Residents, officials weigh in on proposed short-term rental code revisions

CHELAN COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took public comment on proposed changes to Chelan County’s short-term rental (STR) code on Jan. 14.

“By having these opportunities for people to come and talk to us, I think it helps show us our blind spots and gives us an opportunity to see things or realize some nuances of the STR industry that we may not be aware of,” said County Commissioner Shon Smith, who represents District 2.

In its most recent recommendations, the Planning Commission voted to keep adopted language in the purpose statement that stated short-term rentals have “a detrimental impact” to the housing market, as well as maintain the percentage caps on the number of STRs allowed in a given area. 

For Tier I rentals, which require an owner on-site, the Planning Commission rejected a provision to allow for a manager or operator in the owner’s place. The Planning Commission agreed with the BOCC’s proposal to make parking requirements consistent with county parking code. 

Many of these recommendations were a result of the comments made during the Planning Commission’s Nov. 13 public hearing that were echoed at the BOCC hearing on Jan. 14.

“Don't increase the caps. Don't increase the occupancy limits, and honor what the Planning Commission recommended as far as upholding the owner requirements for Tier I,” said Leavenworth resident Barbara Rossing during the BOCC hearing.

However, the Planning Commission recommended a study group for further deliberation on the proposed amendment that children under two years of age be exempt from occupancy limits.

During the hearing, many STR owners requested this amendment in order to match booking platform guidelines. Because booking platforms allow families to book without counting children under two, owners said they have had to cancel bookings after realizing the discrepancy.

“Chelan County is creating a reputation that Chelan County does not welcome or want children or families, time and time again,” said Carissa Reid of Reid Property Management.

At the end of the public comment period, Chelan County Fire Marshal Chris Pedersen gave testimony, arguing that children under two should be counted under occupancy levels in order to reflect standard fire code, which counts every person regardless of age, for safety reasons. Additionally, Pedersen stated that STR’s should not be allowed to perform self-inspections for fire and life safety.

“This is also a commercial building…It's no different than a bed and breakfast. We do inspections on those, we do inspections on hotels. We don't allow those owners to do self inspections. So why should a short-term rental be different?” said Pedersen.

One resident of Stehekin expressed the need to include Stehekin in the STR code, to which Commissioner Smith said that updates to writing the Stehekin Community Plan, which was postponed due to the Pioneer Fire, would be coming soon.

The BOCC will review the public comments and items at hand before tentatively coming to a decision on Jan. 28.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media