Sec. 4-209. - License or certification suspension or revocation.

A.

Suspension or Revocation. The director may suspend or revoke a license or certification in the event of one (1) or more of the following:

License issuance or certification was based on inaccurate or incomplete information.

The vacation rental has operated in nonconformance with the Sonoma County Code or license.

The vacation rental constitutes a nuisance.

The certified property manager has not complied with the requirements of this section.

Licensee has failed to pay fees or civil penalties associated with the vacation rental.

B.

Notice of Suspension or Revocation. To revoke or suspend a license or certification, the director must issue a written notice to the licensee and certified property manager. The notice must include:

The address of the vacation rental;

License number or certification number;

Reason for suspension or revocation; and

A statement of appeal rights.

C.

Service of Notice. A notice of suspension or revocation must be sent via email and certified mail to the licensee's and certified property manager's addresses on file with the department.

D.

Appeals.

Right of Appeal. A notice of suspension or revocation may be appealed by the licensee or the certified property manager to a hearing officer.

Form and Timing. An appeal must be made in writing and submitted to the department within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the notice.

Failure to Appeal. Failure to file a timely appeal makes the suspension or revocation final and constitutes a waiver of the right to an appeal hearing and adjudication of the suspension or revocation.

Appeal Hearing. An appeal hearing must be noticed, conducted, and decided in accordance with the rules and timelines established by Section 1-7.3.

Consolidation. The department may consolidate an appeal hearing for a notice of suspension or revocation with an appeal hearing for a related administrative enforcement action under Section 1-7.3.

E.

Effect of Suspension or Revocation.

License Suspension. If a license is suspended, a vacation rental cannot operate on the parcel until the suspension expires. If the license expires during the suspension, a license application will not be accepted for the parcel until after the suspension expires.

License Revocation. If a license is revoked, a new license cannot be issued and a vacation rental cannot operate on the parcel for up to five (5) years and until a new vacation rental license is issued.

Certification Suspension. If a certification is suspended, the individual cannot serve as the certified property manager for any vacation rental until the suspension expires. A vacation rental that was managed by the individual may continue to operate only if the licensee changes certified property managers in accordance with this section.

Certification Revocation. If a certification is revoked, the individual cannot serve as a certified property manager for any vacation rental for up to five (5) years and until a new certification is issued. A vacation rental that was managed by the individual may continue to operate only if the licensee changes certified property managers in accordance with this section.

(Ord. No. 6427, § III(Exh. A), 5-16-2023)