HomeMy WebLinkAbout093024 email - Like the city of Port Townsend_ ban all stand-alone short-term rentals within county limitsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
I am a resident of Cape George Colony Club (CGCC) home owners association. The CGCC Board of Trustees created an ad hoc short-term rentals committee because of complaints and concerns
of residents regarding such rentals in our community. Some of these short-term rentals operate with permits; more than half of the known short-term rentals in our community do not
have a permit.
I realize that there currently is a moratorium on short-term rental permits in Jefferson County. But my understanding is that the county has approximately 68 short-term rental permits
while there are over 300 short-term rentals operating in the county.
If the city of Port Townsend has banned all stand-alone short-term rentals within city limits, where will these rentals be occurring? I do not want to see CGCC become a haven for AirBnBs.
If the county has the same stand-alone short-term rental ban as the city, this consistency will leave the option of long-term rentals for residential owners and potential buyers who
do not occupy a house.
I am an employee of Northwest Maritime which is among the employers who have spoken out and sought housing solutions for employees. With a ban on stand-alone short-term rentals, local
government can incentivize owners of houses to rent to our city and county workers. Also, fees should be high enough for those who operate rentals without permits to discourage the
practice and provide funding for enforcement.
Thank you for considering my views on this topic which impacts many of us who live in the houses that we own and pay taxes on in Jefferson County.
- Judith Caruso
41 Vancouver Drive
Port Townsend