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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/04/23 - Short Term Rental Workshop d 1854 Short-Term Rental Workshop April 23,2024 10:00 a.m. In the spirit of public information and inclusion,the attached is a draft of information for Commissioner consideration and discussion at the above briefing. This information is subject to change,additions and/or deletion,and is not all inclusive of what will be presented to the Commissioners. MC Case: Department Generated ......................................................................................................................................................................................... STAFF REPORT ~` Applicant Proposal:The Mason County Board of Commissioners has requested County staff prepare draft short-term vacation rental regulations. Department: Community Development- Planning Staff Contact(s): Marissa Watson, Senior Planner Ext. 367 or -nwatson@masoncountywa.gov Date:April 23, 2024 Action Requested at this Meeting: BOCC review requested draft short term vacation rental regulations with additional staff recommendations and provide staff direction and guidance for Planning Advisory Commission review process. SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL & BACKGROUND APPLICANT (DEPARTMENT GENERATED) ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Community Development 615 W. Alder Street Shelton,Wa 98584 PROPOSAL ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... The Community Development Department's Planning Division has been tasked with drafting short- term rental regulations. BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Mason County does not currently regulate short-term rentals but has received an increasing number of inquiries regarding the topic and has discovered there is a larger concentration than previously thought, especially in the most sensitive environments, along our waterways. Many other jurisdictions within Washington State have already been regulating short term rentals to varying degrees. The discussions around them range from the lack of long term housing supply, community fracture, environmental impact, income generation,tourism boost, supplement of lodging options, and so forth.The Board of County Commissioners brought the idea of looking into the short-term rental situation within the County to the Planning Division.They decided to review this topic prior to the Planning Advisory Commission. 615 W.Alder Street Shelton,Wa 98584 1 360.427.9670 ext. 352 ©masoncountywa.gov MC Case: Department Generated The Planning Division drafted a survey asking the community to provide their input on the topic. Information regarding the survey and a QR code were provided on a postcard that was mailed to marine shoreline owners only.This area was chosen for the postcard mailing because of the complexity and cost of mailing the whole County and because the marine shoreline is one of the most short-term rental concentrated areas. The County also sent out a press release, hoping to engage a wider range of the County, informing them of a project webpage were the survey link could also be accessed.The survey opened on November 16, 2023 and closed on January 12, 2024. Over 1,500 survey responses were received. The BOCC conducted their first work session on February 6, 2024.The work session reviewed the common themes that were gathered from the survey responses as well as summaries of regulations from four other counties. The commissioners also provided their initial thoughts on areas that they believed staff should concentrate when drafting regulations. Staff has reviewed regulations from other jurisdictions in Washington (Grays Harbor, Skamania, San Juan, Pacific,Jefferson, Chelan) in order to assess commonalities in how specific aspects of short-term rentals are regulated. The commissioners' initial recommendations for review were concentrated on the following: Septic Issues/Environmental Impact r Poaching on shoreline r No outright ban on STRs r Property Management plans on file with the County Outstanding code violations resolved before permitting r Local operator responsive to guests r Waste pick-up schedule-Require garbage collection r i Occupancy 2 per bedroom +2 additional people/per STR(Occupancy limits) r Specific structures cannot be used as STR- Defining what is and isn't a Short-Term Rental r— Contact is available 24 hours and responds physically within 3 hours r Clear complaint path outline r i Annual permitting Process for Revocation of permit i Typical rules of conduct posted i Notification to neighbors within 300 feet Initial permit issuance requires fire,safety, health,standards,and building code compliance inspection i Parking Issues-responsive to problems within a certain amount of time Tier System 615 W.Alder Street Shelton,Wa 98584 2 360.427.9670 ext. 352 ©masoncountywa.gov MC Case: Department Generated Good Neighbor Guidelines ANALYSIS Staff has provided comments and recommendations within the draft regulations (see attachment) which will be reviewed during the April 23rd BOCC Work Session. _ NOTIFICATION & COMMENT -A- AM PUBLIC NOTIFICATION ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Staff maintains a notification list for this project. The April 23, 2024 BOCC Work session notice was emailed to the list on April 1, 2024 and again on April 10, 2024. The work session is also advertised on the County website on the homepage. PUBLIC COMMENTS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Staff has included all comments received through April 15, 2024, indicated as comments for the record, as an attachment to this packet. Comments provided after that date will be provided to commissioners but will not make it into the packet for this work session. RECOMMENDATION REQUESTED ACTION Staff requests feedback on draft regulations so far, • Clarity on what areas staff should refine further with the PAC,where each item would rank in priority, and what items, if any, may need to be removed. • Approval to move forward with the Planning Advisory Commission ATTACHMENTS • Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations • Public Comments received as of April 2, 2024 • Public Comments received April 3 through April 15, 2024 • Example Sheet- Fees STR programs(Wa State counties) 615 W.Alder Street Shelton,Wa 98584 3 360.427.9670 ext. 352 ©masoncountywa.gov Chapter 17.100 SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS Commented[MW1]:Code location...decide on this as review progresses. 17.100.010 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the framework necessary to operate a short-term ­@G@#AR rental within the County.The desired outcome of these requirements is the minimization of impacts on residential neighborhoods,the support of economic and tourism vitality, and the protection of natural resources,public health,and life safety. These provisions reflect the goals and policies of the County Wide Planning Policies including but not limited to those that take into account the rural nature of the County, the need for affordable housing,the promotion of economic opportunities for all citizens, and the limitation or controls needed to ensure no detrimental effects on environmentally sensitive areas. 17.100.020 Definitions. "County"Mason County,Washington "Department"Department of Community Development Commented[MW2]:This is from the RCW,many other "Short-Term"ate#i^^ Rental"A lodging use,that is not a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast in b' g jurisdictions also include additional items a STIR is NOT.Such which a dwelling unit,or portion thereof,that is offered or provided to a guest by a short-term as Recreational Vehicles,Tents,or other temporary or rental operator for a fee for fewer than thirty(30)consecutive nights. mobile units. This should be discussed. "Short-Term V;;r.A#jon Rental Operator" Any person who receives payment for owning or Commented[MW3R2]:Recommend placing all operating a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, as a short-term vaGatiGR rental unit, or their definitions within 17.06(note to renumber) authorized agent. Commented[MW4]:Confirm whether the desire is to apply to all Mason County including UGAs,or Rural Lands "Short-Term llaca#ieR Rental Owner"Any person who,alone or with others, has title or interest only. v in any building,property,dwelling unit,or portion thereof,with or without accompanying actual Commented[MWSR4]:Do the parcels have to be zoned possession thereof, and including any person who as agent, executor, administrator,trustee, or for residential use(no RC,RI,etc.) guardian of an estate has charge,care,or control of any building,dwelling unit,or portion thereof. Commented[MW6]:Two types which are dependent on A person whose sole interest in any building,dwelling unit,or portion thereof is solely that of a owner/operator residence on site.Some jurisdictions add lessee under a lease agreement is not considered an owner. additional types/tiers when additional control levels are needed for higher occupancy units or if the STIR is located in a particular area needing additional restrictions. Are additional types/tiers needed with a maximum 17.100.030 Applicability occupancy? Additional restrictions/standards for types/tiers with greater This chapter shall apply to all short-term vaeatiOR rentals in Tall zoning districts of the County. occupancy limits? These standards are in addition to other development regulations. If there are any conflicts Commented[MW7R6]:In addition,sometimes the between this chapter and other development regulations,the most restrictive provisions shall higher tier/type are also the STRs that allow events(with proper permitting),this is due to the higher tier having to apply. meet additional access,parking,environmental health �17.100.040 Typ standards,etc. e Commented[MW8R6]:Some jurisdictions require higher Types of short-term vaeat4nn rentals are established in this section. occupancy units have direct access(parcel frontage/driveway access)from classified highway right of way Title 17.100 Short-Term Vacation Rentals(DRAFT) 3 April 2024 Page 1 of 6 (a)Type 1.Short-term v amnion rentals of type 1 are those that are owner occupied where either 1) rooms are rented and the owner is present during the rental period, or 2) the owner resides in the principal residence on the same parcel where the short-term rental is located. (b) Type 2. Short-term v;;ratinn rentals of type 2 are located in a dwelling that is not owner occupied nor does the owner reside on the lot where the short-term rental is located. 17.100.050 Standards for Operation of Short-Term Vacation Rentals (a) Operation of a short-term rental shall be within a qualifying structure as defined within this chapter. (Ib) [#of short-term rentals per parcel] Commented[MW9]:Rural Residential zoning allows a main residence and one adu.Are restrictions on number per (c) Occupancy limits shall be based on the number of bedrooms approved for the qualifying parcel needed? structure in relation to the on-site sewage system approved by the Mason County In some codes UGA multi-family units are sometimes Environmental Health Department. restricted as to how many units in the residential structure can be rented as STRs. (1) Occupancy shall be limited to two (2) persons per bedroom, plus two (2) additional Current legislation may allow two ADUs in addition to the main residence on lots within a UGA. persons per short-term rental. How do we want to address the STIR situation in the UGAs or (2) Operation and maintenance of on-site sewage systems shall be as prescribed by MCC do we? 6.76.070 and performed by a qualified specialist as outlined in MCC 6.76.100. Commented[MW10119]:Some codes allow additional STRs per lot in commercial zones/UGAs (d)Parking shall be provided for all guests on-site where the short-termvaeatriAR rental Is located. Commented[KR11]:Grays Harbor has same rules for (1)Parking shall not occur within shared easements where such parking may block access to sewer(2 persons per bedroom plus 2 persons.Do we want a neighboring property and/or cause a safety hazard. to include sewer language too? Commented[MW12]:If we have types/tiers of STRs that (e) Solid waste normal residential handling and removal shall be managed in compliance with allow higher occupancies,are there additional IMCC 6.72.030(h)(3),I environmental health requirements needed? (f) The short-term rental property lines, easements, as well as public easements to access Commented[MW131112]:EH recommendations needed shorelines shall be depicted clearly on a site plan and provided within a property Commented[MW14]:As written in MCC 6.72.030(h)(3) It is unlawful to engage in solid waste handling beyond management plan. normal residential needs.Such handling is unlawful unless a (1)If the Short-term rental owner/operator also has ownership of tidelands and allows guests permit or limited purpose permit has been obtained or is specifically exempt from permit requirements,as provided to access and utilize these tidelands for harvesting, rules regarding harvesting shellfish elsewhere in this chapter.Normal residential handling is:(i) and the boundaries of the harvesting area shall also be depicted on the site plan provided all solid waste except scrap metal and recyclables shall be stored in rigid,water and animal/rodent proof upright in the property management plan. containers with tight fitting lids,(ii)removal of solid waste (g)Operator of the short-term rental shall be available 24 hours a day.The operator shall respond occurring at least twice per month,(iii)recyclables contained in an open or closed container solely dedicated to any communications regarding the use of the short-term rental and/or complaints within for recycling materials and removed within ninety days,and 1 hour, and if necessary operator shall be on site within 3 hours to provide and/or initiate (iv)scrap