Lancaster Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Lancaster, California?

Lancaster, California, has recently allowed short-term rentals to operate in single-family homes within the city's more commercialized districts1. However, the city does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. This means that starting a short-term rental business in Lancaster is relatively easy, but hosts should still comply with state and federal laws and regulations2.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Lancaster

Starting a short-term rental business in Lancaster is relatively easy since the city does not have specific regulations for STRs. However, hosts should still comply with state and federal laws and regulations.

To get started, hosts should follow these steps:

• Check state and federal laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Determine if your property is suitable for short-term rentals.
• Create a listing on a short-term rental platform like Airbnb or VRBO.
• Set up a system for managing bookings, payments, and communication with guests.
• Ensure that your property is clean and well-maintained.
• Provide guests with clear instructions and information about your property and the surrounding area.

It is important to note that while Lancaster does not have specific regulations for STRs, hosts should still comply with state and federal laws and regulations. Additionally, hosts should keep in mind that the city contracts with a third-party tracking company to learn how many short-term rentals are operating, and as of November 2022, 182 short-term rentals were in operation, with about half of those operating with proper zoning approval.

Therefore, hosts should ensure that their property is in compliance with zoning regulations and obtain proper approval if necessary.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Lancaster

Lancaster, California, does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb and VRBO1. However, the city council voted in May 2022 to allow short-term rentals to operate in single-family homes within the city's more commercialized districts2. The city contracts with a third-party tracking company to learn how many short-term rentals are operating, and as of November 2022, 182 short-term rentals were in operation, with about half of those operating with proper zoning approval2.

Proposed Ordinance for Short-term Rentals in Lancaster

In November 2022, the board of supervisors considered and enacted proposed Ordinance 2022-02, which amended the code of the township of Lancaster, Chapter 280, Zoning, and added definitions and regulations pertaining to boarding houses and short-term rentals1. The proposed ordinance added Bed and Breakfast to Short-Term Rental Units use and added definitions, criteria, and performance regulations for Short-Term Rental Units1.

Short-term Rental Registration in Lancaster

The City of Lancaster recently adopted the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Ordinance No. 2018-11-45, which established registration, inspections, minimum property maintenance, and safety standards for Short-Term Rental facilities3. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Lancaster by the inspection of short-term rental properties in the city3.

Mandatory Conditions for Short-term Rentals in Lancaster

For short-term rentals in Lancaster, the following conditions must be met:

• The dwelling must be registered with the City of Lancaster as a Transient Dwelling rental unit, with an inspection of the property by a City Housing Inspector prior to registration approval4.
• A property manager must be identified, and the name and contact information shall be provided to the City's Housing Unit4.
• The maximum length of stay per registered party shall be 30 consecutive days4.
• The entire dwelling shall be rented in the name of one individual4.
• The number of guests in one party shall not exceed 2 adults per bedroom4.
• No exterior or interior sign intended to be seen by the public shall be permitted4.
• Guests must have use of a bathroom and kitchen for the duration of the rental4.
• Structures with only 2 bedrooms may only dedicate one bedroom as a homestay4.

How to Apply for a Short-term Rental License in Lancaster

If you are interested in operating a short-term rental (STR) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you must first ensure that your property meets the City's Zoning Ordinance definition of STR, which was adopted on May 10, 20221. Once you have confirmed that your property meets the definition, you can apply for a transient dwelling rental unit registration with the City of Lancaster1.

To apply for a transient dwelling rental unit registration, you must follow these steps:

• Find the application on the City's Rental Property Licenses site and click on Application for Rental Property Registration1.
• Complete the application and provide all required information, including the name and contact information of a property manager1.
• Schedule an inspection of the property by a City Housing Inspector prior to registration approval1.
• Pay the registration fee1.

Mandatory conditions for all STRs include that the maximum length of stay per registered party shall be 30 consecutive days, the number of guests in one party shall not exceed 2 adults per bedroom, and no exterior or interior sign intended to be seen by the public shall be permitted1.

If you own or manage one or more short-term rental properties in Lancaster, you must also follow the required physical safety inspections to be conducted by municipal staff or the local fire/police variety of potential safety hazards3.

Required Documents for Lancaster Short Term Rentals

In Lancaster, California, the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb and VRBO have recently been established through the adoption of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Ordinance No. 2018-11-45. This ordinance sets forth registration, inspections, minimum property maintenance, and safety standards for STR facilities, aiming to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents.

As a result, individuals who own or manage one or more short-term rental properties are required to adhere to these regulations.To comply with the STR regulations in Lancaster, the following documents and actions are necessary:

• STR Registration Form: Prospective or current owners or managers of short-term rental properties must complete the required STR Registration Form, as outlined in Article 6.12 – Single-Family, Duplex, and Short-Term Rental Property Regulations. This form is a fundamental step in the registration process and ensures that the property meets the city's established standards.
• Inspections and Property Maintenance: Upon registration, the property will be subject to inspections to verify compliance with the prescribed maintenance and safety standards. It is essential to prepare the property accordingly to meet these requirements.
• Contact Information: Property owners or managers must provide updated contact information and identify a property manager, as per the city's regulations.
• Certificate of Zoning Compliance and City-Issued Rental: To operate an STR in Lancaster, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and a City-issued rental are required. These documents demonstrate that the property complies with the city's zoning ordinance and is approved for short-term rental use.

It's important to note that the city's regulations also specify mandatory conditions for all STRs, such as the maximum length of stay per registered party, the number of guests per party, and the use of a bathroom and kitchen by guests.

