Santa Ynez Valley June Real Estat Statistics

Turkey, Stuffing and
Tryptophan Oh My!

Here we are, the Holidays.  That time of year where they skip completely over Thanksgiving and move onto Christmas without so much as a gobble.  They started putting out their Christmas decor before Halloween was over!  Seriously People!  Between the candy manufacturers and retailers, they are trying to encroach on Thanksgivings designated time slot in the Holiday procession. It's a conspiracy! Well, I'm not letting them push it out just yet!  Since Christmas is for giving-and Thanksgiving is for giving thanks (who would have guessed). I'm going to take this opportunity between the sugar coma of Halloween and the gift giving frenzy of Christmas, to let you know how much I appreciate your words of appreciation, business and laughter throughout the year.  Without you, I wouldn't have so much fun or still be in business. I can't thank you enough.  I hope that the end of 2017 finds you happy, healthy and full of joy.  G

Real Estate News

Santa Barbara County VRBO, Vacation Rentals etc…

(It's long, I know, I'm sorry! Blame the county, they can't do anything simple)

There has been so much confusion lately about vacation rentals in Santa Barbara County, that I thought I would put a little bit about the Counties final decision on my blog.  It’s important to note that I am not an expert on this county ordinance, nor do I pretend to even understand the counties decision.  I have provided links for you to read all of the verbiage from the county directly.

Short-term Rental (STR) Ordinance

"The Board of Supervisors has directed the Long Range Planning Division of the Planning & Development Department to review and clarify provisions concerning the use of Short-term Rentals within the unincorporated areas of the County. The STR project has resulted in zoning ordinance changes regarding how and where STRs and Homestays may or may not be permitted." Please see below:

"Board of Supervisors
Final adoption of ordinances related to Short-Term Rentals and Homestays"

On Oct. 3rd, 2017, the Board of Supervisors adopted ordinances which included regulations to:

Short Term Rentals:
Allow STRs in; certain Commercial zones; in the STR-Coastal Zone Historic Overlay Zone;
Prohibit STRs in; Residential Zones; in AG-I and AG-II Zones; in Mixed Use, Resource Protection, Industrial, and Certain Special Purpose Zones;

HomeStays:
Allow 'Homestays' in AG-I and Residential Zones.
In addition, the Board added these requirements for Homestays:
Homestays cannot exceed three rooms, a person can only apply for one homestay license, homestays must have nuisance response plans.

Keep reading for definitions of both below!

The option of Farmstays in AG-II has been directed to be reviewed in the Agricultural Tiered Permit project, to be completed at a later date.

The grace period to operate STRs and transition to another allowed use is until September 30, 2018 for the Inland area of the County and no later than 90 days following the certification of the ordinance by the California Coastal Commission or within 333 days after the date the Board of Supervisors adopted this ordinance, which ever is later, for the Coastal Zone.

Just for clarification:

Homestay:
A residential structure, including portions thereof, rented for 30 consecutive days or less where the owner or long-term tenant of the property inhabits a legal dwelling on the same lot at the same time as the transient occupant.  Additionally, the following terms are defined for the purposes of Section 35.42.193 (Homestay)

    Long-term Tenant or Owner: A person who occupies the property, who is the owner of the property or who rents the property for 6 months or more.

Permits for Homestays will be available at the beginning of 2018. There are other requirements regarding the actual Homestay or STR so please read it thoroughly on the links.

Short-Term Rental:

A structure which is rented for overnight lodging, in whole or in part and with or without the presence onsite of the owner or representative of the owner for 30 consecutive days or less.

To check what your zoning is please visit: Here

The Minute Order with the Boards motion is available here.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

Land Use and Development Code (for definitions and more about requirements, click this one!)

Montecito Land Use and Development Code

Article II

Article II with the STR-Historic Overlay district

It’s good to know that they have moved a little bit forward.  Of course, what exactly this means is ambiguous at best.  But for now at least, we know that 'Homestays' are allowed in homes where there is at least an owner or long term tenant. Unfortunately, a ruling on 'farmstays' will just have to wait.
For more information please visit the links above-there is a plethora of information out there, I just didn't want to bore you with it here.