IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. — Imperial Beach city council voted to approve a tenant protection ordinance that would go beyond state law. The decision came in a three-to-two vote after hours of public comment and strong opinions on both sides of the argument. "Without extending these protections to vulnerable households already facing eviction, families at risk of displacement will be left unprotected," said Jessie Shmitte, state policy manager for Alliance San Diego.  Imperial Beach residents have been pleading for more protection after tenants were given a handful of notable evictions, including from two apartment complexes last fall. ‘Pawhibition’ comes to end in Downtown El Cajon, dogs once again allowed Residents at Hawaiian Gardens and Sussex Gardens received no fault eviction notices due to plans for significant renovations, which followed state law. Many of those tenants are elderly, disabled, or living on a fixed income. The tenant protection ordinance for Imperial Beach includes provisions like additional money provided by the landlord for those facing no fault eviction for renovation in complexes with 15 units or more. Several landlords and renter management groups vehemently opposed the idea, saying state law was more than sufficient. "Will make it more difficult for landlords to make necessary improvements in their rental properties, it will discourage investment in the city, and it sends a clear message to the community and to business owners that we do not want progress in Imperial Beach," said John Hine, community member and housing provider. However, tenant advocacy groups and tenants who have already experienced eviction themselves feel city leaders aren’t going far enough to help them. "It doesn’t include retroactive evictions. It’s too late for us; increasing the relocation assistance does not stop the bogus remodel evictions," said Brenda Bautista, who experienced eviction last May. Imperial Beach's tenant protection ordinance will modify the definition of substantial remodel slightly from state law by providing examples of cosmetic improvements that do not qualify as a substantial remodel. including but not limited to: painting, decorating, flooring replacement, cabinet replacement, counter replacement, window replacement, removal of interior wall coverings solely for the installation of insulation, and minor repairs or other work that can be performed safely without having the residential rental unit vacated. All no-fault evictions for renovation or demolition in complexes containing 15 or more units would require two months of relocation payments -- one month at market rate and one month of current rent -- to the tenants with an additional month of market rate rent payment for disabled and elderly tenants. Tenants receiving these types of eviction notices would also get their full security deposit back. A second reading for the ordinance will take place in February and the ordinance will take effect 30 days after that.