Airbnb-type lodging isn’t permitted under Atwater city code. That may soon change
Despite multiple listings on websites like Airbnb, Atwater residents may be surprised to learn that short-term lodging services are not in fact permitted under the city’s code.
But soon, that may change.
Some Atwater officials described the current code as “antiquated” at a City Council meeting this week after a community member spurred discussion during public comment.
“It’s actually a way of welcoming people to our community,” Atwater resident Rosa Johnson told City Council . “I show them around the city, I explain to them things about our city, they enjoy shopping here, (and) they enjoy going to our restaurants to eat just as well.”
Johnson, who ran an Airbnb service out of her property the past four years, said she was unaware that she was violating the city’s code. It wasn’t until she received a notice from Merced County about improperly serving food that she contacted Atwater Interim Community Director Greg Thompson and became aware that she was in noncompliance.
Thompson said he asked Johnson to speak at the City Council meeting. He said amending the code was worth consideration, noting that Atwater is underserved by hotels and motels.
“The provision in your municipal code that prevents her from doing this is most likely antiquated,” Thompson said at the meeting. “It’s about 20-years-old, and Airbnb wasn’t even a twinkle in anybody’s eye back at that time.”
Johnson has since halted hosting Airbnb lodging, but asked City Council to consider amending the code so she can legally continue her business.
“It’s something that I think we need,” Councilmember Brian Raymond said after Johnson spoke. “I would like to see the city work as quickly as possible,” he added.
City Manager Lori Waterman said staff discussed potentially changing the code even before Johnson addressed the council.
“We have a shortage of hotels and things, so this would be good for our city,” Waterman said.
Changing the code requires first going through the city’s Planning Commission.
Waterman said Atwater locals seeking to host Airbnb or similar lodging services from their properties would likely have to secure a business license from the city. Airbnb’s website lists this as a common requirement for hosts.
