Transient, lodging ordinance in Baguio proposed
The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading the proposed transient loading ordinance of the city.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. states that it will be a declared policy of the city government to ensure safe, healthy and non-discriminatory housing arrangements for transient visitors through regular licensing and inspection programs.
Among the objectives of the proposed measure include enhancing accountability of property owners and transient visitors, minimizing the risk of communal disturbances and conflict and violations of various ordinances of the city which are capable of repetition but evading review and otherwise protect and promote the public health; imposing corresponding owner-licensing arrangements for transient accommodation already in place for other residential-regulated rental units and meet consumer expectations for the quality and safety of such establishments.
Under the proposed ordinance, unless qualified as a hotel or bed and breakfast, home use conducted in accordance with the zoning ordinance, transient lodging is prohibited throughout the city except in specific bedroom accommodation, entire residential unit accommodation.
Before providing any transient lodging, property owners must obtain and keep current a transient lodging license for its property to be designated as a transient facility. Such a license shall only be issued if the requirements are met.
Upon allocation in such form as may be required by the business and permits and licensing office for a transient loading license or renewal thereof, each applicant shall pay to the local government an annual license and that the same cannot be transferred or sold and will expire upon the conveyance of the property.
Further, each license will note how many lodgers are permitted for transient rental and require the applicant to submit proof of and remain in constant compliance an accurate drawn floor plan of the residence showing the number of bedrooms and location of fire extinguishers; in case of transient loading where the owner rents specific bedroom accommodation, the floor plan must clearly designate bedrooms to be used and prior to occupancy, the owner, operator or manager shall obtain the full name, address and vehicular license plate information from the transient visitors or guests, record the number of guests and date of rental, require the tenants to formally acknowledge responsibility for the compliance by all tenants with the applicable laws and maintain a copy of the records for one year and make available the same to the city upon request.
The City Permits and Licensing officer, in coordination with other responsible offices, shall lead in the strict implementation of the ordinance, formulate the implementing rules and regulations necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the proposed measure. Moreover, the said officer shall also act as the inspecting authority for the city government; issue licenses and maintain records related to the ordinance; provide information on the said ordinance and administer the implementation of the measure. – Dexter A. See
