HomeMy WebLinkAboutDELIBERATIONS re Short Term Rentals (STR) FINAL VERSION1
STATE OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 03-0610-24,
a Moratorium on Acceptance and Processing of
Application for Hospitality Establishment
Permits for Transient Residences or Transient
Guest Houses pursuant to Jefferson County Code
(JCC) 18.20.210(3); and Adopting Amendments
to JCC 17.60, General Provisions of Title 17
Master Planned Resorts; JCC 18.10 Definitions;
JCC 18.15 Land Use Districts; JCC 18.20.210
Hospitality establishments and Chapter 18.40
JCC, Permit Application and Review Procedures/
SEPA Implementation
ORDINANCE 03-0407-25
WHEREAS, the Washington Constitution, Article XI, Section 11, confers upon county
legislative authorities the police power to adopt regulations necessary to protect the health, safety,
and well-being of its residents; and
WHEREAS, RCW 36.32.120(7) provides that the county legislative authorities shall
make and enforce, by appropriate resolutions or ordinances, all such police and sanitary
regulations as are not in conflict with state law; and
WHEREAS, police power is that inherent and plenary power which enables prohibition
of all things hurtful to the comfort, safety and welfare of society; and
WHEREAS, the scope of police power is broad, encompassing all those measures which
bear a reasonable and substantial relation to promotion of the general welfare of the people; and
WHEREAS, homelessness and housing affordability directly and indirectly impact the
health, safety, and well-being of county residents and continues to present local, regional, and
national challenges arising out of many social and economic factors; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County enacted several measures to address the shortage of
affordable, transitional, supportive, and emergency housing; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners adopted
Resolution No. 35-17 to declare that an emergency exists with respect to the availability of housing
that is affordable for those households earning 80 percent or less of the Jefferson County median
family income, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development identifies as “low
income;” and
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WHEREAS, as identified in the 2019 Jefferson County Community Health Assessment
Report: Summary Findings,1 the lack of affordable housing continues to present local challenges,
especially for older adults, young families, and the working class; and
WHEREAS, in Resolution No. 63-19, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
adopted a Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan, Making Homelessness a Singular Occurrence –
Homelessness Crisis Response and Housing Five-Year Plan for Jefferson County, “to establish a
long-term, systematic effort to address the homelessness and affordable housing crisis through a
data focused vision for Jefferson County;” and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County adopted Ordinance No. 11-1221-20, imposing a sales and
use tax for affordable housing and supportive services, in accordance with House Bill 1590
(chapter 222, Laws of 2020) and RCW 82.14.530, to address the local challenge presented by
homelessness and declining affordability; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County adopted Ordinance No. 05-0613-22 related to the siting,
establishment, and operation of temporary housing facilities for unsheltered and unhoused
individuals and families in unincorporated Jefferson County to address the local challenge
presented by homelessness and declining affordability; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County adopted Ordinance No. 04-1009-23 referenced as the
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) Program to reduce the
debt servicing costs associated with commercial property improvements and construction
including multifamily structures with five or more dwelling units to incentivize multifamily
construction, rehabilitation, and repair to implement sustainable practices; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County in partnership with the City of Port Townsend and the
Housing Fund Board identified sites for transitional, supportive, and emergency housing, such as
Caswell-Brown Village, to create an emergency shelter to address the foregoing challenges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners amended the Port Townsend Urban
Growth Area (PTUGA) boundary via Ordinance No. 09-1209-24 to provide for transitional,
supportive, and emergency housing including, among others, the Caswell-Brown Village site to
accommodate continuum-of-care special purpose housing to address the foregoing challenges; and
WHEREAS, in partnership with the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County advanced
new affordable housing opportunities in 2024 through pre-approved residential building plans,
where sweat equity, energy efficient designs, and expedited permitting may reduce housing costs
to partly address the lack of housing; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan contains a Housing Action Plan
as Exhibit 3-72 that identifies the need to “evaluate short-term rentals to ensure such uses do not
1 https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/19190/20191104_Jefferson_CHA -Summary-
Report_2019_v2, Accessed January 5, 2025.
2 See: https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/18001/Jefferson-CP-2018_12, at 3-19 Accessed
January 5, 2025.
