Monterey County is inviting the public to a virtual educational session on the new vacation rental ordinances.

Hosted by the Housing and Community Development Department, residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the details of the regulations including how to apply and operate a vacation rental.

The County Board of Supervisors passed strict regulations on short-term vacation rentals back in August by a 3-2 margin.

The Board clarified what is considered a rental and set limits for maximum occupancy, including instituting a licensing fee of $965.

The amendments will add stringent regulations for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas of Monterey County, and neighborhoods in Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands will join Big Sur in virtually banning the short-term rentals from residential areas.

Supervisors Mary Adams, Glen Church and Wendy Root Askew were in the majority, while Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez voted no. Lopez called the plan “unrealistic” and suggested that only millionaires and large corporations would benefit from the amendments.

For years, residents have complained that short-term rentals are taking over available housing for the community and bringing in large groups of people who take up parking space and can often be noisy or disruptive in the evenings.

The Board’s recent vote is supposed to be the first step in helping limit the disruptions.

The meeting will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 via Zoom at montereycty.zoom.us/j/94566270205 or by dialing in at +1 669 900 6833.