Owners of short-term rentals and neighbors of their guests weighed in this week as the Whittier City Council further scrutinized a proposed ordinance on house-sharing.

While neither side called for a ban on short-term rentals in Whittier, residents on both sides of the issue testified on how an ordinance would affect them.

At its Tuesday meeting, city staffers were ready to present an update to a draft ordinance discussed in four previous meetings. But after nine residents spoke in support of or opposition to elements of the ordinance, Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Warner suggested moving the matter over to a later date, in order to consider more points brought forward by residents.

Councilmember Mary Ann Pacheco successfully proposed holding a study session on the matter.

“I hate to keep pushing it back because people are living in limbo on an item that will very much affect their personal lives,” Pacheco said. “But I’m not sure I would feel comfortable making the most judicious decision tonight without hearing a lot more comment.”

The city first discussed short-term rental regulations in March of 2023. The last of four meetings was held in July, with the council listing 12 items to be included in a draft ordinance.

Proposed restrictions and rules include requiring operators to obtain a business license, a permit and pay a 10% occupancy tax; renew their permits every six months; prohibit events such as parties; define occupancy parameters and set a minimum of seven days per stay.

At the July 23 meeting, staff were directed to return with a draft ordinance containing the agreed-upon 12 points. Ben Pongetti, the city’s community development director, was set to present on best practices on short-term rentals, also referred to as STRs.

But residents weighed in.

“The income from my STR is critical,” said resident Craig Cole, who added that at almost 80 and facing health challenges, the income from his rental allows him “to stay in a home I love and maintain my financial independence.”

First-time homeowner Natalie Guevara said short-term rentals have been a saving grace for her family.

“My family depends on the supplemental income from our short-term rental to stay rooted in this city. Without it, staying in our home would be a challenge,” she said.

Other owners reminded the council of the economic boost the rentals bring to Whittier.

Nathan Tharp decried the minimum-stay requirement in the draft ordinance, saying the seven-day limit would sink his short-term rental since most of his guests stay from only two to four days.

“There is a balance to be found in the middle,” Tharp said. “I am completely dependent on my STR in order to stay in Whittier. I use my STR for things like visiting my mom for Thanksgiving and I rent my house out for four days. (Let’s) find a way to protect owners and neighbors.”

Resident Marilyn Avila voiced opposition to allowing STRs in residential zones, saying “our residential neighborhoods should not be turned into business districts for motel-type houses.”

Several hillside homeowners said they are concerned guests would not know how to mitigate wildfire dangers in homes in that area.

The shelved staff report included a “Good Neighbor” handout that would be distributed to short-term rental guests who book through platforms such as Airbnb.

The public response reflects a “deep divide between residents who view STRs as beneficial to the local economy and those who see them as detrimental to community safety and quality of life,” city manager Brian Saeki wrote in the staff report. “The majority of opposing comments specifically cite hillside areas as being the most problematic regarding STRs. Both sides agree on the importance of clear regulations and consistent enforcement.”

Mayor Joe Vinatieri confirmed people can continue to send in questions and comments about this issue to the city.