SaMo considers further restrictions on Airbnb

The city of Santa Monica has never been Airbnb-friendly, but it may roll out yet more restrictions on the short-term online rental platform come Tuesday.

The city council is considering limiting the use of accessory dwelling units, or granny flats, to long-term renters, making them off-limits to Airbnb users. 

The current laws allow homeowners to rent out their granny flats so long as they’re living in the main residence, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported. Of the city’s 195 homeowners with licenses to share their homes, 37 have licenses for “guest houses,” or accessory dwelling units.

The move comes amid a push by the council to encourage the construction of more granny flats following a state mandate intended to increase housing supply.

Some Santa Monica property owners are already unhappy with existing restrictions. An apartment owner recently sued the city alleging that its strict home-sharing policies violate the California Coastal Act by restricting access to the coast. The suit was dismissed by a federal judge in May but will be likely refiled in a state court this year, according to the Daily Press. [SMFP] — Cathaleen Chen