First, there is a Th night 'help the lay person' event at the City Planning Department. Going to that is a good idea.
But here's the scoop.
First, I was nabbed for having a Type A permit (two rooms max) but renting the whole house. My neighbors complained--but the code enforcer guy says that there are people who simple spend their time perusing airbnb and sending complaints in all over the city, so don't think that good relations with your neighbors is enough to keep you safe. The fines are $1000 to start with and can go to $3000 per reservation. Scary. They will put a lien on your house.
If you want to rent your whole house, you need a conditional use permit. It costs $5200, takes (they say) two to three months and could involve a hearing (back to the angry neighbors--if they appeal, there will be a hearing).
Once you have a permit, it runs with the land. (You don't need to renew it.)
The word is that most permits go through, though they may be conditioned. It probably depends a lot on your area.
If you want to have parties or weddings the whole thing is much more complicated.
It sucks. The application process is designed for people who want to put in a gazebo or major landscaping, so that is frustrating. But if you take this step by step it is doable.
Carie
