A new measure would get tough on California home owners who flout short term rental bans. Orinda state senator Steve Glazer plans to introduce the legislation which would allow cities to fine homeowners $5,000 for violating local rental laws.
Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) plans to unveil new legislation Monday afternoon that would allow cities to fine short-term rental hosts who violate local property rental laws to fine those hosts up to $5,000.
The bill is intended to deter "party houses" that attract massive gatherings to short-term rentals in otherwise quiet residential neighborhoods.
In a news release Sunday, Glazer said the bill was prompted by the killing of five people at an Orinda home at a Halloween party that was illegal under Orinda's short-term-rental ordinance.
In November, the Orinda City Council passed an emergency ordinance banning "non-hosted" rentals altogether, and placing new limits on "hosted" venues, including requiring stays of two nights or longer, designed specifically to fend off one-night party rental scenarios.
At a news conference planned for 1 p.m. Monday at the Orinda Library plaza, 26 Orinda Way, Glazer is scheduled to be joined by Orinda Mayor Darlene Gee and other supporters of the bill.
