City to Strengthen Motel Law

City Council members are expected to approve an amendment to a city code that pertains to hotel/motel residency.

This will be the second reading of the ordinance. The first was approved Dec. 14.

According to city officials, the maximum 30-day ordinance that was imposed in August 1996 at area hotels and motels has eliminated much of the crime and safety problems in the city, especially around the entertainment corridor, but some problems remain.

The amendment would require hotel managers to keep track of occupancy records and would close loopholes in the ordinance.

Some hotels have allowed people to check out after 30 days but keep their belongings in their former room. A day later, the occupants return and stay for another 30 days. Another practice is to use the name of a different person in the party to register after a monthlong stay and, depending on the number in the party, they can stay for several months at a time. Some hotels and motels are also not keeping occupancy records.

The motels are “supposed to be for temporary occupancy for the tourist industry,” said Jay Saltzberger, planning manager for the city. He said that is part of the reason why the ordinance was first instituted. “But really the crux of it comes from the public safety department.”

Saltzberger said the amendment was advocated by the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force, a group made up of officials from around the city.

Ana Cholo-Tipton can be reached at (714) 966-5890.