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further restrict the housing supply for year-round residents” as one of six bulleted tasks to remove
potential barriers to housing; and
WHEREAS, the county held three public meetings regarding short-term rentals, one each
in Cape George and the Tri Area and a third hybrid meeting in Quilcene, during March 2024; and
WHEREAS, county staff presented the findings of these meetings to the Jefferson County
Planning Commission at its regularly scheduled July 17, 2024 meeting; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2024, county staff obtained clarification on how to interpret
the Planning Commission’s July 17, 2024 preliminary proposal regarding limiting short-term
rentals for less than 30 days and exemptions; and
WHEREAS, on February 5, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing to receive testimony on the short-term rentals proposals; and
WHEREAS, on February 19, 2025, the Planning Commission deliberated on the testimony
and record; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2025, the BoCC held a workshop on the Planning Commission’s
recommendation, and the BoCC chose to hold their own public hearing on the proposed
amendments to the relevant sections of the Jefferson County Code; and
WHEREAS, the BoCC held their own hearing on March 17, 2025; and listened to
presentation by the Planning Commission and DCD staff representatives, and hear public
testimony; and
WHEREAS, the BoCC extended written public comment through Friday, March 21, 2025
at 4:00 PM; and
WHEREAS, the BoCC continued deliberations on March 24, 2025, and directed DCD
staff to present the suggested modifications and engage with the Planning Commission by
receiving input, responding to questions, and addressing concerns during its regular meeting on
April 2, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the BoCC continued deliberations on April 7, 2025; and
WHEREAS, DCD shall schedule a workshop before the BoCC within 12 months of
adopting this ordinance to review the short-term rental program, including but not limited to the
established cap amount, enforcement, and whether any adjustments need to be made; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD)
assumes responsibility for the environmental review and procedural steps as the “Lead Agency”
pursuant to WAC 197-11-926(1); and
WHEREAS, DCD analyzed the proposed legislation in accordance with the State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), as summarized in an associated SEPA checklist, and finds that
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adoption of this non-project action will not result in a probable significant adverse impact to the
environment;
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF WASHINGTON as follows:
Section 1. Findings of Fact. The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) adopts the recitals above
(WHEREAS clauses) as their own findings of fact for this ordinance.
Section 2. Purposes. The purpose of this ordinance is to implement the Comprehensive Plan
Housing Element which contains an Action Plan as Exhibit 3-7.3 Under an Action listed as Remove
Potential Barriers to Housing, the Action Plan states: “Evaluate short-term rentals. To ensure such
uses do not further restrict the housing supply for year-round residents, the County could examine
the prevalence of short-term rentals and determine if a registration program and limits on numbers,
zones or locations are appropriate.” Additionally, this exhibit states: “Evaluate short-term rentals
using available local and state data sources.” It also repeats the above: “Determine if a registration
program and limits on numbers, zones, or locations are appropriate to help ensure a sufficient
housing supply for year-round residents.”
Section 3. Repeal Prior Ordinance. This Ordinance repeals Ordinance No. 03-0610-24.
Section 4. Modification of the Jefferson County Code. JCC 17.60.070 shall be amended and as set
forth in Appendix A.
Section 5. Modification of the Jefferson County Code. Chapter 18.10 JCC shall be amended as set
forth in Appendix B.
Section 6. Modification of the Jefferson County Code. JCC 18.15.040, Table 3-1 shall be amended
as set forth in Appendix C.
Section 7. Modification of the Jefferson County Code. JCC 18.20.210 shall be amended as set
forth in Appendix D.
Section 8. Modification of the Jefferson County Code. JCC 18.40.040, Table 8-1 shall be amended
as set forth in Appendix E.
Section 9. Severability. The provisions of this ordinance are declared separate and severable. If
any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this chapter is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by
any court of competent jurisdiction, that holding shall in no way affect the validity of remainder
of the code or application of its provision to other persons or circumstances.
Section 10. SEPA Compliance. DCD issued a threshold Determination of Non-Significance
(DNS) on January 22, 2025.
3 See: https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/18001/Jefferson-CP-2018_12, at 3-19 Accessed
January 5, 2025.
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Section 11. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption, meaning
an affirmative vote, by the Board of County Commissioners.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
APPROVED and ADOPTED this day of 7 ( , 2025.
JEF`,ERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
C 11i MISS\IOERS
Hei i' Eisenho it
erton, Me 'er
IINNIIIIA/111jry
oM oy.y Hea er Wrey-Nollette, Member
SEAL:Ip?J y.'•
G a
111IVN.UN
ATTEST:
Caroly allaway, CMC Date
Clerk a Board
Approved as to form only:
Philip Hunsu ker Date d/ZS
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
6
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APPENDICES
Proposed Amendments to Jefferson County Code (JCC) Title 17 and Title 18, pertaining to
Hospitality Establishments.
