In February of 2008, the Town of Yountville sent out seven letters to owners of propertiess in town to stop using their homes as short-term, vacation rentals. Since then I have noticed most of these have changed their internet advertising to a 30 day minimum rental. This is the minimum rental period the Town of Yountville permits in the ordinances. I guess one person hasn’t according to the Yountville Sun’s front page story on March 5, 2009 (sorry, no web site for the paper yet though I am trying).
The Town alleges an owner of a property on Ivy Court was offering their home for rent on VRBO.com (Vacations Rentals by Owner) for $500 per week. The Town filed papers in Napa District Civil Court to stop such practices. Additional letters were sent to website operators, Realtors and home owner’s associations informing them short term rentals are illegal.
If you are looking to purchase property here in the Napa Valley, and thought about using it as a vacation rental, you should reconsider. The town of St. Helena has taken action against similar practices and the County of Napa is looking into this issue as well. Another reason to consider local Realtor, one who is informed and will advise you properly.
Curtis:
Sounds like the same ordinance the City of Carmel passed a few years ago. Good to know !
Arn