metal and construction debris shall be stored in a resolution to valid Issues and/or complaints. manner which poses no threat to the environment or the safety of humans and removed within ninety days. (1)Contact information for the operator shall be provided in the property management plan. Commented[MW151114]:Some jurisdictions require Information shall consist of the operator's name, phone number, email address, and proof of garbage service at site address.Does this need to address. be a requirement of permit issuance? Title 17.100 Short-Term Vacation Rentals(DRAFT) 3 April 2024 Page 2 of 6 (h) The short-term rental owner/operator shall remit all applicable local taxes as specified in Mason County Code Title 3 as well as any state and federal taxes consistent with RCW 64.37.020. (1) [should there be a requirement to keep records and submit] Commented[MW16]:Some jurisdictions require the operator to keep records for a specified number of years or (j) A short-term rental operator shall maintain primary liability insurance coverage consistent provide records of taxes remitted for previous year for the with RCW 64.37.050. purposes of permit renewal. (j)Short-term rental shall be in compliance with RCW 19.27.530 and any rules adopted by the state building code council regarding the installation of carbon monoxide alarms. Commented here an ommented[Mther fire safety requirements needed. Requirement ofthe RCW. y t o (k) Property management plan shall be posted in a conspicuous location within the short-term rental and shall contain all elements outlined in MCC 17.100.060(c)(4) 17.100.060 Permitting Short-Term`Rentals All newly established short-term WaGR#iQR rentals shall require a land use permit as of [date of adopted ordinance].The permit shall be issued bythe Community Development Director or their designee. (a) The Issued Permit shall contain the following information: (1) Permit holder's name and contact information (phone,email,and address) (2) Operator contact information(phone,email,and address) (3) Permit number (4) Type of Short-Term Vaca#ieR Rental and Occupancy limit (5) Short-term v;;r-.;#ionrental site address (6) Dates the permit is valid (A) Permits issued for a short-term vacatiGR rental use shall be valid for one calendar year. Commented[MW18]:Suggest having a permitting window,for permits that would be valid for the next year (b) Notification (1) Valid short-term vacatiGR rental permit numbers shall be posted in all advertisements of the rental. (2) Valid permit numbers shall be conspicuously posted within the short-term ,,.;C—_R ^R rental. (3) Applicants for permits shall notify neighbors within 300 feet of the short-term vasatiee rental with the information contained within a valid issued permit as outlined in (a) above. Title 17.100 Short-Term Vacation Rentals(DRAFT) 3 April 2024 Page 3 of 6 (A) The 300-foot measurement shall be measured from the parcel lines that contain the short-term rental use. (B) An affidavit of notification shall be notarized and returned to the Department [within#days of Issued permit]. Commented[MW19]:Would this process need to be repeated if owner/host information changes,or any other information on the permit? (c) Application Requirements (1) Applicants for short-term V@GatiAR rentals shall apply for a land use permit on forms provided by the County. (2) Applications shall be complete and accompanied by any required supporting documentation,property management plan and fees. (3) Fees associated with the initial issuance of a permit, renewal, and any required inspections shall be maintained on the County's current applicable fee schedules. (4) A property management plan shall be submitted by the applicant in addition to all other application requirements and shall contain the following: (A) Rules of Conduct (i) Rules shall include but are not limited to noise, quiet hours, trespassing, pet management, [...] Commented[MW20]:Additional comments on conduct? (B) Short Term Rental street address (C) Site plan with property boundary lines,easements,beach access(if any) (D) Floor plan with fire escapes and escape routes (E) Local emergency numbers (F) Max occupancy limits Commented[KR21]:We may not have the capacityto do this.Need to discuss alternatives,such as,"subject to (G) Max number of vehicles allowed on site inspection'prior to issuance.Maybe inspect a certain percentage or number,pulled randomly so there is no bias. (H)Waste pick-up schedule Commented[MW22]:Ability to inspect at reasonable (1) Short-Term Vaca#eR Rental Owner and Operator contact information times for compliance,complaints,evidence of non- compliance. (5) Prior to initial permit issuance a fire, safety, health and building code compliance Commented[MW23R22]:Department leadstosubmit inspection shall be required and performed by the designated County officialsl. what a compliance checklist would include. Commented[MW24]:To make the process more predictable may want to distinguish that all permits expire (d) Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit Renewal the same time every year,renewal applications received before a cut off date,and notification of expiration will be (1) Application for renewal shall occur annually and at least 60 days prior to the short-term sent out by specific time every year. ^inn rental permit expiration. Commented[MW25R24]:Different application windows (2) Renewal fees shall be per the County's applicable fee schedule. for renewals versus"new"STRs Commented[MW26]:Some jurisdictions that implement (3) Renewal of an existing permit may require a self-certification form addressing fire,safety, self-certification may include the ability to audit. and health requirements. Commented[MW27R26]:is that something to consider? Title 17.100 Short-Term Vacation Rentals(DRAFT) 3 April 2024 Page 4 of 6 17.100.070 Existing Short-Term" ti.^n Rentals Commented[MW28]:Establishment of this section is more important if the County implements limits on (a)Permitting is required for all short-term rentals in the County.If a rental existed prior numbers,limits in areas,limits in proximity to other STRs, to the establishment of this Ordinance, it shall be considered lawfully established if the etc owner provides proof of the following: (1)The rental operator must have proof that the site address was the location of the rental and that applicable sales and lodging taxes pursuant to RCW 64.37 were remitted to the authorized collector between July 28,2019 and [the date of this Ordinance]. (2) Obtain a short-term ^ ^n rental land use permit within [# days from date of Ord adoption] (3)All operation standards shall be met within [#days from date of Ord adoption] (4) Any existing County code violations on the subject property shall be resolved prior to permit issuance. Commented[MW29]:Chelan requires any existing zoning,land use,or building permit violations to be resolved (b)An existing short-term "^ ^^ rental shall be considered non-conforming as of[date of this prior to new short term vacation rental permitting,and for Ordinance] if the rental does not conform to the standards of section MCC 17.100.050. existing non-conforming STRs a provisional permit may be issued with a specified grace period to rectify violations.No additional permitting is allowed after that date.But director may extend the provisional 6 months if a"good faith"effort 17.100.080 iComplaint Procedures) can be shown. (a)All complaints shall first be addressed with the short-term rental operator designated within Commented[MW30]:Review this procedure with Kell and Jayme the property management plan and issued permit. Commented[MW31 R301:This is similar to Pacific (b)If a complaint regarding operation standards or permitting,as herein described,is not resolved County by the operator within a reasonable amount of time per MCC 17.100.050(g),7_7the complainant may then provide the complaint to the Mason County Department of Community Development [method of providing complaint...3rd Party Commented[KR32]:3rd party consultant? consultant/hotline/online form/in writing]. The complaint shall identify the informal attempts made to rectify the situation. (c)The Director or designee will investigate the complaint,and if deemed an operation standards or permitting violation, shall issue a notice of violation to the permit-holder per the enforcement procedures authorized in MCC 15.13.If the violation is beyond the scope of the code enforced by the Community Development Department, but still a violation of the Mason County Code the Director or designee shall forward the complaint to the appropriate department for review. 17.100.080 Revocation (a) The Director or designee shall revoke a short-term vacation rental permit if three (#3) violations occur within 12 months (tim ,the short-term vapatiAR rental owner shall Title 17.100 Short-Term Vacation Rentals(DRAFT) 3 April 2024 Page 5 of 6 not obtain a new short-term v acatin^n rental permit sooner than one(1)year from the date of revocation. (b) All violations of the short-term vaea#eRrental ordinance must be rectified, and the complaint(s)closed with the County prior to the issuance of a new short-term,gar--alFieR rental permit. (c)Appeals of the revocation of the permit shall be pursuant to the appeals process outlined in MCC 15.11. Title 17.100 Short-Term Vacation Rentals(DRAFT) 3 April 2024 Page 6 of 6 From: Beth Rossow To: Marissa Watson Subject: Short Term Rentals Date: Tuesday, November 21,2023 10:14:17 AM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hello, I just filled out the online survey. I am so glad to see there is an advisory board working on this issue. Thanks for generating the survey and reaching out for public input. I represent Totten Shores Property Owners Group which is not an HOA. We do not have HOA in Totten Shores. But we have a strong community of lifelong residents, many of us here since childhood. Totten Shores originated in 1951. We formed a group to hire an attorney, pooling our funds, to stop Short Term Rentals in Totten. We got very committed to the campaign after experiencing a terrible summer in 2022 because of just one listing for a Short Term Rental. We are now a group of 30 residents fighting to preserve Totten and keep all Short Term Rentals out. We were able to shut down that one listing in our neighborhood for a bevy of violations including no license with DOR, septic not approved for a guesthouse, no building permit for the structure.etc.. Cost us $3500.00 hiring an attorney to fight it and protect our deeds of title. In Totten, our deeds are running with the land with specific restrictions listed for'No lodges. No Public resorts, or amusements.' But we know the antiquated terminology is not enough to really stop Short Term Rentals without a judge deciding it. We hope to avoid an expensive lawsuit. If Mason County Planning could do something to prevent Short Term Rentals and stop this threat to the integrity of communities like Totten it would solve our problems into the future. We believed that Short Term Rentals were in violation of Zoning codes in our neighborhood already. Is that not the case? I noticed in the survey the questions about financial boon to the county by allowing Short Term Rentals. I see no benefit to county coffers. Maybe the Casino and Olympic National Park will benefit but not many tourist dollars are spent in Shelton. Most people renting a house for a weekend bring their own food and just hang out or have parties. Not going out on the town in Shelton. The state can gain in Taxes paid by the business, if the owners comply. But many who list Airbnb never get a business license at all. We have a Private community park in Totten Shores that is jointly owned by all residents.. We all pay extra property tax for the shared park. Seeing it listed online worldwide with photos, making our park beach a tourist destination for the profit of one resident, at the expense of everyone else, was an outrage. At the urging of one resident sudden trouble was brought upon us. Upsetting incidents started occuring immediately. Traffic from the Airbnb added up to over 500 additional visitor use cars coming and going on our small 2 mi. one lane road in just 3 months. Fast drivers. Not residents. There were not 500 guests, but the cars coming and going and parry cars added up to that. That is alot of impact. It was quantifiable for me to personally count cars passing my house. I kept count of cars that I did not recognize. Then followed to see where they went. I know every resident in Totten and know their cars. With only one Airbnb it was easy to find the unfamiliar cars parked there to verify my count. In our situation the Airbnb exposure we had from just the one Airbnb listing created disturbances we'd never imagined. I've lived in Totten for 50 years. Because of one Airbnb suddenly there was Fast traffic. Strange dogs off leash. Strangers abusing our park amenities. Litter. Trespassing on private beaches. Strangers digging clams and pulling necks off of valuable geoducks on our private beaches. Driving on the beach. Ignoring all rules we uphold. Filling up garbage cans with travellers trash. Additional daily use of porta potties we pay for as a community for resident conveniences, not used often, had to be pumped twice as frequently throughout the summer. It's not meant to be a public park. Just us. Mostly old senior citizen volunteers maintaining the park. But the Airbnb guests did whatever they wanted, knowing they'd be long gone before we could press charges. Some did not speak English to even read rules we had posted. Attitudes of entitlement because they'd paid to come to a beach. But they are privately owned beaches! Sheriff did not respond to calls about trespassing that we made. Thanks for reading this long-winded, in depth account of our experience. We would love to be involved in meetings or possibly meet with your advisory board before final decisions are made. It really matters to us. We