Strikethrough (e.g., strikethrough) denotes a deletion; underline denotes an addition.
8
APPENDIX A
17.60.070 Resort cap and residential use restrictions.
Pursuant to Ordinance 01-0128-08, the Pleasant Harbor MPR in total shall have a development
cap of up to 890 residential units; provided, however, short-term visitor accommodation units
and short-term rental units shall constitute not less than 65 percent of the total units including,
but not limited to, hotels, motels, lodges, and any residential uses allowed under each zone.
Short-term visitor accommodation units and short-term rental units shall be construed to mean
occupancies equal to or less than 30 daysnights. The Pleasant Harbor MPR in total shall have a
development cap of 56,608 square feet of resort commercial, retail, restaurant, and conference
space. [Ord. 3-18 § 2 (Att. 1)]
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APPENDIX B
The following changes are made to Chapter 18.10 JCC:
18.10.190 S Definitions.
“Short-term rental” means a lodging use, that is not a hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast, in which
a primary or accessory dwelling unit, or portion thereof, is offered or provided to a guest by a
short-term rental operator for a fee for fewer than thirty consecutive nights, as set forth in RCW
64.37.010(9)(a).
“Short-term rental advertisement” means any method of soliciting use of a dwelling unit for
short-term rental purposes.
“Short-term rental operator” or “operator” means any person who receives payment for owning
or operating a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, as a short-term rental unit.
“Short-term rental platform” or “platform” means a person that provides a means through which
an operator may offer a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, for short-term rental use, and from
which the person or entity financially benefits. Merely publishing a short-term rental
advertisement for accommodations does not make the publisher a short-term rental platform.
18.10.2000 T definitions
“Transient accommodations” means a commercial use involving the rental of any structure or
portion thereof for the purpose of providing lodging for periods less than 30 days.
“Transient residence” or “transient ADU” means a single-family residential unit or ADU used
for short-term transient occupancy (for periods less than 30 days).
The remaining portions of chapter 18.10 JCC are not changed.
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APPENDIX C
Changes to JCC 18.15.040, Table 3-1 are as follows:
Table 3-1. Allowable and Prohibited Uses
Resource Lands Rural Residential Rural Commercial Rural Industrial Public UGA
Agricultu
ral –
Prime and
Local
Forest –
Commerci
al, Rural
and
Inholding
1
DU/
5
Acr
es
1
DU/1
0
Acre
s
1
DU/2
0
Acre
s
Rural
Villa
ge
Cente
r
Convenien
ce
Crossroad
Neighborhood/Vis
itor Crossroad
General
Crossro
ad
Resourc
e-Based
Industri
al
Light
Industrial/Comme
rcial
(Glen Cove)
Light
Industri
al (Glen
Cove)
Light
Industrial/Manufactu
ring
(Quilcene and
Eastview)
Heavy
Industri
al
Parks,
Preserve
s and
Recreati
on
Ironda
le and
Port
Hadloc
k
Urban
Growt
h Area
Specific
Land Use AG CF/RF/IF
RR
1:5
RR
1:10
RR
1:20 RVC CC NC GC RBI LI/C LI LI/M HI PPR UGA
Residenti
al Uses
See
Chapte
r 18.18
JCC
Transient
rental of
residence
or
accessory
dwelling
unitShort-
Term
Rentals
with 5 or
fewer
guest
rooms or
10 or
fewer
occupants
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No
Commerc
ial Uses
Short-
Term
Rentals
with more
than 5
guest
rooms or
more than
10
occupants
C(d) C(d) C(d) C(d) C(d) C(d) No No No No No No No No No
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APPENDIX D
Changes to JCC 18.20.210 are as follows:
18.20.210 Hospitality establishments.
(3)Short-Term Rental. Transient Residence or Transient Guest House (Accessory Dwelling
Unit). The following standards apply to all short-term (less than 30 days) transient rentals of
single-family residential units and guest houses (ADUs) or portions thereof:
(a)The short-term rental transient residence or guest house shall be operated in a way that
will prevent unreasonable disturbances to area residents.
(b)All parking must be contained onsite, as determined by DCD. All parking spaces shall
meet the standards of Chapter 18.30 JCC.At least one additional off-street parking space
shall be provided for the transient use in addition to the parking required for the residence
or guest house.
