Santa Monica’s Home-Sharing Ordinance withstands first Appellate challenge
Santa Monica City announced that July 2, 2018, saw a California Appellate Court affirm a trial court decision finding 35 counts of illegal vacation rental related violations against a local vacation rental business operator, Globe Homes LLC (“Globe”).
The case was investigated by the City’s Vacation Rental Enforcement Task Force, a unit of the Code Enforcement Division.
“The City of Santa Monica has consistently dedicated policies and resources toward producing, protecting and preserving housing in our community,” said Chief Deputy City Attorney Yibin Shen. “We are pleased that these important legislative principles withstood their first appellate review.”
According to the City, Globe was charged with multiple counts of operating illegal vacation rentals within the City of Santa Monica in 2016.
After a Hearing Officer largely affirmed the charges against Globe, the case went to trial in December of 2016 in Los Angeles Superior Court. On March 6, 2017, the trial court issued its judgment affirming 35 out of the 36 charged violations. On July 2, 2018, a California Appellate Court completely rejected Globe’s appeal, resulting in a complete affirmance of the trial court decision, the City said.
“This is a great result and a testament to the exceptional team work between the Code Enforcement Division and the City Attorney’s Office,” said Code Enforcement Manager Sharon Guidry.
For more information on the City’s Home-Sharing Ordinance or to apply for a Home-Sharing License, visit www.smgov.net/homeshare.
