Piedmont Market Update - February 2024

Did You Know?

Over the past year, our monthly newsletter has focused on data, statistics, and market trends relative to Piedmont real estate, designed to give homeowners and potential buyers a deeper look at the marketplace. This month, we thought it would be interesting to share high-level information regarding two topics that may affect you as a current or future Piedmont property owner. People may not know that the city has, among other things, information and guidelines around rental properties and requirements for running a business out of your home available on their website. If you have recently purchased a home in Piedmont, it would be helpful to connect with the city to learn more about how it runs and what you can do to make your time here more pleasurable. If you want to know more, the City Code is available at Piedmont.city.gov, and the City Clerk’s Office is a helpful resource. 

Rentals and Investment Properties

Whether you’re buying a property in Piedmont as an investment or considering a short-term rental for your own use, there are some important facts to consider.

Long-Term Rental Requirements:

Long-term rentals (30 days or more) are often a good option for people looking to provide housing or live in Piedmont themselves for the community, services, or schools. Below are a few things to remember as you consider a rental property:

• If you’re looking to rent a property that you own, the city requires homeowners to file an Intent to Rent form and pay annual rental tax.
• An annual business license is required each year on property that is rented or leased.
• The city of Piedmont does not have a rent control ordinance. However, Piedmont is in Alameda County, which may have rent and eviction controls that housing providers should consider. As always, if you are considering renting a property, we suggest you research the local laws and speak with an attorney if needed.
• Did you know the Piedmont Unified School District and the City of Piedmont are separate entities? Before signing a lease, contact the school district to learn more about the enrollment process and get tips for a successful transition into the school system.

Short-Term Rental Requirements (such as VRBO or Airbnb):

A short-term rental is defined as less than 30 consecutive days with at least two consecutive nights and not more than 60 days in a calendar year.

Other factors to consider:

• The rented space must be a part of the primary residence and cannot be in an ADU (whether permitted or unintended). The space cannot be located in a multi-family property.
• The short-term rental may be hosted or unhosted.
• A permit is required. When applying for the permit, you’ll need owner consent, evidence of insurance, and proof that the short-term dwelling meets safety requirements (smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, etc.). To renew a permit, you must apply before the expiration of your current permit.
• Business tax is required on any income earned.

*Source: City of Piedmont website and City Code

Home-Based Businesses

In Piedmont, home occupation means a business conducted at a residence (a definition that doesn’t include renting a property), and comes with some regulation. The goal of the regulation is to accommodate the liberty to conduct economic activity in a home while preserving the residential feel of the neighborhood.

The requirements are listed below, but we highly recommend contacting the City Clerk’s office for more detailed information and guidelines.

• Application to the City Clerk together with a fee.
• Notify adjacent residents of the intention to conduct a home business.
• Review of the application.
• No more than one room in the residence may be used in connection with the home occupation.
• Issuance of a home occupation permit.
• Business license tax.

Monthly Calia Events: February

Our February event is in collaboration with The Milo Foundation, a non-profit rescue organization home to approximately 200+ animals at any given time. Milo is always in need of supplies.

If you’re interested in donating food, treats, or toys, please call or email us to hear more about what they need. We’ll be happy to stop by and pick up your items.

Your generosity will bring comfort to the lives of shelter pets. Let’s show our community that at Calia Homes, we care not only for our residents but also for our four-legged friends. Please help support the Milo Foundation!