(c)If any food service is to be provided the requirements for a bed and breakfast residence
must be met.
(d)No outdoor advertising signs are allowed. One identification (ID) placard identifying
the name of the rental is allowed onsite and shall not exceed four square feet in size.
(e)In no case shall the short-term rental exceed the design capacity of the permitted on-site
sewage system. The owner or lessee may rent the principal residence or the guest house on
a short-term basis, but not both.
(f)This chapter applies to permanent residences. Short-term rentals are not permitted in
any temporary, portable, or other structure not permitted by the County for permanent
occupancy (e.g., boat, tent, yurt, RV, etc.). Where there are both a principal residence and
a guest house (i.e., an accessory dwelling unit), the owner or lessee must reside on the
premises.
(g)Short-term rentals shall meet all local and state regulations, including those pertaining
to business licenses, liability insurances, and taxes, and registering with the Washington
Department of Revenue as required by RCW 64.37.040. Transient accommodations must
meet all local and state regulations, including those pertaining to business licenses and
taxes.
(h)A short-term rental permit shall be tied to the property and cannot be transferred to a
separate dwelling.
(i) The owner or operator may rent the principal residence or the guest house on the same
lot or parcel on a short-term basis, but not both.
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(j)A short-term rental operator shall not hold more than one hospitality permit for a short-
term rental in unincorporated Jefferson County.
(k)Short-term rentals with five or fewer guest rooms andor 10 or fewer total occupants will
require a Type I hospitality permit for a short-term rental.
(l)Short-term rentals with six or more guest rooms andor greater than 10 total occupants
shall require a conditional discretionary use permit and additional building requirements.
(m)Short-term rentals must meet state and local standards for habitable space and life
safety conditions.
(n)For six months after the adoption of this chapter, DCD will accept all short-term rental
applications. After this six-month grace period, the following limit will apply to the renting
of the entire primary or accessory dwelling (i.e. excluding the renting of STRs occupied by
the landowners).
Short-term rentals within Master Plan Resorts (MPR) are excepted from the cap on short-
term rentals.
(n) The following limit applies to the renting of the entire primary or accessory dwelling
(i.e., excluding the renting of STRs occupied by the landowners). Short-term rentals shall
be limited to four percent (4%) of the dwellings in unincorporated Jefferson County
housing, as determined by DCD. The number of dewellings is b. Based on OFM (Office of
Financial Management) data, there are 11,694 dwellings outside of excluding MPRMaster
Plan Resorts (MPRs). Four percent of these dwellings would equate to 468 short-term
rentals allowed at this time. The short-term rentals will be distributed
prepositionalproportionally based on the housing stock in each zip code code (i.e., if Port
Townsend zip code has 30 percent of the housing stock, they would be allowed 30% of the
short-term rentals based on the U.S. Census). Every year DCD will update the number of
dwelling units, the number of short-term rentals allowed, and the number of short-term
rental permits that have a valid permit from DCD.
(o)If the maximum number of short-term rentals is reached, DCD will have a waiting list
for new short-term rentals. DCD shall manage the waitlist by issuing permits based on the
earliest date of application..
(po) Applications for permits for a short-term rental shall be on a form approved by the
director.
(q)Short-term rental operators are prohibited from renting to a third party for less than 30
days within the first year (1) calendar years of ownership.
(r)The short-term rental operator is responsible to provide written notice to renters of:
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(i) County sound and noise regulations, which may constitute public nuisance noises,
as defined by JCC 8.70.050.
(ii)Rules of conduct, local laws, burn bans, and renter responsibility not to trespass on
private property or to create disturbances (e.g., noise). If there is an easement that
provides renters legal access to off-site areas such as a beach access, this shall be
indicated on a map and the easement shall be clearly marked.
(iii)The location of the breaker box, water shut-off, gas shut-off, instructions regarding
the septic system, emergency numbers, and the name and number of a local contact
person(s) for the vacation rental.
(4)Permitting is required for all short-term rentals in the County.
(a)A short-term rental that existed prior to the establishment of the original Unified
Development Code with an effective date of January 16, 2001 shall be established as a
legal non-conforming use if all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(i) The short-term rental operator provides proof to the satisfaction of the director that
the lot or parcel was the location of a short-term rental and that applicable sales and
lodging taxes pursuant to chapter 64.37 RCW were remitted to the authorized collector
prior to January 16, 2001; and
(ii)Apply for and obtain a hospitality permit for a short-term rental permit within six
months from the date of the adoption of this Ordinance.
