Madera County Supervisors working to clean up ordinance to clarify rules for homeowners renting out homes

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Finding a temporary home away from home in Madera County continues to be an ongoing issue, but supervisors are working on fixing an ordinance to make the rules clear for anyone wanting to rent out their home on places like Airbnb.

Madera County Supervisor Robert Poythress said it is an effort to leveling the playing field and make things more equitable.

County supervisors listened to the proposed amendment to the current zoning policy Tuesday and new wording would lay out the rules on short-term rentals in residential zone districts. The policy would require homeowners to get a business license and collect transportation occupancy tax to submit to the county.

Several realtors from the foothills, as well as individual homeowners, spoke out in support of the text changes. Some said renting out their homes is how they stay afloat.

Airbnb user Terri Worthington Pack said she has at least 10 properties on Airbnb which help pay her mortgage.

"Our home is our biggest asset-- and if we can't earn a living from our biggest asset where does that leave us," Worthington Pack said. "My problem is that there are no rules or guidelines."

Some county residents are not for it and neighbors from the Cascadel Heights area have complained about temporary home renters in the past. Their biggest concern is new visitors sparking up fires.

"All the rules go out the window, but we live there-- we have to worry about that cigarette butt getting thrown out, or the cars parked," said Cascadel Woods resident Carol Eggink.

County officials said about 140 citations have been sent out in the last three weeks to people renting out their homes without being in compliance of county policy.

Supervisors said it is still a work in progress and a matter of keeping up with technology.

"We're definitely going to be looking into the TOT tax for the online rental services like Airbnb," Poythress said.

The Board of Supervisors will revisit the ordinance next week and have a public vote of the new revision.