see this as a crucial turning point. If Short Term Rentals take over, our Totten Shores community will be lost beyond recognition. Many communities Nationwide are in the news banning Short Term Rentals. If we can stop it here, we want to do all we can to make that happen. Sincerely, Beth Rossow From: Steve&Vicki Wilson To: Marissa Watson Subject: Short Term Rental survey Date: Sunday,November 26,2023 10:59:04 AM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hi Marissa — Thanks for getting back to me last Wednesday to ask about my questions regarding the STR survey. On first read, I had some comments about the construction of the survey itself, but when reviewing the document before making any entries, I found I wasn't able to go back to the beginning of the survey after reaching the last page. At that point, access is blocked. Not being able to take a second look at the survey, I'll withhold comments on it other than to say it's inconvenient not to be able to look at the survey in it's entirety before submitting answers. Moving on to the intent of the survey, I want to express concern about impacts we have seen due to short term rentals (meaning up to monthly). I'm responding both as a shoreline resident in the Arcadia Point area, and a shellfish business owner in the South Sound area including multiple farms in Totten Inlet. We have lived here since 1986, and the business has been in operation since 1999. Our experience as homeowners comes from near-by property owners making their homes available for people to use as Party Central. Late night parties that go until early morning, music full blast with open doors until early morning, fights-we've heard it all. Too many short term occupants don't realize or care that they are staying in a neighborhood (even though it's along the waterfront)and not a resort. As shellfish business owners, we both own and lease tidelands along the Totten Inlet shoreline. We understand the Public Trust Doctrine allows transit across private tidelands (and in fact we encourage beach-goers to walk through our farms to learn about aquaculture), however we have found that upland property owners with beach access may fail to inform their renters that most tidelands are private and digging shellfish on private tidelands is illegal. And poaching from a commercial farm is definitely a criminal action. Our preferred solution would be no short term rentals, but that's probably unrealistic. However, what has become obvious to us is problems are much, much, more difficult to correct when absentee owners rent out their properties. Absentee owners are hard to track down, fail to respond, or have contracted with a commercial rental company that ignores complaints entirely. Owners who remain on-site can be more easily contacted by neighbors should the need arise, and are subject to the peer pressure of the neighborhoods they live in. Perhaps eliminating absentee ownership of short term rentals is something to consider. Thanks, Steve Wilson &Arcadia Point Seafood 240 SE Arcadia Point Rd Shelton 98584 360-426-4367 From: Beth Rossow To: Marissa Watson Subject: Journal article Dec.7,2023 issue. Date: Saturday,December 9,2023 2:51:32 PM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hi again Marissa, This is Beth of Totten Shores. After reading the article in The Journal I have another comment to add. The article suggests that the income potential of managing a Short Term Rental may ease the financial burden of shoreline owners by off setting property taxes with Short Term Rental income.. Yes, for the owner of the Short Term Rental there is certainly added income that may be used to help with other expenses. But meanwhile, as residential homes are being used as vacation rentals, the properties are being sold and developed at inflated prices. Short Term Rental income potential attracts a different sort of buyer. Big investors can see the profit to be made. Developers come in with millions to invest. Real Estate agents promote this by advertising the Short Term Rental income potential of shoreline homes. Profit for one at the long term expense of the whole community is not helping lifelong, tax paying residents many who are Senior Citizens on fixed income, in Mason County. All property owners bear the increasing property tax burden. Property sold for Short Term Rentals is making the financial burden of affording property taxes worse. But obviously with the increased property taxes there will be an ever increasing income to the County from the collection of higher property taxes. The assessor bases property taxes on prices paid for property bought and sold among other things. It should be illegal for residential homes to be sold to investors interested in Short Term Rental businesses which ultimately and inevitably raises the property tax for every other property owner in the Shoreline community. I hope this is in no way a primary objective of Mason County Planning Dept. That would be a low blow in an important project like this. You can make a difference in the future integrity of so many communities. Your decisions will determine priorities that will shape or destroy the communities we love. If Short Term Rentals in Shoreline Communities are banned by strict Zoning restrictions much distress and conflict will be prevented. We are counting on your careful consideration of our quality of life and financial burdens we will suffer if Short Term Rentals are allowed in Totten Shores. Sincerely, Beth Rossow From: Larry Keene To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: [CAUTION:SUSPECT SENDER]Question Received from the Mason County Website- Date: Monday,December 18,2023 3:00:24 PM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. I would love for you to add my comments to the record! Thanks so much. Also, I'm available to speak to the commission about my personal experience, as I share a driveway with an Airbnb house and have renters for neighbors all year. Larry Keene Get Outlook for iOS From: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:09:51 AM To: Larry D Keene<larrykeene@outlook.com> Subject: RE: [CAUTION: SUSPECT SENDER] Question Received from the Mason County Website - Hello, I have added your name to the notification list for this project. Did you want the message that you also included added to the record for review by the commission when the time comes? Thank you, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range (available Monday-Thursday) *Please note: Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW. As such, any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. -----Original Message----- From: Larry D Keene<larrykeene@outlook.com> Sent: Sunday, December 17,2023 3:07 PM To: Marissa Watson<MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Subject: [CAUTION: SUSPECT SENDER] Question Received from the Mason County Website- Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password,DO NOT DO SO! Instead,report the incident. From: Larry D Keene Dept Sent To: Marissa Watson Message: My wife and I own property on the south shore of Hood Canal. We share a joint use driveway with a home that rents to Airbnb customers. Although the home is zoned as a 2 BR septic system,we have had as many as 10 adults spend the weekend next door. They routinely block the driveway and therefore access to our property. They list their property as "Oyster Haven" on their Airbnb ad,which is harmful to the Lynch Cove fishery. Not only have we not harvested any oysters from our beach in over 2 yrs (our entire fishery was killed off due to record high temps in June, 2021),but the renters next door are poaching what little shellfish there are from our property. Something must change to regulate this out of control industry and to protect neighbors'property rights. I'm sure the owners ask them to be respectful,but that's not what's happening. My next step is to place a gate across the driveway at the property line. It's a shame. We've owned our property 7 yrs! ,but this recent change is horrible for neighboring homeowners. From: Eric R Jackson To: Marissa Watson Subject: [CAUTION: SUSPECT SENDER] Question Received from the Mason County Website Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023 9:35:56 AM Caution: External Email Warning!This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. From: Eric R Jackson Dept Sent To: Marissa Watson Message: I feel strongly that there should be restrictions and control over short term stay rentals in Mason County. We now have 3 short term rentals around our house and a 4th being planned. A healthy residential neighborhood should have single family homes occupied with full-time or mostly full time residents. Please implement controls to retain livable wage housing and sense of community in our area. We have deft with Airbnb 3 times already due to loud events.As I write this the AirBnb has 4 vehicles parked around a small 2 bedroom house that only costs $100/night. There are obviously more than 5 people in this house (AirBnb limit for this home) which means they each pay less than $20/night, much less than a cheap hotel. Having 3 AirBNBs on Walker around our house does not do anything good for us or Mason County. I looked at this for some rule ideas https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com? I thinkthis is an important one. People should not be able to operate these as a fleet business, it should actually be a home they use. I thinkthis is the most important rule to implement. Our neighborhood is not a resort. Primary Residence: The host must prove that the apartment or home is his or her primary residence, meaning that they live there for more than six months of the year. Proof of identification (including a Photo ID) and residence will be required to register any short-term rental property online. Consult the Administrative Guidelines for a list of acceptable documents. Please add these comments to the record. Eric Jackson 1924 Walker Park Rd. TO Mark Neary, Mason County Administrator Kell Rowen, Administrator, Community Development FROM Constance C. Ibsen, co-Chair, Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition DATE July 5, 2022 SUBJECT Toward Adopting a Mason County Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance The Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition (LHCWC) is pleased that a short term rental ordinance is being considered. It is essential that short term rentals, just as other home businesses such as day cares, have enhanced oversight of onsite septic systems because of the potential for overuse. As the ordinance develops, LHCWC encourages the County to include the need for an annual inspection by a certified septic inspector to help ensure the surface and marine waters are safe for visitors and residents and limit damage to water dependent industries and cultures. LHCWC is happy to provide input as the ordinance develops. TO Marissa Watson, Senior Planner Mason County Long-Term Planning FROM Constance C. Ibsen,co-Chair Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition (LHCWC) DATE December 12,2023 SUBJECT Short-Term Rentals—LHCWC Recommendation on Septic Maintenance As the Mason County Short Term Rental proposal develops and is out for public comment and new discussion and information are brought forward,the Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition (LHCWC) had revised its original recommendation submitted July 5,2022 to Mason County Planning. At the November 28,2023,Mason County Board of Health meeting,LHCWC co-Chair Ibsen presented the change LHCWC had made to its previous Short Term Rentals recommendation adding the word mandatory. "The Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition recommends that the proposed Mason County Short Term Rental ordinance includes mandatory annual septic system inspection." After review of the November 28,2023 Board of Health discussion on Short Term Rentals, [view starting @ minute 27.19,https://masonwebtv.com/archives/54620 ],on December 11, 2023 LHCWC revised its recommendation again. The added new language to the one-sentence recommendation appears in Bold below. The Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition recommends that the proposed Mason County Short Term Rental ordinance includes mandatory annual septic system inspection by a Mason Coun , -certified septic system professional. Thank you for your consideration. From: Beth Rossow To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rentals Review Date: Tuesday,February 6,2024 3:05:18 PM Attachments: image002.g_no Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hi Marissa, Thanks for the excellent presentation today. Thanks for keeping me informed. I will discuss the meeting with our Totten Shores Group before summarizing our opinions. Two points were glaring to me: 1) regarding how STIRS may offset the high property taxes for waterfront homeowners. This comes up frequently as an argument for allowing STRs because they offer benefit to homeowners by offsetting property taxes with income they can generate by listing STRs. Meanwhile it is the STIR market potential that has raised our property taxes dramatically due to purchase prices of investors effecting our assessments. Along with the limited availability of waterfront property. It is infuriating to pay the increasingly higher taxes only to be faced with trespassers, neighborhood conflicts, hiring attorneys to defend our land, combating environmental issues, destruction of cohesive communities, battles on our private beaches, poaching private shellfish beds, STIR activity is ruining our summer enjoyment on our own land. We breathe a sigh of relief when the season ends! Seeing the chart of shoreline residents using their homes as STRs compared to the preponderance of homeowners that are not currently doing it and many of us who will never consider it, underscores my point. Our higher taxes and less quality of life on our land is