Zoning administrator approves commercial vacation rental at 26192 Mesa Drive despite neighbor objections

The zoning administrator approved PLN260067, a coastal development permit to operate a commercial vacation rental at 26192 Mesa Drive in Carmel.

Project planner Zach Sorensen told the hearing the house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and five on-site parking spaces, and that staff recommended conditions including that an unpermitted living-room conversion not be used as a bedroom until proper permits are received. "This concludes staff's presentation and staff is available for questions," Sorensen said. The staff memo noted the property would be the 38th approved CVR in the Carmel Area Land Use Plan if granted.

Applicant and on-site property manager Andrew King said he had reviewed and accepted the staff report and draft resolution conditions. "I've reviewed the staff report, the draft resolution and all 6 conditions and I accept them as written," King said, adding he would post contact information and respond promptly to neighbor complaints.

Neighbors offered detailed opposition testimony. Daniel Gherton, who lives next door, said short-term leasing turned the property from quiet long-term occupancy into repeated parties and late-night noise. "I'm strongly opposing the approval to make this commercial," Gherton said, citing recent parties, loud music and concerns about cigarette smoke and wildfire risk. Other neighbors cited repeated disturbances, questions about enforcement jurisdiction, and a perceived clustering of CVRs in the small neighborhood.

The zoning administrator closed public testimony, noted these concerns are the same issues the Board of Supervisors considered when adopting CVR regulations, encouraged neighbors to engage in upcoming planning commission hearings on concentration and enforcement, and approved the permit subject to the staff findings and conditions. Staff reminded residents that property manager contact details are included in the resolution and that an appeal is available.