(b)Existing short-term rentals that have been permitted by DCD after January 16, 2001 are
allowed to continue, provided that short-term rental operator renews the permit and
satisfies all of the requirements of this chapter.
(c) The number of new short-term rentals limit addressed in section 3(n) shall be reduced
by the number of pre-existing short-term rentals addressed in in Section 4(a) and (b) above.
(d)New short-term rental applications shall be accepted until the limit addressed in Section
3(n) above is met. Once a hospitality permit for a short-term rental is issued, the permit
may continue, provided the short-term rental operator renews the permit and satisfies all
the requirements of this chapter.
(e)Short-Term Rental Permit Renewal:
(i) Application for renewal shall occur annually and at least 30 days prior to expiration
of the hospitality permit for a short-term rental.
(ii) Renewal fees for a hospitality permit for a short-term rental shall be per the
applicable fee schedule.
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(iii) Renewal of an existing permit for a short-term rental requires an inspection
addressing fire, safety, and health requirements.
(iv) Failure to renew a permit for a short-term rental may result in short-term rental not
being allowed if the limit addressed in Section 3(n) is met.
(f) Permit Number. The short-term rental operator shall include the Jefferson County
permit number for the short-term rental in all advertisements and ensure its prominent
display on all platforms and other forums for rental of the short-term rental, including but
not limited to Airbnb, VRBO, Craigslist, Facebook, flyers or posters and on marketing
materials such as brochures and websites. Any failure to provide a valid permit number or
posting a false permit number is prohibited and shall be subject to enforcement as a
violation of this chapter.
(5) Enforcement. The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced under Title 19 of the Jefferson
County Code. Jefferson County may seek any remedy available under law as is necessary to
prevent or correct any violation of this chapter.
(6) Conflict. If any county regulations herein are found to be in conflict with chapter 64.37
RCW, the provisions of chapter 64.37 RCW shall apply.
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APPENDIX E
Changes to JCC 18.40.040, Table 8-1 are as follows:
Table 8-1. Permits – Decisions
Type I2 Type II Type III Type IV Type V
Bed and
breakfast inn,
bed and
breakfast
residence and
short-term
rental
Hospitality
permits listed
in Table 3-1
in JCC
18.15.040 as
“Yes”.
Discretionary
conditional use
permits under JCC
18.40.520(2) listed in
Table 3-1 in JCC
18.15.040 as “C(d)”
unless Type III
process required by
administrator.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: Josh D. Peters, AICP,Community Development Director
Greg Ballard, Development Code Administrator
DATE: April 7, 2025
SUBJECT: DELIBERATIONS and POSSIBLE ACTION re: Amendments to Jefferson County
Code for regulating Short-Term Rentals (STRs)
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC)adopted Ordinance 03-0610-24 on June 10, 2024,
establishing a moratorium on acceptance and processing of development permit applications for Short-
Term Rentals (STRs, rentals for less than 30 days), as regulated under title 18 of the Jefferson County
Code(JCC). The moratorium, which expires at 11:59 PM on April 7, 2025, was enacted in order to allow
for a thoughtful legislative process to develop and adopt updated land use regulations for STRs. After a
duly noticed hearing and receipt of written public comments and oral testimony the Planning Commission
PC)recommended that the BoCC adopt its recommended STR ordinance. After a duly noticed hearing
and receipt of written public comments and oral testimony, the BoCC began deliberations on the PC's
recommended STR ordinance, which will continue on April 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM. The BoCC will consider
adoption of a proposed STR ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The Planning Commission(PC)met multiple times to develop a recommended STR ordinance. DCD
staff prepared a draft STR ordinance for consideration by the PC, based on the result of PC meetings.
As required by the approved work plan for Ordinance No. 03-0610-24, the PC held a public hearing on
February 5,2025 and deliberated on the record during the February 19, 2025 regular meeting. The PC
submitted its recommended STR ordinance to the BoCC as required by JCC 18.05.050(2)and
18.45.090(3). The BoCC held a workshop on March 3, 2025 to review the PC's recommended STR
ordinance, determined that a change in the PC's recommended STR ordinance would be considered, and
chose to hold its own public hearing pursuant to JCC 18.45.090(4)( b), which enables the BoCC to adopt
development code amendments that differ from those recommended by the PC.
