At the direction of the Chelan County Board of Commissioners, the Community Development Department has proposed alarming revisions to the County’s short term rental (STR) code. These changes affect the unincorporated areas of the County. They are unacceptable and it is time for residents to again mobilize to protect our neighborhoods. The first public hearing on the revised code is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28 at 6:30 PM. The agenda also includes a zoom link so you can listen and testify.
What is Being Proposed
- Removal of 6% Cap: The proposed changes may eliminate the 6% cap on the number of STRs in Chelan County. This could lead to more STRs in residential neighborhoods, potentially reducing available housing for residents.
- Tier 1 Rental Requirement Change: The draft code suggests allowing renters to manage Tier 1 rentals (previously required to be owner-occupied). This change might result in more Tier 1 rentals without owners living on the property, impacting neighborhood character and cohesion.
- Exclusion of Children Under Two: The proposal excludes children under two years of age from occupancy limits. This could lead to higher occupancy in all STRs.
Action Needed: To voice your concerns, email [email protected] by Monday, Express your opposition to altering the 6% cap, the Tier 1 owner-occupancy rule, and excluding children under two years old from occupancy limits. Read RC3’s comment letter to the Planning Commission here.
Establishing the existing code took over two years of intensive effort, reflecting the complexity and importance of the issues at hand. Reaching a final conclusion required not only time but also a significant amount of taxpayer dollars. The extensive deliberations and compromises made over this period were essential to develop a code that addresses the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. The proposed changes now under consideration should respect the careful balance achieved through this lengthy and costly process.
RC3 urges you to tell the Planning Commission how these changes would impact you (either in person or via the provided Zoom link in the agenda). Many tourist-heavy communities worldwide are implementing strict regulations to limit short-term rentals, but Chelan County seems to be moving in the opposite direction.