ORINDA — Some regulation of short-term rentals is still on the city’s radar, but an outright ban is off the table for now.

Lawmakers agreed April 12 to continue studying ramping up Orinda’s oversight of Airbnb-type short-term rentals, of which the city has just 34, according to an online database. The city doesn’t currently have any regulations that specifically address short-term rentals, such as the property linked to a Feb. 13 assault.

Mayor Victoria Smith requested the discussion following that brutal beating outside a house party at a rental property on Camino Encinas. The incident left a 21-year-old Chabot College student hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after he was assaulted in a nearby parking area by 21-year-old suspect Falealea Tytus Maka.

In addition to shaking up the typically low-key community, the crime also had a financial impact on the city. Orinda — which contracts police services from the county — was billed $9,000 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office for additional personnel, including investigation and homicide units that worked the case.

Lawmakers discussed the financial impact of the incident, but two council members steered clear of supporting comprehensive regulation or an outright ban of short-term rentals.

Calling such rentals a new platform with a relatively small number in Orinda, Councilman Dean Orr said he saw no need to legislate the units but would be open to revisiting the topic if issues arise.

Councilwoman Darlene Gee also spoke against a ban, but said she’d like to see a “basic and modest” regulatory framework that would help protect the city financially.

Their comments fell in line with some rental property owners who argued against oversight they said was inspired by an isolated event.

Residents also questioned the impact regulation could have on rental income they receive from their property.

“It isn’t fair,” said one longtime host who said he’s been renting for a decade to people from all over the world.

Others urged the council to consider stringent rules, including requiring permits for operation, and banning rentals of less than 30 days.

“I think the city has to look at its liability and we have to recognize that when you rent something out, it’s a commercial operation and all the laws and regulations that apply to a commercial operation need to apply,” said a resident.

The town of Danville in February approved banning short-term rentals of less than 30 days in residential areas. Neighboring Lafayette requires owners to obtain permits, but only after code violations. Moraga has no regulations, and town staffers say they have received no complaints.

The Planning Commission will discuss the issue at a future date before it returns to the council.

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