Here's a primer on La Conner's short-term rental regulations

In Leavenworth, the owner must be present. Spokane separates them into two types. San Jaun County only allows 693 for their population of 18,662. Clyde Hill requires a business license, but no other permitting. Poulsbo states that an ADU cannot be used for it, but has no other regulations. Westport disallows more than one on a single parcel. What could result in such different standards and regulations around Washington state? Short-term rentals, typically defined as rentals of a residential unit for less than 30 days. Requirements for short-term rentals vary because there is no “one size fits all” for regulations. Communities shape elements specific to their own needs and resources.

As La Conner moves forward with evaluating short-term rental regulations, the staff is depending on community input.

A Community Mix and Mingle for residents to discuss short term rental regulations is 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Garden Club.

La Conner only permits short-term rentals in its commercial zone. In the residential zone, bed and breakfasts are allowed to operate with an administrative conditional use permit. B&Bs are defined as an “owner-occupied home” that provides overnight accommodations, breakfast and occasional family-style meals for guests. Detached accessory dwelling units cannot be used as a B&B. Any residential short-term rental use has to take place in an owner-occupied space, meaning that guests cannot stay on a completely empty property.

The town is updating its short-term rental regulations. Input from community members will drive decisions. Staff need community input in order to craft regulations best suited to the town. Variables to consider include:

What policy objectives are being implemented? How to design a short-term rental policy consistent with La Conner’s mission statement?

The mission statement in the comprehensive plan is five-fold and includes providing basic services in an “economical and effective manner,” promoting a business climate, advancing La Conner as a cultural center, maximizing public access and enjoyment of water, and preparing for climate change and natural disasters. How would different short-term rental regulations affect these goals?

For homeowners who rent out their homes while on vacation?

Residential property owners can run a B&B with an administrative conditional use permit. Removing this option may impact people’s ability to make money or support themselves.

La Conner experiences intense waves of seasonal tourism. Should this impact how we structure short-term rental rules?

For example, La Conner could allow residential short-term rentals during April and May only.

Would a “tiered” system of rental regulations, where the regulations for short-term rentals differ depending on the characteristics of the rentals (i.e., owner-occupied vs not) work here?

In Spokane, owner-occupied short-term rentals have fewer regulations than non-owner-occupied short-term rentals.

How do short-term rentals impact the housing market? Would this affect housing affordability?

There is evidence that short-term rentals negatively impact housing affordability. Olympia, Kirkland, Walla Walla and Chelan County all reference housing affordability as a reason for regulating short-term rentals.

Will the town be able to enforce policy recommendations? The town has a limited budget for enforcement, so any regulations must be easily enforceable.

Send suggestions to [email protected], brought to Town Hall.

Ajah Eills is the Town’s assistant planner.