Therefore, individuals interested in operating an STR in Lancaster must ensure full compliance with these conditions and the established ordinance.For further details and to access the necessary forms and resources, individuals can visit the official City of Lancaster website and refer to the Rental Property Licenses section for the applicable application and registration processes.

By adhering to these requirements and maintaining compliance with the city's regulations, property owners and managers can establish and operate short-term rentals in Lancaster in accordance with the prescribed standards and guidelines.

Lancaster Short Term Rental Taxes

In Lancaster, California, the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb and VRBO is currently in the process of being formalized. The city council has initiated work on a short-term rental ordinance, which includes a short-term rental registry ordinance and a transient occupancy tax ordinance1. The proposed ordinance is based on regulations from various other municipalities and divides short-term rentals into two groups: hosted and unhosted1.

The county administrator, Don Gill, has highlighted the increasing number of resident complaints related to short-term rentals, leading to the consideration of revisions to the existing ordinance3. The initial registry in 2018 contained 10 short-term rentals, but the number has since increased to 52 within the county jurisdiction3.As of now, the specific details of the transient occupancy tax and the registration requirements for short-term rentals in Lancaster, California, are being developed. However, in Lancaster County, Virginia, which has similar regulations, short-term rental properties are required to register annually and pay an annual $50 fee.

Additionally, they are obligated to pay a 2% Occupancy Tax monthly for lodging revenues received45.Given the ongoing development of the short-term rental regulations in Lancaster, California, it is essential for individuals interested in engaging in this type of business to stay updated on the latest requirements and to ensure compliance with the forthcoming ordinances.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

In California, the statewide regulations define a short-term rental (STR) as a living space leased for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days2. However, the specific criteria and regulations for STRs can vary across different local jurisdictions in California. For instance, in San Diego, short-term rentals are defined as dwelling units if they are rented out for less than one month at a time and are located within the city3.

In Los Angeles, short-term rentals are limited to 120 days per year, with the provision for longer reservations up to 90 days under certain conditions4. Additionally, Los Angeles requires that the short-term rental property be the host's primary residence5.These examples illustrate the diverse and evolving nature of short-term rental regulations in California.

It's important for individuals and businesses operating or considering STRs in the state to stay informed about the specific rules and requirements in their local area, as they can significantly impact the operation and compliance of short-term rental properties.

Does Lancaster Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

In Lancaster, California, the city council recently adopted the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, which includes registration, inspections, and minimum property maintenance and safety standards for short-term rental facilities1. This ordinance aims to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents by ensuring the proper inspection of short-term rental properties.The ordinance requires the following for short-term rental properties in Lancaster:

• Registration of the dwelling as a transient dwelling rental unit, with inspection by a City Housing Inspector prior to registration approval.
• Identification of a property manager, with their name and contact information provided to the City’s Housing Unit.
• A maximum length of stay per registered party of 30 consecutive days.
• Renting the entire dwelling in the name of one individual.
• Limiting the number of guests in one party to 2 adults per bedroom.
• Prohibition of exterior or interior signs intended to be seen by the public.
• Guests must have use of a bathroom and kitchen for the duration of the rental3.

The City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, also has specific regulations for short-term rentals, requiring the registration of short-term rental properties and the payment of taxes permitted by law5.In summary, the City of Lancaster, California, strictly enforces STR rules through its adopted Short-Term Rental Ordinance, which outlines registration, inspection, and maintenance standards for short-term rental properties. Similarly, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has specific regulations and a registration requirement for short-term rentals.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Lancaster?

To start a short-term rental business in Lancaster, California, it is essential to stay informed about the evolving regulations. While the city is in the process of formulating specific regulations for short-term rentals, potential hosts should regularly check the official city websites and consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.In contrast, the City of Lancaster, PA, has a Rental Property Licensing ordinance that includes provisions for short-term rental licenses, inspections, and property maintenance standards.

Similarly, the City of Lancaster, TX, has adopted a Short-Term Rental Ordinance that establishes registration, inspections, and minimum property maintenance and safety standards for short-term rental facilities. Additionally, the City of Lancaster, PA, has mandatory conditions for all STRs, such as property registration, identification of a property manager, and a maximum length of stay per registered party.Given the ongoing developments in Lancaster, California, individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business in the city should stay informed about the evolving regulations.

It is advisable to regularly check the official city websites and consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.In summary, while Lancaster, California, is in the process of formulating specific regulations for short-term rentals, it is essential for potential hosts to remain updated on the latest developments and to proactively seek guidance from the relevant local authorities.

Who to Contact About Short Term Rental Regulations?

Contact the Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Department at (661) 723-6121 or the Business Support Center at (661) 495-5100 for information on regulations1.

What do Airbnb hosts in Lancaster on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

On Reddit and BiggerPockets, the sentiment among Airbnb hosts in Lancaster, California, regarding local regulations is mixed. Some hosts find the rules to be strict but workable if followed properly. The city council's decision in May 2022 to allow short-term rentals in single-family homes within the city's more commercialized districts was a significant development.

However, the absence of specific regulations for short-term rentals in Lancaster has led to varying perspectives among hosts. While some view the rules as manageable, others may have concerns about the evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on their short-term rental businesses.The ongoing discussions and changes in the regulatory environment have prompted a range of opinions among hosts. As the city continues to adapt its regulations, it is essential for Airbnb hosts in Lancaster to stay informed about the latest developments and to proactively engage with the local authorities to ensure compliance with the evolving requirements.

This dynamic situation underscores the importance of closely monitoring the regulatory framework and seeking clarity on any aspects that may affect the operation of short-term rentals in Lancaster.