We often get questions from people who are interested in buying a Central Coast beach property that generates income as a vacation rental. Pismo Beach and Shell Beach are popular destinators for tourists and one of the key areas of interest for a possible vacation home. However many people, including locals, are not aware of the fact that the City of Pismo Beach (which includes Shell Beach) has a Zoning Ordinance that makes it illegal to rent a home as a short-term vacation rental in Pismo Beach and Shell Beach neighborhoods that are zoned “residential”. The ordinance defines a short-term rental as one that is less than 30 days. Until recently, the City of Pismo Beach really didn’t enforce any penalties for violators and left it up to neighbors to complain before any action was taken. Now Pismo Beach has hired an enforcement officer who will be researching, investigating and enforcing the ordinance. Currently the City plans to shut off the water supply for those who violate the ordinance after two complaints/warnings.