Petaluma delays discussion on regulating vacation rentals

A discussion that was scheduled for Tuesday night on how to regulate private vacation rentals in Petaluma has been postponed until next month.

In an announcement sent out Tuesday morning, the city said it is delaying the discussion until Oct. 14 “to allow for additional noticing and outreach.”

The Planning Commission was scheduled Tuesday night to consider changes to the zoning code to allow short-term vacation rentals in residential and mixed use zoning districts. But city Economic Development Manager Ingrid Alverde said she wanted to make sure all those interested in the discussion had received word of the meeting.

“It’s an issue that affects the broader community,” she said. “So we want to make sure we broadly notice it so folks know what the Planning Commission is going to be discussing.”

Nearly 100 people showed up in May to a city forum on the divisive issue.

Several unofficial bed-and-breakfasts, or private overnight rentals of rooms or entire houses, operate in Petaluma.

While most apparently don’t create problems for their neighbors, some residents have complained that vacationers are disrespectful and noisy.

The businesses also typically aren’t licensed, nor do they charge the city bed taxes hotels, motels, inns and campers are required to collect.

The city has been trying to craft an ordinance that allows the rentals but regulates them in ways that are acceptable to neighbors.

The new hearing date will be Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 11 English St.

You can reach Lori A. Carter at 762-7297 or lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @loriacarter.