The BoCC approved a notice of public hearing for March 17, 2025, 10:30 AM, which was published in
the March 5 and the March 12, 2025 editions of The Port Townsend Leader newspaper.On March 14,
2025, DCD staff recommended changes to the PC's recommended STR ordinance. DCD's recommended
changes to the PC's recommended STR ordinance were posted for public viewing on March 14, 2025.
1
On March 17, 2025,the BoCC held a duly-noticed public hearing on the Planning Commission's
recommended STR ordinance, continuing the written comment period until 4:00 PM on March 21, 2025.
During the presentation portion of the hearing, DCD staff described the staff-recommended STR code
changes to the BoCC and representatives from the PC described aspects of the PC-recommended STR
code changes. Select PC representatives also provided testimony during the public hearing. The BoCC
heard public testimony in consideration of the PC's recommended STR ordinance,then closed the hearing
to further oral testimony, continuing the written comment period until 4:00 PM on Friday, March 21,
2025.
On March 24, 2025,the BoCC continued its deliberations on a potential STR ordinance. DCD staff
contributed to the discussion by presenting a comparison chart that highlighted the distinctions between
the existing regulations,the PC recommendations, and the staff recommendations. The BoCC deliberated
on March 24, 2025 and directed DCD staff to review the staff-recommended STR ordinance with the PC
on April 2, 2025 and schedule further BoCC deliberations for April 7, 2025 (2:30 PM).
During the April 2, 2025 meeting, DCD staff provided the PC with a detailed presentation comparing the
staff's recommendations for STRs to the PC's prior proposals. Since the PC already submitted its formal
recommendation to the BoCC, staff clarified that the purpose of this discussion was to better understand
the intentions behind some of the differing recommendations, so there could be further clarification
provided to the BoCC. Staff engaged with the PC by receiving input on the staffs recommended changes,
responding to questions, and addressing concerns related to the proposed STR ordinance. Staff also
explained the rationale behind specific amendments. Representatives from the PAO attended the April 2,
2024 PC meeting and conducted an executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.1 l0(1)(i).
The BoCC may wish to invite comment from those PC representatives during the April 7, 2025
deliberations on the proposed STR ordinance. From staffs perspective, the remaining policy questions
left for the BoCC to decide are reflected in Attachment A(Policy Questions) attached to this Agenda
Request.
The moratorium expires on April 7, 2025 and it cannot be extended, though a new moratorium may be
enacted while the BoCC continues to deliberate, and potentially take final action on the proposed
amendments to JCC for regulating STRs.
ANALYSIS:
Consistent with RCW 36.70.630 and JCC 18.45.090(4),the BoCC may adopt changes to the PC
recommendation by conducting its own public hearing. RCW 36.70.630 requires the BoCC to"adopt its
own findings of fact and statement setting forth the factors considered at the hearing and its own analysis
of findings considered by it to be controlling."The BoCC may rely upon DCD staff recommendations to
assist the BoCC during deliberation.
DCD staff has been collaborating with the PAO to review proposed updates to the STR development
regulations for compliance with state and federal laws. The objective of the staff recommendation aims to
align with Resolution 17-19 on regulatory reform. All versions of the STR ordinance have been reviewed
by the PAO.
The attached proposed STR ordinance includes staff recommendations to the PC original ordinance and
incorporates all changes made by staff through April 2, 2025. Based on BoCC's direction, DCD staff is
providing one final version of the ordinance for review. This final version of the proposed STR ordinance
has been reviewed by the PAO.
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Attachments to the Agenda Request:
Attachment A—Remaining Policy Questions for BoCC
Attachment B—Proposed STR Ordinance Recommended by DCD Staff(redline version)
Attachment C —Proposed STR Ordinance Code Amendments Recommended by DCD Staff(clean
version)
FISCAL IMPACT/COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
The General Fund supports this planning process.No significant fiscal impact from the decision to hold a
public hearing, other than the fee charged by the newspaper of record. If enacted, permitting fees required
by the STR ordinance are expected to fund the permitting process for STRs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I) Continue STR deliberations on April 7, 2025, beginning at 2:30 PM.Take final action on proposed
JCC amendments to update regulations for STRs by adopting an STR ordinance. Staff
recommends adopting the attached STR ordinance. This is a PAO-approved version of the STR
ordinance that incorporates staff-recommended modifications to the PC-recommended ordinance.
2) If no final action is taken on April 7, 2025,consider adopting a new moratorium on STR
applications, consistent with RCW 36.70A.390 and RCW 36.70.795.
REVIEWED BY:
4/3A—Mark McCauley, unty Administrator l Date
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