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R-CCCI Vcd C �- rC. <br />Wesley Menke wesmenkeCa7amail.com 949-633-9954 <br />Sheri Menke sherimenke(c),amail.com 626-201-8407 <br />1032 West Park Lane; Santa Ana, CA 92672 <br />22 August 2022 <br />The current situation in Santa Ana regarding Short Term Rentals is not working well. <br />The city code does not address short term rentals. It is not listed as permitted nor is it listed as <br />prohibited. A permissive code, it is argued, means that the city is at liberty to cite short term <br />rentals. While this legal argument is understood by the parties present, in reality, it is a drain on <br />city resources, and confusing residents. <br />Today over one thousand short term rental properties are available in the City of Santa Ana <br />through the AirBnB platform alone. This means that in practice the average resident has no idea <br />that it isn't permitted. We have had the opportunity to have a conversation with two different <br />Code Enforcement officers. They were professional and courteous people, and their work is <br />appreciated. They said that their office is overwhelmed and does not have the personnel to keep <br />up. If something doesn't change the problem will continue to grow. <br />So what is the solution? Regulation and Taxation. <br />Levy an occupancy tax on short term rentals that would generate revenue for the city. Regulate <br />them by privileging owner occupied, primary residences, and sole properties. Create a program <br />that is featured on the city website with literature that would deter speculators; but support <br />residents looking to practice hospitality and operate an ethical small business. Modify the code <br />for conditional use for R1 zones. <br />Short term rentals, in the proper quantity proportionate to the size of our city, are a part of the <br />housing solution. Consider the empty bedrooms and under-utilized single family dwelling units. <br />Consider homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments. We could resist gentrification by <br />offering ethical hospitality! People who find themselves in need of short term housing for <br />medical, education, family events, or traveling could be welcomed to this vibrant and beautiful <br />city. <br />Please meet with us, and put this on the agenda. Thank you. <br />