HomeMy WebLinkAbout031825 - Support for Sensible Short-Term Rental RegulationsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
March 18th 2025
Jefferson County Commissioners
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express my thoughts on the importance of establishing sensible short-term rental (STR) regulations that allow property owners like myself to contribute to the local economy
while preserving access to our long-held family properties. As someone who has deep roots in the Olympic Peninsula, I want to share how STRs could help address some of the challenges
our communities face, especially in terms of tourism, lodging availability, and economic vitality.
My grandparents purchased our property in 1958, and it has been a cherished retreat for four generations of our family. While we live in Port Angeles, we visit at least twice a month
year round. Located on the Toandos (Coyle) Peninsula about 30 minutes from Quilcene and 45 minutes from Port Townsend, our cabin is small—just 576 square feet, with two tiny bedrooms,
a small bathroom, and a living area. Most of the time we spend there is outdoors, immersed in nature.
Unfortunately, owning this property has not been without its challenges. Due to issues with a DNR easement and limited financial resources, we didn’t even have the ability to access
electricity until 2020. Additionally, coastal erosion has caused several landslides in the area, resulting in significant repair costs. Property taxes are on the rise, and our insurance
premiums increased by $700 this year alone. The cost of propane for our stove and water heater continues to climb, and maintenance has become increasingly expensive.
Over the years, we have opened our cabin to family and friends seeking an escape, but with the rising costs of ownership, we’ve been considering renting it out as a short-term rental
(STR) to help offset some of the expenses. However, under one proposed regulation that requires full-time rental, we would lose regular access to the property if we chose to rent it
simply to maintain ownership—ownership of a property that has been in our family for 67 years, where my father passed away, and where his ashes, along with my grandparents' ashes, are
scattered.
The assessed value of the property is $523,264, a sum that no medium-income family in Jefferson County could afford to pay for. While we would never consider selling the property, it
does highlight a bigger issue—affording to keep it in the family as costs continue to rise. Short-term rentals present a valuable opportunity to help make the property financially sustainable
while also contributing to the broader local economy.
STRs provide an infusion of outside money to local businesses, generate both sales tax and lodging tax, and promote tourism. They are crucial in supporting the vibrancy of our communities,
especially by supplementing hotel lodging stock during peak times. Jefferson and Clallam counties rely heavily on tourism revenue. How do we continue to generate that revenue if we
don’t have enough lodging options in the summer months when local facilities are already at capacity? Our cabin could sit empty for half the year when we’re not there, contributing
nothing to the local economy—or, we could open it up to tourists and support the economic engine that drives the Olympic Peninsula.
As the Board President of three non-profit organizations—the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts, Port Angeles Concerts on the Pier, and the Dungeness Crab Festival—I am deeply familiar
with the challenges posed by the shortage of lodging options for event attendees. The recent loss of several lodging options has worsened this issue, highlighting the urgent need for
additional inventory to support our local economy. Additionally, we rely on LTAC funding for our events, and we have observed that in areas with more restrictive short-term rental regulations,
there has been a decrease in the funds available through those grants.
In conclusion, I urge the Commissioners to consider adopting thoughtful, sensible short-term rental regulations that allow property owners like myself to offset costs while contributing
to the local economy. STRs can provide much-needed accommodations for visitors, promote tourism, and enhance the community’s economic wellbeing—all while ensuring that property owners
like me can continue to maintain access to our family properties.
Thank you for your time, consideration and service to our community. I look forward to your support in finding a balanced solution that works for everyone.
Sincerely,
Ryan Schroeder
235 Scotts Cv, Quilcene, WA 98376
360-460-4657
Ryan@TabookCove.com
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