In response to resident complaints, the Palm Springs City Council has enacted a new ordinance regulating Turo car rentals. The council approved this measure unanimously during their meeting on February 26, addressing issues of street parking congestion attributed to vehicles rented through the Turo app.
Palm Springs’ New Car Rental Regulation
The ordinance permits fines for cars left in public areas for over 72 hours. City officials noted that vehicles parked for extended periods could be perceived as rentals or for sale.
Details of the Ordinance
- Fines begin at $100 for first-time offenders.
- Subsequent violations can incur fines up to $500.
- Vehicles need not show markings to be subject to fines.
Residents had raised concerns that Turo’s peer-to-peer car rental system was leading to parking challenges, particularly around neighborhoods near Palm Springs International Airport. Turo operates similarly to platforms like Uber or Lyft, allowing car owners to rent their vehicles directly to renters.
Turo’s Presence in Palm Springs
Despite the new regulations, renting through Turo is not banned. The service remains permissible at designated locations like the airport’s pay parking lots, where transactions between owners and renters can continue. Turo promotes itself as a way to bypass traditional rental counters, boasting a wide selection of vehicles available for rent in the area.
Upcoming Changes
The city council is exploring a potential permitting system for Turo rentals, which could further regulate operations similar to vacation rentals. While this idea received positive feedback, specifics on implementation and timelines remain uncertain.
In summary, the Palm Springs City Council is taking action to manage Turo car rentals responsibly while still allowing the service to operate within certain limits. This balance aims to alleviate residents’ parking concerns while providing flexibility for vehicle owners using the platform.
