Articles

Couple finds city decision taxing: Business license, TOT payments matter little in rental outcome

Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter

Lynn Gardner, a long-time resident and short-term rental operator, shared her feelings with the Ojai City Council Tuesday. It was not a fruitful night for her.

Shortly after Gardner’s talk, the council voted three to two to adopt a resolution confirming a ban on short-term vacation rentals throughout the city.

“Bed tax alone, last year, 2015, I paid over $5,000 to the city,” Gardner said. “So if it’s illegal and you’re going to ban it, are you going to return my money?”