Parts of STR code to be sent to Planning Commission for review in 2024
Sections of Chelan County’s short-term rental code, now more than a year old, are headed back to the Planning Commission for its input.
On Dec. 11, Chelan County commissioners and Community Development held a workshop to review portions of the short-term rental code that have raised questions over the past year from both county staff and the public, or sections that needed language updates. Because it was a workshop, no public comment or action was taken.
“The new code has now completed a full cycle of implementation, including a renewal process,” said Deanna Walter, Community Development director. “We are not opening up the entire code but looking at some sections that have raised questions.”
In July 2021, commissioners passed the new code, Chapter 11.88.290, that establishes the operating standards of the county’s short-term rental industry, which has seen rapid growth in most recent years. Since the code was passed, other counties around the state have reached out to Community Development as they too look to establish standards for short-term rentals.
Parking was among the top concerns that was discussed during the workshop. The code requires one parking space for every bedroom and one space for any on-site manager. On-street parking is not allowed. Commissioners would like to see this portion of the code more workable to short-term rentals that have driveways, allowing parking on setbacks.
Trailers and boats continue to be parked on the street or in the county right-of-way, Walter added. The number of vehicles allowed at the short-term rental, which includes boats, trailers, campers and personal watercraft, must fit into the parking on the parcel, so this verbiage needs to be updated, she said.
Among the issues that the Planning Commission will be asked to address are:
Signage: Community Development would like to see the code language changed, adding that signage be weather resistant, reflective and permanently set.
Occupancy: Commissioners raised the question of whether children ages 24 months and younger should count toward occupancy limits.
Proof of lodging tax payment: Short-term rental operators are required to be compliant with all state, federal and local taxes; however, it can be difficult to verify that someone is paying their lodging taxes, which is required of short-term rentals. The question was raised, how should this be verified?
Determination of hardship: Currently, the code allows for the Community Development director to determine if a late renewal application can be taken after the renewal deadline from an owner who claims a hardship prevented them from meeting the Oct. 31 deadline. Community Development would like to see the reference to the director removed and put in late charges, with a grace period of up to Dec. 31 for any applications accepted late. Late charges could be substantial for these late applications.
Next, Community Development will draft the proposed language changes as requested or discussed. The draft changes then will be sent to the Planning Commission for its consideration and a public hearing will be held. When the Planning Commission has a recommendation to the BOCC, commissioners will hold another public hearing at the board level.
While no timeline has been established, Walter does not expect this conversation to be held at the Planning Commission level until about mid-year in 2024. The Planning Commission’s monthly agenda is available online.
“Between the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners, the public will have at least two opportunities to speak publicly on any proposed changes, maybe more,” she said. “People interested in this topic will have a chance to share their opinions with us.”
Last Updated: 01/18/2024 08:32 AM
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Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee
Posted by: Chelan County Assessor
Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.