not the Thank You we'd hope for from the County Officials making these decisions. We've been paying our taxes religiously for 4- 6 decades. My Property Tax is now 10 times what it was in the early 90's. My property tax now exceeds the original price I paid for the property itself. My original property cost % of the current yearly property tax. Granted it waspurchased 40 years ago, but It adds up. I own 4 lots in Totten Shores. I think some provision for this unbalanced calculation of tax burden on the many for the benefit of a few should be considered. I liked what Randy said about STIRS being Hotels plunked down in the middle of neighborhoods unprepared for such business activity. That has been our experience. Especially in our privately owned park and on our narrow road. 2) The other thing that really disturbed me is the opinion that the STIR platforms provide enough self governing! They do not even check to find out if it is up to code, has a business license, or has any deed restrictions running with the land in the signed titles since 1950. The free for all attitude of the opportunistic platforms make it easy for the host to list the place, come what may, while the neighborhood suffers the consequences. This fact is why we had to pool funds and hire our own lawyers in Totten Shores.. We received no help from the STIR platforms or the county at that time. Protecting our deeds of title is crucial. If restrictions are ignored and allowed it becomes null and void. If the county starts allowing STRs unregulated, without taking into account these legal restrictions, how will we have any defense to protect our communities? With that thought also came the idea that having on site hosts is the saving grace for troublesome incidents. In Totten Shores it was the hosts that were combative to all residents. The hosts were new residents who purchased specifically to list as Airbnb, in spite of the title restrictions. Because we have no HOA they thought they could bully us. It was miserable. The guests were not disrespectful but the hosts, our newest residents, were aggressive, angry, unreasonable, uncompromising, and threatening to all of us long time residents. Because we dared ask why strangers were suddenly in the park everyday we became the enemy. We encountered strangers on our beaches, lounging on blankets, securing kayaks to our bulkheads, and digging clams. The STIR hosts said the guests were entitled to the beach experience they had paid for. Threatening us with Tortois Interference and lawsuits if we questioned strangers on our private property. Sheriff was no help. Thanks for your hard work Marissa. I liked seeing you. We really appreciate all that you have done so far. I hope you will share this email with Randy and Linda especially. Sincerely, Beth From: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Sent:Tuesday, February 6, 2024 1:27 PM To: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Subject: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rentals Review Hello All, If you missed the Short-Term Vacation Rentals discussion with the Board of County Commissioners, it can be found on MasonWebTv-htt.p-s://maso-nwebtv-.com/archives 55451 You can find a copy of the power point slides on the "Meeting Information" page of the project site here https:�,!wwvv,masoncountywa:goy/community=services/.planning/short short-term- .................. vacation.rentalsjmeeting- nfo:P-hp Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (available Monday—Thursday) Phone:360-427-9670 ext.367 Te lework: 360-930-9037 Email:mwatson@masoncou tywa.Qov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Michael Rinabaraer To: Marissa Watson Cc: ISHOA Board Subject: Re: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rentals Review Date: Friday,February 9,2024 10:25:49 AM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Marissa, Yes, if you would. We have an owner in our community on Harstine that rents out his front yard to campers. Our concerns are sanitation, fire safety, and the fact that our community insurance provider has, and is considering canceling our policy. Because of rulings by the state Supreme Court, we cannot deny the right to offer STR's. We see the only option is to properly regulate, and you can see that the four counties, offered as examples, the efforts to do so. In addition, Mason County must have the ability to collect the necessary fees to support the enforcement of any proposed regulations. I do appreciate the opportunity. Many Thanks Mike Rinabarger Sent from my iPad On Feb 9, 2024, at 9:19 AM, Marissa Watson<MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> wrote: Hi Mike, Thank you for the feedback. I have a few emails from other citizens that I will be providing the commissioners prior to their next workshop, did you want me to add the concerns about the RVs/tents and insurance to the group of emails for commissioner review? Thank you, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range (available Monday—Thursday) *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Michael Rinabarger<mrinabarger@att.net> Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 6:50 PM To: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Subject: Re: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rentals Review Caution: External Email Warning!This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Marissa, Very impressive. I am not sure when I have seen a better prepared presentation. One area that may or may not be clear is when a host rents their front yard out to RV's or tents. Another consideration is how STR's affect a communities ability to obtain insurance for the common property. Our community has been threatened with cancellation due to one STIR. Please keep up the fantastic work Best Mike Rinabarger ISHOA Harstine Island On Feb 6, 2024, at 1:27 PM, Marissa Watson <MWatson(@masoncountywa.gov>wrote: Hello All, If you missed the Short-Term Vacation Rentals discussion with the Board of County Commissioners, it can be found on MasonWebTv.https://masonwebtv.com/archives/55451 You can find a copy of the power point slides on the "Meeting Information" page of the project site here htts1lwww_masoncountkwaoylcommunit�= servica5/planning/short_term=_v-acation_rentals./meeting_ nfo_php Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range .................................... (available Monday—Thursday) Phone:360-427-9670 ext.367 Te I ewo rk: 360-930-90 37 Email:mwat�on aQm��on0o�ntyw�,ggv Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ................................................................ *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Jean Fisher To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: [CAUTION:SUSPECT SENDER]Question Received from the Mason County Website- Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 10:06:57 AM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Yes please, thank you. On Mon, Mar 4, 2024 at 10:43 AM Marissa Watson <MWatsonnmasoncountywa.gov> wrote: Good Morning Jean, I have added your information to the notification list. Would you like your comment added to the record as well? Thank you, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range (available Monday - Thursday) *Please note: Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW. As such, any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. -----Original Message----- From: Jean Brower Fisher<jeansquiltypleasures&gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 4, 2024 9:27 AM To: Marissa Watson<MWatsonnmasoncountywa.gov> Subject: [CAUTION: SUSPECT SENDER] Question Received from the Mason County Website - Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. From: Jean Brower Fisher Dept Sent To: Marissa Watson Message: I currently live right next door to a new air B and B. This is the 6th house in my cove to operate a B and B. I am glad to hear that Mason County is looking seriously at this invasion. Oyster Cove on Pickering Passage has been severely impacted by these rentals. The banks of the cove have been cleared for view purposes creating more erosion and mud in the cove. I do not feel as safe in Rustlewood as I once did because of all of the strangers that come to party and vacation in our little neighborhood. My beach is no longer private as guests show no respect for other's personal property. My address is 430 E Madrona Parkway, Grapeview, Wa. I hope to attend any community meetings regarding this phenomenon. Thank you for your time looking in to this matter. FEB 1 4 2024 Short term rentals I believe Mason County should not determine if a short term rental is considered a business as each property needs to be evaluated by the homeowner's CPA. For instance,when we first looked into converting our cottage to an Airbnb, I asked my CPA if it was considered a business. The CPA replied that if you do not offer the following services,then it is not considered a business: 1) Provide daily maid services 2) Provide food services 3) Provide transportation services There are strict IRS rules that govern a mixed use property(personal use vs Airbnb use).They fall under the Schedule E(rental property requirements) not Schedule C(business income)for IRS compliance. If my short term rental is losing money(expenses such as depreciation,taxes ,insurance, supplies, utilities) is greater than the rents received,then I cannot reduce the short term rental loss against my long term rental properties. Recommendation: Each short term rental needs to be reviewed by the homeowner's CPA to determine if the property is to follow Schedule E(rental property requirements)or Schedule C (business income). Mason County should not be involved in determining if a short term rental is a business. Thanks for your consideration on this matter. The �e2n.q J l (sv-a t' . LJvr • February 28, 2024 `fie_ 66( To: Commissioner Randy Neatherlin MAR 01 2024 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton WA 98584 Ixastm e4tm� Subject: Mason County Plan for Regulating/Taxing Short-Term Rentals Dear Commissioner Neatherlin: We are writing to you about Mason County's plans for regulating/taxing short-term rentals. Please help us and others like us in small developments all over the county—to protect our family-friendly, affordable, and pleasant residential communities. In our community of Totten Shores, we have relied on the covenants/restrictions in our deeds to protect us from commercialization, environmental degradation and challenges to security and safety in our rural setting. We watch out for one another and cooperate in maintaining our common property(a small park we all own, the deed for that stating that it is for the use of the property owners only, and use cannot be conveyed to others.)We do not have an HOA, and all work on the park is done by volunteers, with expenses covered by minimal annual dues. Knowing our neighbors affords us opportunities to cooperate in keeping our homes, properties, and road safe. If this neighborhood cooperation is broken down by streams of unknown people and traffic (on our narrow county road), it is not possible to maintain our safety and security without help from law enforcement (constrained in this large county with few police.) Unfortunately, some "rogue B&Bs" have operated in violation of the covenants. (Each owner has the same covenants/restrictions on his own deed.)These experiences have upset our whole community (trespassing, stealing, poaching, verbal assaults against residents, dangers from increased traffic, —to name but a few.) Each operator has been informed of the deed covenants. A group of property owners has pooled resources and sought legal help. One of the B&Bs did not operate the summer of'23, but no one will forget the chaos and intimidation of'22 from this operator. There is one short-term rental operating periodically, and potentially 2 more "in the works." Now that Mason County is addressing this issue and developing a regulation/taxation plan, we are hopeful that our small community will be protected from the negative consequences of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. Five areas of concern to Mason County families living in residential neighborhoods: 1. High priority: Protection of existing deed covenants and restrictions. If a community already has existing covenants banning boarding houses, lodges, resorts...(short term rentals), then the county's rules should not override these and force neighbors to go into court against other neighbors. 2. Environmental regulations for building and usage requirements. Examples: septic and water systems and number of bedrooms for homes on/near shoreline properties, protection of water quality and fishery resources 3. Impact on community road system and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians from increased traffic volume, B&B clients' disobedience of speed limits, and lack of common courtesy 4. Safety and security: crime, trespassing, property damage and theft, personal assaults and harassment, noise, loss of our "Neighborhood Watch" effectiveness with increase of strangers and disrespectful B&B clients ignoring the posted rules on our common, private property and privately-owned beaches. 