Short-Term Rental Ordinance Approved

After years of community discussion, planning, and public input, the California Coastal Commission has officially approved the Monterey County Short-Term Rental Ordinance for the Big Sur Coast—exactly as written.

This is a major milestone. While the ordinance isn’t perfect, it establishes a solid foundation to protect housing for local residents, maintain the rural character of Big Sur, and ensure that tourism remains consistent with the Big Sur Land Use Plan. Importantly, it sets enforceable limits on vacation rentals and provides a framework that can be improved over time as we see how it works in practice.

A heartfelt thank-you to Monterey County staff, the Coastal Commission, and all community members who have worked tirelessly over the years to reach this point.