A federal appeals court Monday reaffirmed the city of Santa Monica's home-sharing ordinance in the face of a challenge brought by Airbnb and HomeAway.com.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling confirms the city's right to regulate home sharing in order to protect its limited housing stock for residents, according to city officials.
An appellate panel rejected the challenge in March and subsequently declined a petition requesting that either the three-judge panel or a full panel rehear the case.
"We are thrilled to have confirmation from the 9th Circuit that our balanced approach to home sharing is permitted at a time when housing and affordability continue to challenge the region," said Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis. "This is a big win for Santa Monica residents and our residential neighborhoods."
The unanimous decision affirms the district court's dismissal of Airbnb and HomeAway's claims that the city's Home-Sharing Ordinance violated the Communications Decency Act and the First Amendment, City Attorney Lane Dilg said.
"The court's decision will help state and local governments across the country as they work to preserve affordability and protect housing for those who live and work in their regions," Dilg said.