5. Increased costs to residents due to valuations for tax purposes, higher taxes, property insurance, legal actions and private security, and loss of privacy, destruction of the community environment and spirit as collateral damage The pattern of large groups staying in properties that are regulated by the environmental agencies as to number of bedrooms, due to impact on the beach/water/wildlife, is clearly a huge concern. We rely on individually owned/maintained wells and septic systems and are regulated by various government entities. Our water systems/sources are fragile, especially during the seasons of B&B use. Other communities likely share our concerns about all these issues. As property owners, we pay substantial property taxes to Mason County, including higher valuations on our properties due to our access to the shoreline. Yet, the County cannot police our neighborhood for the incidents that make our lives difficult and put our safety/security at risk. For the most part, we are a moderate/low- income community, and have provided "good housing opportunities" for many people, including long- term renters, who become part of the community fellowship. In our case,the covenants/restrictions have been operating successfully since the 1950's, with several generations of families living here on our modest-sized lots, enjoying the community spirit and rural livability. Many of our owners and long-term renters are on fixed or otherwise limited incomes. With the changes brought by B&Bs, useful residential housing stock will be diminished, and some residents could be taxed out of their homes. Allowing short-term rentals in our small community will have a huge negative impact on us all. The short-term rental operators can find properties elsewhere. Not one of them needs to destroy our community to make money. Their clients have money to go elsewhere! The county may see short- term rentals as a potential tax source. But at what cost? Please manage this with the local homeowners' interests as a high priority. Thank you, Commissioner Neatherlin. We rely on your personal integrity, experience, wisdom and dedication to Mason County families' best interests in this matter. We pray that you will help us by ensuring that the regulation/taxation package the commission devises will address these issues. Sincerely, C.� , , � .aye Ward and Heidi Anderson 331 S.E. Totten Shores Drive, Shelton, WA 98584 • There is no need to specify"vacation"through much of the proposed policy. An STR on Orchard Beach Drive has often been rented by visiting nurses... not for vacation purposes. STRs should be regulated uniformly regardless of why they are rented. • "Dwelling unit" in 17.100.020 needs to be defined. Is it RCW 36.70A.696? Mason County Code?A travel trailer/RV? Both sanitation and cooking facilities? • Under 17.100.050 (f)(1) it would be good to not only require shellfish-harvest rules and harvest boundaries but also encourage respect toward neighboring shoreline properties. Out-of-state visitors do not automatically understand that beach/tidelands/shoreline property in WA is not"public"as in other states. This information should be posted in STRs with direct or community beach access. • Under 17.100.060(b)(3) notification by permit applicants should also be made to the water utility. For a small community water system like ours (owned/operated by Orchard Beach Community Group, 39 total connections), the conversion of a rarely used dwelling to STR or construction of an STR can mean a significant increase in water consumption. Do neighbors within 300 feet (or the water utility) have the ability to respond to an application for an STR permit? • We are pleased to see Rules of Conduct under 17.100.060©(4)(A)(i) but...should Mason County require uniform quiet hours?We have an STR as a neighbor and another one three doors away on the other side. If one has quiet hours starting at 10 p.m. but the other is midnight... what good is that?Also, if an STR advertises beach access the access cannot infringe on private property. • It is not clear that the complaint procedures detailed in 17.100.080 accommodate concerns of neighbors/community members as much as concerns of renters. If Mason County is going to truly regulate STRs then part of the revenue stream from permits and sales/lodging tax should go toward enforcement. Just as it can be problematic for Mason Co residents to report building code violations (because anonymity cannot be assured)the same goes for complaints about STRs. Don't put residents in the uncomfortable position of dealing directly with a possibly hostile, profit-driven absentee owner. One person's"reasonable amount of time"(as mentioned in (b)) is not another's. Also, it would be a simple matter for someone to erect a tall fence, then create an STR (new construction or conversion)without Mason County knowing. If the county is going to regulate STRs in a credible manner it needs to be vigilant about looking for unpermitted STRs. Attention Commissioners I would like to provide my perspective as owner and host of a short-term rental in Mason County. As the Commissioners endeavor to place regulations around how short-term rentals will be managed in Mason County, I would kindly ask that they keep all property owners in mind to provide thoughtful,fair, and balanced regulations as these will have lasting impacts here and in our surrounding communities. After the last meeting I took the time to read every single survey response that was provided. It was clear that there area handful of hosts who are doing a terrible job of representing the short-term rental industry. Based upon the responses it is not difficult to identify where many problems exist. Some specific communities were named. I wholeheartedly believe that no one property owner has more rights than any other property owner. Every owner should act in the best neighborly way so that all people can enjoy and use their homes and land. There must be a certain level of decorum and respect given and enjoyed by all. I would ask the Commissioners to consider enforcing any existing laws first before enacting new regulations that may unfairly target good and upstanding hosts. My fear is that as a good host and neighbor I will be unfairly asked to change my business to accommodate a list of new regulations that frankly will never be enough to satisfy grumpy neighbors who simply do not like the "idea"of my short-term rental. I have been exceedingly thoughtful and transparent about the lengths in which I go to ensure my neighbors are not negatively impacted by my short-term rental. I believe this is the case for many short-term rental hosts as we rely heavily on 5-star ratings. Bad host behavior is usually evident through poor ratings and those hosts are not successful long term. Two of the biggest issues that struck me in the survey responses were concerning loud parties and septic systems near waterways. I believe that we do need common sense consequences for those who violate existing laws. 1. We have state and local ordinances to deal with loud parties. Enforce existing laws. Homes within HOA's have existing rules for noise. HOA's should enforce these rules. 2. In Mason County we are required to have septic systems inspected every year for Glendon systems and every three for gravity systems. Enforce existing rules for"all"parcels. I am against heavy regulation surrounding short term rentals in Mason County because I do not feel that existing laws are currently being enforced for all property owners. Creating a list of new regulations unfairly targets short term rental owners when I believe that noise violations and septic violations are shared equally across the community. I do not feel that short-term rental operators should have to comply MORE with the existing laws than primary resident owners. If you were to send the same survey and omit the verbiage regarding short term rentals, I would guarantee you would see similar responses and complaints of neighbor against neighbor. My point is that short-term rentals arere not the problem. There is a lack of resources for enforcing existing laws and rules. The answer is not more rules and more regulation. Thank you for allowing me to share a few of my concerns regarding new regulations. Best Lorie Thomas Date: April 11, 2024 To: Mason County Commissioners From: Tim & Lorrie Reiterman Re: Proposed regulations on Short Term Rentals—Comments are for the record. We are Mason County residents since 2018, and have owned a home we built on Mason Lake since 2000.When we retired to Mason County full time in 2018,we had the opportunity to purchase the small home next door to us. It was filthy,junk in the yard, and in need of repair. We worked hard and spent money to clean it all up, put on a new roof, paint, put in a new septic and landscaping. Initially we just used it for friends and family, but due to increased taxes and insurance in Mason County, we decided to do a mixed-use rental. We have had guests from all over the U.S. and even internationally, which brings revenue to the county. This is rental income, not"business" income, as defined by the IRS, but now it seems the County is unofficially treating this as a business (instead of personal property that it is) and wants to put in onerous rules via a "permit" requirement. It seems to us that the whole purpose of your"permitting"is to eliminate STR's via over-regulation, instead of implementing a few simple rules that seem to be the main issue—no partying, limit guests to septic+2, obey the quiet hours. Your proposal will result in less tax and tourist revenue to the County, along with increased expenses for monitoring. We are surprised, and disappointed,that Mason County is considering adding so much detailed requirements, since it seems they don't even monitor, or have the resources to act on, current other violations around the lake. We respectfully request that the Board of Commissioners consider the positive attributes of good STR's, appreciate the service they provide to visitors coming to the county, understand that these are personal properties (not businesses), and streamline your proposed standards and application requirements. Thank you for your consideration. Specific Sections Comments: (Assuming you don't lust simplify the whole list) 17.100.050(f) -site plan—drop this unless county provides (g)—availability—24 hrs/day; 1 hr complaint response is totally unreasonable. Mason County fire/police/ER don't even respond to general complaints that fast. How is the county going to have resources to monitor this? (h)(1)—we should not have to submit records—County already gets the taxes submitted. 17.100.060(a)(4)-what do you mean by"Type of Short Term Vacation Rental"? (b)(3)—current language is overreach. If you want something like this, we propose, "Applicants for permits shall notify residents and owners of property abutting or across the street from the immediate neighbors with information contained in the issued permit in (a) above." - drop (A) & (B)—notarized affidavit is again gov't overreach (c)(4)- we believe this whole list is again too much detail and overreach; however, if you are going to keep the section,we would comment: - (A) Rules of Conduct—noise is too general, what are the County's quiet hours? County doesn't monitor or act on other homeowners for these issues—discriminatory? - (D) Delete this(escape routes)—we aren't hotels. - (G) Delete—or allow maximum as "what fits on property driveway/parking areas" (c)5—Should be deleted; does county even has resources to do in reasonable time frame? (d)3- delete requirement 17.100.070 (a) -we believe current STR's should be grandfathered in, and the only relevant item in this section would be (a)(1). All others should be dropped. If you keep in, suggest: (a)(2)- 120 days from date of adoption (a)(3)—120 days from date of adoption (a)(4)- delete 17.100.080 Violations and Revocations— How is the county going to distinguish between real/valid complaints and just people complaining that don't like STR's? Revocation needs to be more than 3 complaints. Mike and Shelley Glaser 1450 E. Ballow Rd. Shelton, WA 98584 mikeglaser56@gmail.com April 10th, 2024 Marissa Watson Mason Co. Planner Shelton, WA RE; Short-Term Rental Regulations; Comments are for the record; We are located at the end of Ballow rd. On Harstine Island and have had a vacation rental on the same parcel as our residence since 2009. This rental brings some of our greatest joy in being able to share what we have enjoyed all our lives. Many of our guests are return guests who have been coming back for years and whom we have formed relationships with. We use the website VRBO which handles bookings, advertising, collecting monies and paying WA state taxes. We have listened to all our neighbors concerns and have implemented steps to avoid trouble. Because our rental is located in front of our home, we keep a watch on the rental. We limit our guests to 6 people and require a minimum of 2 nights stay. We have private parking for as many as 6 cars. The rental has its own septic system permitted through Mason Co. and is on a 2 party water system shared with our residence. We have rules and guidelines posted on the website as well as inside the rental and in a welcome book. We educate our guests on neighboring shellfish farms and show them the designated crossing and restricted areas. We have obtained permission from our neighbors for guest crossing on designated areas of their beaches. Many vacation rentals in our county are owned by individuals like us who are using the rent to subsidize their income and retirement. We hope that any regulations will be affordable and feasible for these people to maintain their business. We also hope that you will remember that many of these people use their rentals for their own personal use. In our situation where we have our rental on our residence parcel, we hope to be able to continue to have the same benefits as our neighbors in using our property for our personal use for family gatherings Etc. without rental restrictions applying to said use. Our family has farmed shellfish on our beaches for generations. We continue to maintain a shellfish farm on our beach located in front of our vacation rental. We spend considerable time on our beach and it has been our observation that any trespassers or poachers have been either outsiders looking for beach access or people wandering from the nearby state parks. In talking with other beach owners we have learned that this is a common problem associated with the population in general and not specific to vacation rentals. We thank you for considering our concerns, Mike and