Zoning administrator denies after-the-fact commercial vacation rental at 3339 Taylor Road amid years of neighbor complaints

Monterey County's zoning administrator denied PLN260133, an after-the-fact coastal development permit for a commercial vacation rental at 3339 Taylor Road, after an extended public hearing featuring detailed neighbor testimony and staff recounting an April administrative citation.

McKenna Bowling, project planner, told the hearing the owner had been issued a citation in April and later applied for permits to abate violations; staff recommended approval to bring the property into compliance but noted the citation and repeated public complaints. The remote applicant described personal health circumstances and said the property has predominantly family guests, that he had removed a fire pit, paid taxes and attempted remediation. "We have earned more than 95 percent 5 star reviews and maintained super host status because we keep the home and surroundings as 100% safe and in perfect condition," the applicant said.

Multiple neighbors presented detailed examples alleging a multi-year pattern of problems — noise, parties, trespassing, unattended dogs entering yards, smoking near dry grass, inadequate responsiveness from management and continued operation after the citation. Chelsea Batson said the concerns were persistent and asked the county to weigh the cumulative record: "For 3 years we have reported problems, worked with County's compliance process, documented incidents, and asked the property owner to take responsibility," she said, and asked, "How many years are homeowners expected to report the same behavior and live with the consequences of poor management before meaningful action is taken?"

Staff reported notices were posted and that the citation had directed discontinuance until permits were obtained; staff also said the owner continued to operate while pursuing approvals. After hearing the record and receiving multiple letters and live testimony, the zoning administrator added evidence to finding 3 (that the project would adversely affect neighborhood health, safety, peace and welfare) and denied the permit. The applicant was informed of appeal rights.