kind have accused city staffers of seeing dollar signs, blind to neighborhoods being disrupted by visitors and homes being “used as motels.”

Over the years, many have spoken up in favor of companies like Airbnb, which bring visitors to Malibu’s coveted seashores, earn residents extra cash and, many have suggested, boost sales at local restaurants and businesses. But on Tuesday, the only voices who called into the Zoom meeting were those who opposed the entire idea of an ordinance, saying that if rentals operate much like hotels, they should be regulated like hotels.

“It is simply an outrage that you’re now saying it’s been allowed all this time,” longtime critic Bill Sampson told council, later adding, “It has not been allowed. It has been illegal at all times.”

“Will the fees collected pay for another code enforcement position? I don’t think so. Who would be enforcing this and would it be rigorous enough?” resident and former planning commissioner Kraig Hill asked, later adding, “We need a way to make this more immediate and direct, so if you violate, you get fined—bam.”

“Don’t think we don’t empathize with you,” Council Member Rick Mullen said, adding that council wanted to “take a shot” at fixing some of the issues created by vacation rentals. 

“We hear you. I feel for you. Let’s see how it goes,” Mullen added.

The ordinance, which will go into effect in January, stipulates that each owner must procure a permit in order to operate a short-term rental property within the city of Malibu, with a separate permit needed for each unit. The application for an STR permit requires a valid septic operating permit and other information such as a correct number of bedrooms and up-to-date contact information. Owners must also attest their homeowners association (or other association) does not prohibit STRs. Once approved, the permit is good for one year.

There is also a long list of requirements for Malibu STRs, including: providing fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; an agent available 24 hours a day to respond to complaints or emergencies; providing guests with a copy of the city’s short-term rental code of conduct; and a maximum occupancy of 14 people (or two people more than twice the number of bedrooms, whichever is less).

Permits can be revoked if taxes are not paid, there are outstanding code enforcement violations, fire and building codes are not met, or two or more citations for noise ordinance violations have been issued in the last 12 months, among other grounds.

STR FAQ:

If I am currently renting out a house on Airbnb, can I still do so?

The new ordinance is not set to go into effect until Jan. 15, 2021, giving property owners time to apply for permits.

What is the difference between this ordinance and the other STR ordinance I’ve heard about?

This ordinance is designed to provide enforcement of rules while a more stringent ordinance is developed. While this type of enforcement is allowed at a city level, staff and council members believe a stricter set of guidelines must go before the California Coastal Commission, so, rather than wait another year or two (or more) to begin enforcing STRs, this was put forth as a stop-gap measure for now. When the new ordinance is in place, this one will become null.

How do I get the party house next door shut down?

After the ordinance goes into effect, if you live near an STR property violating the city’s noise ordinance, packing more than 14 people into a house or otherwise violating the terms of the permit, a phone call to the city should start the ball rolling toward a permit’s revocation. For now, report a nuisance by calling the city’s Short-term Rental Hotline at 310.456.2489 ext. 308 or email STR@malibucity.org.

Is there a limit on the type of property or number of units one owner can rent out?

Not in this ordinance; that is expected to come back in the longer-term “hosted” ordinance.

Where can I find out more information about the city’s STR ordinance?

Visit the city's website.

Syndicated via malibutimes.com

http://www.malibutimes.com/news/article_e24f839a-0991-11eb-b821-afa80d7e695a.html

Amazing Places to Travel to in 2021

With COVID-19 cancelling many people's travel plans in 2020, it is never to early to begin planning for next year!

There are many travel destinations all over the world that will be waiting for travelers to visit once it is over.

With that in mind, your next question might be where should you go? Here are some of amazing destinations to travel to in 2021:

St. Tropez, France

With its unforgettable ambience, divine cuisine, endless shopping and incredible art collections, St. Tropez has it all. Visit beautiful museums, relax at the beach, take in the film culture, indulge in nightlife, and look at the beautiful fishing boats, yachts, colorful houses, and chic cafés.

South Island, New Zealand

Beautiful, picturesque fjords, snowcapped mountains, temperate rainforests, and black sand beaches, the South Island of New Zealand is a nature-lover's paradise. The scenery around Queenstown is not only gorgeous, but provides many adventures such as bungy jumping, jet-boating, and more.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna recently went under a $240 million redevelopment project of the central train station, which includes stunning new hotels for travelers to enjoy. 2021 marks the 151st birthday of the legendary Musikverein concert hall and Beethoven's 251st birthday. Check out Vienna's interesting history, beautiful landmarks and architecture, incredible coffee and desserts and stunning parks and gardens.

Bangkok, Thailand

From the unbeatable street food to the affordable luxury, there will never be a dull moment visiting Bangkok Thailand. Enjoy shopping at the Chatuchak Market which spans 6.8 hectares, relaxing at the beaches and rivers, or various options for nightlife.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui has more miles of swimmable beaches than any other island in Hawaii. Enjoy white, black and red sand beaches and incredible food as Maui is one of the epicenters of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Maui also has a beautiful culture and history that can be appreciated through tours and museums during your visit.

Santorini, Greece

Witness one of the most marvelous sunsets you have ever seen in Santorini, Greece. The island is surrounded by turquoise water and cluttered with multi-colored cliffs, hot-headed volcanoes, and acres of sun-toasted sand. Visit the historical sights, enjoy mouthwatering cuisine, stay in luxury hotels, and visit some of the world's most unique and beautiful beaches.

San Fransisco, California

Home to some of America's most recognizable landmarks, including The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and Alcatraz Island. Whether it is exploring the Castro district, eating your way through Chinatown, or a scenic ride on one of the city's historical cable cars, San Fransisco has something for you.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Whether you want to relax on local beaches or zip line down a mountain, Puerto Vallarta provides it all. Surround yourself with nature, indulge in wellness and self care, eat incredible cuisine and lay out by the beach.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto offers numerous reasons to visit, from historic temples and colorful shrines, to the mysterious culture of maiko and geisha. Visit world heritage sites and samurai castles as well as relax at a tranquil zen garden and enjoy Kyoto cuisine and matcha flavored goodies.

Capri, Italy

Off the southern coast in the Gulf of Naples, near Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast lies a 10 square kilometer island called Capri. With stunning landscapes, unique souvenirs and fun shopping experiences, beautiful Italian gardens, incredible Italian cuisine and desserts, and several boat tours to visit landmarks such as the Blue Grotto - Capri is a must visit.

Happy Travels!