Shelley Glaser Harstine Island; From: Dana Zaichkin To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations-Now Available for Viewing Date: Sunday,April 14,2024 8:48:28 PM Attachments: image003.pnng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hello Ms Watson, Thank you again for your update, notification about the upcoming meeting, and sharing the draft STR regulations for comment. Do you anticipate that the 4/23 Commissioners worksession will be recorded for those unable to attend the meeting in part or whole? I am providing comments by email and I grant permission for them to be included "for the record". Broadly, my concerns and comments about the draft regulations focus on the limitations of the STVR definition(what is included as STR),protection of impacted communities, specifically HOAs, insurance requirements (silent in draft), and outdoor fire safety. Section 17.100.020 While I recognize that the STVR definition was drawn from the RCW, it is important to address STR variations such as camping spaces, RVs, moored boats or similar situations that do not clearly fall within a strict definition of"dwelling unit". I noticed the side note in the draft,but could not discern how to interpret it. In our community, one problematic STR situation is an owner who rents a portion of one of a lot as a STR(via hipCamper platform) where guests pitch a tent, car-camp, or park a trailer/RV, without access to any bathroom or other sanitary/waste facilities. On an adjacent parcel, they have erected a yurt for STR purposes, also without any sanitary facilities and with a firepit located under trees. Regulations should identify these alternative STR conditions in definitions and either prohibit or include them with focused regulations, assuming that the purpose of this chapter includes those objectices of minimizing impact on residential neighborhoods,public health, and life safety. In our community, we adapted the RCW definition as follows to be more inclusive: i) Short- term rental(STR) is defined as rental of a property or portion of a property by an owner for a duration offewer than thirty consecutive nights, offered or provided to a renter by the owner (or operator)for a fee, and where the rental was solicited to strangers (i.e., solicitations not limited to immediate friends and family). (see RCW 64.37.010: [4], [6], [9a], [10]). Section 17.100.030 Agree that all zoning districts should be covered by this regulation (b) Type 2: would residing on an adjacent lot also be reasonable? Section 17.100.050 (a) "qualifying structure". See prior comments about alternate STRs. This would suggest prohibition of any alternatives such as camping/RV spots, etc (OK option by me)but needs additional clarity and language consistency throughout the regulation. If it does not suggest prohibition of camping/RV/boat, then the regulations need to address safety/sanitation/solid- waste issues associatted with them, While several relevant elements are mentioned in this section(including reference to life safety in section U]), outdoor fire safety is not and poses a significant and increasing concern in our area. Even in situations where the rental is within a dwelling, outdoor fires are not uncommon and even more so in "camping" STRs. In our community, fires are often located where it is unsafe to burn, are poorly supervised, and lack readily available water or other extinguishing means. STRs commonly occur when there are restrictions or bans on outdoor burning, yet guests often seem unaware of this and start fires. At minimum, outdoor fire safety should be included in the inspection/permitting process. Preferably,there will be explicit rules and expectations provided to guests regarding behaviors relating to fire safety,noise, beach use, shellfish harvesting, trespass, use of shared community facilities, etc that are reviewed in the permit process. The host/operator should provide guests with current information/instructions when outdoor burning restrictions are in force. (This might be relevant to the "rules of conduct" in the next section) Liability insurance is mentioned in section (i), but this needs further development, particularly for the protection of communities that have shared resources that might be accessed by STR guests. Insurance markets are extremely volatile currently, with many insurers increasingly risk-averse and extracting themselves from markets and/or remarkably increasing rates. We have experienced this in our HOA where our insurer for over a decade is openly averse to the exposure of STRs and only through extensive communications have we reached an understanding that can expect renewal. Other insurers investigated either would not consider underwriting us or those who might were more fragmented and expensive. Please consider including additional language that if a STR operator is located within a HOA (or other community association with shared resources), that the HOA is named as an added insured on the liability policies and that proof of this coverage is provided to the HOA. Section 17.100.060 (b)(3). This should be expanded to include: "If the STVR is located within a Homeowners, Condominium, or Timeshare Association, then the appropriate association board or management entity must be notified". Also, "Yes" on the comment about updating owner/host/rental platform changes and contact information. Thank you again and do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or desire clarification of my comments. Best regards Dana Zaichkin dana.zaichkin&email.com (cell/text) 901-616-1418 360 E Plantation Way Shelton WA 98584 On Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 10:40 AM Marissa Watson< MWatson(&,,masoncountywa.gov> wrote: Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term-vacation- rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. If you want your comments included in the packet for this upcoming meeting, I will have to receive them in my email by April 15th end of business. You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go-ahead to start that process. . When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website https;//www masoncountywa.gov/for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation. Your best bet is the clerk of the board. Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- im Phone: 360-427-9670 ext.367 Te I ewo rk:360-930-9037 Email:mwatson aQmasoncountvwa.aov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ................................................................ *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: GEORGE BROWN To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations-Now Available Date: Thursday,April 11,2024 2:41:45 PM Attachments: image003.p_ng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Thank you for the update. I intend to provide a separate concern about any short-term rentals in our quiet little off the beaten path neighborhood. I have lived in many neighborhoods in many big cities and small towns during my 89 years . A few have been unique in size, character, and location. Totten Shores is one of those, but most were similar- -large and impersonal. We already had a bad experience with an AirBnB that was in violation in many ways here, from deed restrictions, to unauthorized usage of our privately and jointly-owned community park, to not even having a business license. A law firm was hired to investigate and wrote a letter to the owners outlining the violations . Please let me know if no one has provided you with that letter as it pretty clearly shows what the situation is here from a legal standpoint. We don' t have to guess at how these short- term rentals could potentially impact our way of life here. An unusually large number of adults have lived here 30-40 years, a few others all of their lives . Most have invested here because of the peace and quiet, being off the beaten path, away from the public. Only a very few, perhaps some newcomers, would have viewed this as a business opportunity. My wife and I have a large 5 bedroom 3-bath home on 1 1/2 acres, ideal for an AirBnB, but once we were assimilated into the community and got to know our neighbors it became obvious that kind of business would not be appropriate in this community. I plan on attending any of the public meetings . Prior to moving to Totten Shores I was heavily involved in planning for the creation of a "town-center-type" downtown for Bonney Lake, working with the Planning Manager, department directors, the Mayor, City Council, professional consulting firms, property and business owners, as well as interested homeowners . It' s a challenge. George Brown, 360-888-8112 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Marissa Watson <MWatson&masoncountywa.gov> Date: Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 10:44 AM Subject: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations -Now Available To: Marissa Watson< MWatsonnmasoncountywa.gov> Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term-vacation- rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. If you want your comments included in the packet for this upcoming meeting, I will have to receive them in my email by April 15th end of business. You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go-ahead to start that process. • When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website https://www.masoncountywa.gov/ for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation. Your best bet is the clerk of the board. Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ....................................---------------------------------------------------------------- ilo Phone:360-427-9670 ext.367 Te lework: 360-930-9037 Email:mwat$gn aQmasoncounty_wa,goy Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Greg To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations.............Input questions for the record. Date: Saturday,April 13,2024 9:58:54 AM Attachments: image003.p_ng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Here is what comes to mind: In 17.100.050 (f) (1) "rules regarding harvesting shellfish......Is that enough without listing a valid WDFW shellfish license required? In 17.100.050 (g) (i) "shall maintain primary liability insurance coverage..." if rental is part of a development, should the insurance cover damage to common area of the development, or at least have the development(or Mason Co) listed under the policy coverage?That way if they purchase insurance just to get qualified as a short term rental, they don't just cancel the coverage 2 weeks later. If the development is on the policy, they will get notice. Also will cover damage outside their property on the shared common areas. Page 3 of 6, commented (MW17) Along those lines, should the host owners be required to sign up for Mason Counties Code Red alert for emergencies in the area? At least have posted for renters to sign up? The above comments in the email are for the record. Additional question, I would also like to inquire if the County is considering not using properties purchased exclusively as rental units when determining property values for property taxes, they should be excluded from property value comparisons. Our property taxes sky rocketed for this year and one of the recent sales used to come up with this years property tax value was a property that sold for over$700,000 to be used strictly as a rental unit, the realistic sales value should have been around $500,000 max. Hopefully you can get this question to the correct department/contact. Thank you for creating these STR regulations, they are a great step in the right direction. Greg Fellman 740 E Promontory Rd. In a message dated 4/10/2024 10:44:36 AM Pacific Daylight Time, MWatson@masoncountywa.gov writes: Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term- vacation-rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. If you want your comments included in the packet for this upcoming meeting, I will have to receive them in my email by April 15th end of business. You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go-ahead to start that process. • When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website https://www.masoncountywa.gov/ for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation. Your best bet is the clerk of the board. Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a r Phone:360-427-9670 ext.367 i Te I ewo rk:360-930-9037 Email:mwatsona[d)masoncountywa.aov Address: 615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Joyce Medeiros To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations-Now Available Date: Thursday,April 11,2024 8:31:32 AM Attachments: image003.p_ng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Dear Ms. Watson: Thank you for the email enclosing the proposed regulations for Short Term Rentals for Mason County. Question please, why wasn't WAC 458-20-166 included? This site was provided to me by the DOR regarding Business License requirements. It is my understanding, after discussing same with a DOR representative, that although many Platforms do pay most taxes collected, they do not pay the Washington State B & O tax which is the basis for the requirement that all STR hosts must have a Washington State Business License. Thank you for your consideration and these comments are for the record. Thank you. Joyce Medeiros On Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 10:44 AM Marissa Watson< MWatson(&masoncountywa.gov> wrote: Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term-vacation- rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. Ifyouu_wantyouUr comments_included_in the_packet_for_this upcoming meeting,_i_will have_to_receive them_in_m_y_email_b_y_April 15th-end of business. You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go-ahead to start that process. • When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website https_//www_masoncountywa.aov_/ for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation. Your best bet is the clerk of the board. Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i1w Phone: 360-427-9670 ext.367 Te I ewo rk:360-930-9037 Email: rnwatson a)masoncountywa.aov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ................................................................ *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Michael Rinabaroer To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations-Now Available for Viewing Date: Sunday,April 14,2024 9:16:06 PM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hi Marissa, Thank you for keeping us informed. Reviewing the draft, and reviewing yours and Kel's comments I find that your are looking to put the best policies in place. I do, however, have a couple of comments. 1. 1 would recommend that you utilize a system(perhaps the same form) as your preliminary site inspection form for all potential and existing Short Term Rentals. The $ 300.00 fee simply pays for the initial inspection and provides both the county and the operator to review suitability and expectations. 2. Within existing subdivisions, to move a lot line, combine lots, anything that might affect my neighborhood, I understand that I have to provide notification to my neighbors via the county and pay for a hearing prior to approval. Why are the same standards not required of an operator of a commercial business (short term rental) in a residential neighborhood? 3. 1 note that Kel has concerns as to existing staffing to perform inspections and enforcement of the proposed rules and regulations. Funding for necessary personnel must be provided if this is to work. The county has identified a new revenue source, part of this must be dedicated to permitting, inspection and enforcement . Respectfully submitted Mike Rinabarger On Apr 10, 2024, at 10:40 AM, Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov>wrote: Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term- vacation-rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. If you want your comments included in the packet for this upcoming meeting I will have to receive them in my email byApril 15th�n-of business_- You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go- ahead to start that process. • When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website https//www_masoncounty-wa.aov/for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation.Your best bet is the clerk of the board.Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <image003.png> Phone:360-427-9670 ext.367 Te lework: 360-930-9037 Email:mwat�on at7magoncountywa,gQv Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ..-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-.-•-•-- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Molly Lallemand To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations-Now Available Date: Wednesday,April 10,2024 11:55:33 AM Attachments: image003.p_ng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. My comments are for the record —for the safety of others if these short-term properties allow pets, the rental properties should be required to have fences. Thank you. Molly Lallemand From: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 10:44 AM To: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Subject: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations- Now Available Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term-vacation- rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. If you want your comments included in the packet for this upcoming meeting, I will have to receive them in my email by April 15th end of business. You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go-ahead to start that process. . When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website https_//www_masoncountvwa.aov/ for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation. Your best bet is the clerk of the board. Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone:360-427-9670 ext. 367 Te lework: 360-930-9037 Email:mwatson at7masoncountywa.aov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Steve Hankin To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Draft Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations-Now Available for Viewing Date: Monday,April 15,2024 9:40:17 AM Attachments: image002.p_ng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Thank you so much for expertly managing this development process, Marissa. I have three comments I'd like to submit regarding this first draft -- all topics **missing** from the draft: • STRs as a full time business: We need guardrails against the destruction (replacement) of a residential community by STRs. We have seen this happen in Washington (e.g. Ocean Shores) when properties become attractive to investors for full-time STRs. Guardrails against this can take two forms: 1) place limits on the fraction of time that the unit can be used for STR (New York City has taken this approach); or 2) place limits on the density of rentals permissible in residential areas (I believe Pennsylvania has done this). • Camping: We need regulations regarding homeowners renting out their front or back yards as short term camping areas. • Community property insurance: We need to require owner/operators to purchase liability insurance that covers community property associated with the rental property (typically an HOA situation). Again, thanks, and I look forward to seeing the next revisions. - Steve Hankin ----------------------------------- On 4/10/2024 10:41 AM, Marissa Watson wrote: Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short-Term Rental Regulations. You can now view a Draft Mason County Short-Term Rental regulations on the project webpage under the April 23, 2024 heading. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/community-services/planning/short-term- vacation-rentals/meeting-info.php The draft regulations were formed based on what the commissioners indicated they were interested in regulating. The document also has comments in the side bar from staff with additional areas to think about when regulating and some concerns. During the brief presentation from staff on April 23rd these points will also be reviewed. Keep in mind this is only a first draft. It will be presented to the commissioners, then it will go to the planning advisory commission, and back to the commissioners again. If you want your comments included in the packet for this upcoming meeting,_l_will_have to receive_them_in_my_emaii by April 15th-end of bus--- —nL _You can still send me comments beyond this date but they may not get reviewed prior to this next work session. Either way, all the comments will make their way to the BOCC and will also be made available to the Planning Advisory Commission once I'm given the go- ahead to start that process. • When you send me comments make sure in your email that you indicate the comments are for the record, whether the comments are in the email itself or added as an attachment. I sent out a previous email indicating that the next work session with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on April 23, 2024 at 10a. This is after their regular Tuesday meeting. Please check the home page of the Mason County website htips;//www-.masoncount_vwa,gov_/for meeting agenda and Zoom link. This is usually posted on the page the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting, sometimes Friday. If you have any questions or issues with the zoom link, please contact the clerk of the board, McKenzie Smith; contact information is also posted on the same page. Please do not contact me day of the meeting for link or information as how to access, I will not be able to respond while setting up the presentation. Your best bet is the clerk of the board. Thank you. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone:360-427-9670 ext. 367 Telework: 360-930-9037 Email:mwatson ata)masoncountywa,gov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 4 98584 ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Incoo1212 To: Marissa Watson Cc: Incoa1212 Subject: Re: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rental Regulations-2nd BOCC work session April 23,2024 Date: Wednesday,April 10,2024 10:01:00 AM Attachments: image003.p_ng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. I applaud the commissioners for addressing the issue of STR's. After the last Zoom workshop, I felt that all three commissioners had a mostly positive impression of STR's based solely upon their personal experience staying in STR's. I really wish that at least one of the three had the opportunity to directly experience the negative effects associated with short term rentals. Please try to envision experiencing the negative side of the issue when drafting the STR regulations. The once quiet neighborhoods that no longer feel like neighborhoods,because of the non- stop activity and the transient nature of short term rentals. The spoiling of our beaches due to overloaded septics systems. Remodeled beach cabins with failing septics systems housing many more people than they were built to accommodate. For years Mason County has been trying to get a handle on septic problems and the health of our waterways. This will undue any progress made and make the situation much worse if these failing and overloaded septic systems are not addressed. The stripping of shellfish on private beaches. There are certain groups that rent STR's solely to harvest the beaches. They show up with a large number of individuals and spend their stay harvesting as much as they can. I have personally witnessed this on multiple occasions. While I think it is a good idea to look at what other municipalities have done in to address their STR's, I think it is more important to recognize the unique impacts associated with short term rentals in Mason County. Specifically the septic, shellfish, and health of our waterways. These specific issues are not a concern in many of the area comparisons you are using to frame the STR regulations, therefore those examples are inadequate when using as a guide. As you are well aware, most short term rentals in Mason County are along the waterways. Therefore, STR's in Mason County have a disproportionate impact on the health of our waterways. Any STR regulations need to take this into account. The economic gains associated with STR's will not offset the economic losses associated with a continued decline in the health of our waterways caused by STR's. Additionally, I would like to add short-term rentals create short-term rentals. As the neighborhood changes due to STR's, many people no longer enjoy a sense community. After experiencing the negative impacts associated with STR's in their neighborhood many people will ultimately decide they don't want to live in a transient commercial rental area. They will opt to convert their property into a STR. If you can't beat em,join em! That is my plan, if my neighborhood continues to be ravaged by the negative impacts of STR's. Do we want vibrant communities along the shores of iMason County, or do we want to turn the shores of the county into an overused, exploited, transient playground. I guess it's up to you. Please try to imagine if your neighbors converted their home into a STR. Now imagine the negative experiences included in the comments you have received on STR's being dropped on your doorstep. How would that affect your neighborhood? Would that change your impressions of STRs? Thank you for addressing this issue. Sincerely, John Pickett On Apr 1, 2024, at 15:17, Marissa Watson<MWatson@masoncountywa.gov>wrote: Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short Term Vacation Rental Regulations. The next work session with the Mason County Board of Commissioners will be held April 23, 2024 at 10am. This is scheduled shortly after their regular Tuesday meeting. The meeting will be held via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link will be posted on the County website https://www.masoncountywa.gov/. The agenda and link are typically posted by the Thursday prior to the meeting. Please contact the clerk of the board if you have any questions or need special accommodations. The clerk's contact information is on the first page of the County link I provided. The agenda will include a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the areas the Commissioners wished to address in a first draft of STR regulations as well as making some comparisons to other counties that already have regulations in place. I will send out another email when the draft regulations are posted on the project webpage for review. The draft regulations will be further refined after the upcoming BOCC session, planning advisory commission sessions, and once again when they return to the BOCC. Please send comments to my email address. To ensure that they make it into the packet for the Commissioner's work session, please email me no later than Monday April 15th-Comments may be provided after this date but may not be reviewed before the next work session. Note: Please make sure you check your junk folder once in a while or the project webpage. These updates are sent to a large number of recipients and may be filtered to a junk folder depending on your email server settings. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ....................................