SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Airbnb hosts in Mission Beach say the area could become a ghost town if the city's strict regulations on vacation rentals take effect.
The council voted Monday to only allow vacation rentals in primary residences, and on the same parcel. That could serve as an essential ban in Mission Beach. The neighborhood has more than 1,500 rentals, some large and modified to accommodate tourists.
"Many of these homes have seen heavy investments, they're maintained meticulously," said host Blaine Smith, founder of 710 Beach Rentals.
Andrew Kaperonis, who lives in Mission Beach, had to take a neighbor to court over loud parties and constant events, including weddings.
"It got really bad," he said. "It got so bad that we would just come down here and we would leave."
Smith said hosts are mobilizing to fight the decision.
The Coastal Commission still has to approve the plan. A spokeswoman for the agency said it's too early to comment, but that the agency aims to balance affordable access to the beach with community concerns.