---------------------------------------------------------------- Phone:360-427-9670 ext. 367 Te lework: 360-930-9037 1- b Email:mwatsona(7masoncountywa.aov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 HC ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: MARK OESTREICH To: Marissa Watson Subject: Re: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rental Regulations-2nd BOCC work session April 23,2024 Date: Saturday,April 6,2024 12:37:42 PM Attachments: image003.pnng Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Marissa- Thank you for your continued communications regarding the short-term rental regulation process. I really appreciate your staying in touch. I had submitted my list of short-term rental concerns and suggestions during your initial solicitation, but have not been able to participate in the Zoom sessions. After reading the report on the work group in the Shelton-Mason County Journal, I saw some, but not all of my issues and ideas listed. What I did see were much watered down (by the newspaper?) However, overall the tone of the article seemed to show far greater concern for the financial benefit to the renters, rather than the wellbeing of the neighborhoods and existing property owners. I hope that is not the case. In response to your April 1st email, below please find an expanded and updated list of my issues and suggestions. Regards, Mark Oestreich Mason County — Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations Input for 2nd BOCC Work Session — April 23, 2024 1. Regulations must include an effective monitoring and enforcement mechanism. 2. All costs associated with short-term rental licensing, monitoring, complaints processing and regulation enforcement must be covered by both an initial short-term rental licensing fees and annual license renewal fees. 3. As part of their penalty, regulation violators must pay for all situation enforcement costs, including staff time and legal costs. Non-payment should result in a property lien. 4. Regulations, including zoning which allows short-term vacation rentals, must be approved by ALL the property owners in the neighborhood where the short-term rental is to be located. County decisions about zoning that would allow short-term rentals MUST respect the land use desires of all existing landowners in the neighborhood, over any business or revenue benefits to owner or the county. 5. Neighborhood characteristics can be the source of family safety, happiness, and quality of life. These attributes are key to the attractiveness and value of properties. Investment and for-profit properties detract from these positive characteristics and value for neighboring residents. 6. In healthy neighborhoods owners watch-out for and help each other have a safe, friendly environment and keep their property and shared roads in good condition. Short-term rental properties must also support these values, but most often, off-site owners of investment properties/rentals do not support these values and behaviors, leading to a degraded value of all neighboring properties. 7. Citizens, and especially children, living and playing in a neighborhood must be protected from strangers who feel little obligation toward behavior that promotes safety and happiness of the neighborhood residents. 8. "Short-term" must be defined with a maximum time limit (for example 3-wweks), and not allow that maximum to be extended by consecutive rentals to the same group. 9. Each rental must have a stated maximum number of pre-identified rental residents. Renters should not be allowed to host parties were non-renters are allowed. 10. The maximum number of cars per rental must be specified and enforced. 11. No roadways may be obstructed. 12. Drivers must not exceed the posted lower neighborhood speed limit. 13. No trespassing by renters onto neighboring properties, beaches, or water. 14. No noise or music is allowed such that it disturbs those living on neighboring properties. 15. Garbage and trash from the rental must be removed at least weekly and not produce any negative impact on the neighborhood. 16. Renters must be courteous, polite, and friendly in their behavior and communications with others in the neighborhood. From: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Sent: Monday, April 1, 2024 3:17 PM To: Marissa Watson <MWatson@masoncountywa.gov> Subject: Mason County Short Term Vacation Rental Regulations- 2nd BOCC work session April 23, 2024 Hello All, You are receiving this email because your name is on the project notification list for Mason County Short Term Vacation Rental Regulations. The next work session with the Mason County Board of Commissioners will be held April 23, 2024 at 10am. This is scheduled shortly after their regular Tuesday meeting. The meeting will be beld_via_Zoom_The agenda and Zoom link will be posted on the County website https_//www_masoncountywa: ov-/. The agenda and link are typically posted by the Thursday prior to the meeting. Please contact the clerk of the board if you have any questions or need special accommodations. The clerk's contact information is on the first page of the County link I provided. The agenda will include a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the areas the Commissioners wished to address in a first draft of STIR regulations as well as making some comparisons to other counties that already have regulations in place. I will send out another email when the draft regulations are posted on the project webpage for review. The draft regulations will be further refined after the upcoming BOCC session, planning advisory commission sessions, and once again when they return to the BOCC. Please send comments to my email address. To ensure that they make it into the packet for the Commissioner's work session, please email me no later than Monday- April 151h-Comments may be provided after this date but may not be reviewed before the next work session. Note: Please make sure you check your junk folder once in a while or the project webpage. These updates are sent to a large number of recipients and may be filtered to a junk folder depending on your email server settings. Kind Regards, Marissa Watson Senior Planner I Long Range ....................................---------------------------------------------------------------- Phone:360-427-9670 ext.367 Te lework: 360-930-9037 Email:mwatson cDmasoncountywa.aov Address:615 W Alder Street Shelton,WA 98584 ................................................................ *Please note:Mason County complies with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.As such,any e-mail sent to and/or from the County may be subject to public disclosure. From: Deann Benitez To: Marissa Watson Subject: Short Term Rentals Date: Monday,April 15,2024 4:47:09 PM Caution: External Email Warning! This email has originated from outside of the Mason County Network. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender, are expecting the email, and know the content is safe. If a link sends you to a website where you are asked to validate using your Account and Password, DO NOT DO SO! Instead, report the incident. Hello, Thank you for the information and for allowing us to add our input. My home is surrounded on all sides by Short Term Rentals. I live in Grapeview on Puget Sound. I constantly see strangers wandering on other people's property out of curiosity. Their kids getting into things they should be touching. Setting off fireworks any time of the year.... I would love for a set of rules by Mason County for all owners of STR to have for their renters to follow. Second. Since moving here I have seen many people from other towns or cities come out here and buy up the property just to build STR. Some of which don't get building permit and build whatever they want. I would like to see not only the new STR have to be approved and get the correct building permits but also some sort of background check on building permits for the existing STR. Thank you for your time. Danie and Deann Benitez EXAMPLE SHEET - Fees OTHER counties STRs Friday,April 12, 2024 5:20 PM Chelan County Short-term rental Tier 1 and 2, 2021 provisional registration $125 Short-term rental Tier 3 2021 provisional registration $187.50 Short-term rental Tier 1 2022 provisional, annual, or renewal permit $500 Short-term rental Tier 2 2022 provisional, annual, or renewal permit $500 Short-term Tier 3 rental if CUP required (new Tier 3 first permit, includes CUP application) $2,270 Short-term rental (Tier 3 2022 provisional, annual and renewal, and includes annual CUP $750 renewal, if no new CUP is required) Short-term rentals of any type that did not properly register as provided per Section 11.88.290(2) Assessed double (E)or(4)(B) applicable fees Required short-term rental fire and life safety inspections or reinspections performed by fire $100 marshal, or designee, or by community development (in addition to permit fees) From<https://www.codepublishins.com/WA/ChelanCountv/#!/Chelco03/ChelcoO324.html#3.24> Grays Harbor County • STEP 1: Site Plan Review Application and Site Plan - STR applications will not be accepted prior to completing steps 1 & 2. • STEP 2: Related Permits and Approvals - As a result of STEP 1, the applicant will receive a checklist outlining the next steps in the process. The applicant will be notified when the project is ready to proceed to STEP 3. • STEP 3: Short Term Rental Permit Application - Staff will review your application and submittal documents for completeness and compliance with applicable state and local health, safety and building regulations. If the proposal is consistent with these regulations, staff will issue the STR Permit. STR Permit's must be re-applied or annually. Site Plan Review $253 Short Term Rental Permit $400 Short Term Rental Permit Renewal $400 San Juan County Wa Short Term Rentals-Review 2024 Page 1 2023 Certificate of Compliance online instructions San Juan County has a vacation rental compliance program. All holders of vacation rental permits are required to annually submit a certificate of compliance to the Department of Community Development. Failure to submit a certificate annually will result in fines and penalties including revocation of the permit. The fee for a certificate of compliance is 145 if submitted online through the permit portal and paid by credit card, or 160 if submitted on paper, or paid by cash or check. This fee was adopted by Resolution 34-2020. The Department of Community Development is currently in the process of notifying non- compliant permit holders of their requirements. If you have received a letter indicating that you are not in compliance, follow the instructions in the letter. Depending on how many years have been missed, you will either 1) be required to submit one or two overdue certificates; or 2) abandon your permit. From<https://www.san'uancountywa.aov/1836/Vacation-Rental-Compliance-Enforcement> San Juan County actively enforces the vacation rental permit requirements by reviewing online advertising. Any advertisement for a vacation rental must include the San Juan County vacation rental permit number or compliance number. The penalty for advertising or operating an unpermitted vacation rental is $2,300. From<https://www.san'uancountywa.gov/1579/Vacation-Rentals-Information-and-Applica> How much does a vacation rental permit cost? Answer: The land use and shoreline designation where the vacation rental is located determines if a vacation rental is allowed and whether it is a conditional use or a provisional use. The fee for a conditional use permit is $2,300. The fee for a provisional use permit is 1 000. From<https://www.san'uancountywa.aov/1579/Vacation-Rentals-Information-and-Applica> Are vacation rentals allowed everywhere in San Juan County? Answer: No. Vacation rentals are not allowed in the following areas and structures: • Natural shoreline designation • Conservancy shoreline designation • Agricultural Resource land use designation • Forest Resource land use designation • Shaw Island • Waldron Island • Owner-Builder Exempt structures • Parcels connected to the Town of Friday Harbor water system (this is a Town requirement, not a County requirement) • Structures other than a single-family residence or accessory dwelling • Boats, tents, vehicles or unpermitted structures From<https://www.san'uancountywa.gov/1579/Vacation-Rentals-Information-and-Applica> Short Term Rentals-Review 2024 Page 2 Do I need to schedule a fire inspection? Answer: No. You will be placed on the fire inspection schedule for the Fire Marshal. He will contact you to set up an inspection. Inspections will occur approximately every 2- 3 years. From<https://www.sanivancountywa.goy/1579/Vacation-Rentals-Information-and-Applica> Pacific County Wa Vacation Rental License $800 Vacation Rental License Revision $80 (1/hr review fee implemented for review/approval of revised property management plans, changes to local contact, occupancy, etc, that requires changes to the existing vacation rental license.) Special Use (R-R, R-2, RL, & MU) or Permitted Use (R-3, C-C, & MU-T) • Fee: $2,175.00 . Fee: $975.00 $80.00 Application Fee $80.00 Application Fee $15.00 Technology Fee $15.00 Technology Fee $1,280.00 Special Use Fee $80.00 Zoning Fee $800.00 License Fee $800.00 License Fee TBD Hearings Examiner Fee* Skamania County Wa License Fees Licenses fees are set by the Board of County Commissioners and are based upon which tier a STVR falls into. All rentals fall into one of the following three tiers: • Tier 1 - $200 - Owner or operator is present on-site during the course of the rental. • Tier 2 - $300 - Owner or operator is not present on-site during the course of the rental. • Tier 3 - $500 - Any STVR with an allowable occupancy of 15 or more persons, or three or more unique rentals on an individual property, whether or not the owner or operator is present on-site during the course of the rental. Please note: The Board of County Commissioners will increase license fees for licenses obtained after January 2023. From<https://www.skamaniacounty.org/departments-offices/community-development/short-term-vacation-rentals/short- term-vacation-renta 1-1 icenses> Short Term Rentals-Review 2024 Page 3 Licenses are required annually and expire December 31 st of each year. From<https://www.skamaniacounty.org/departments-offices/community-development/short-term-vacation-rentals/short- term-vacation-renta I-licenses> Short Term Rentals-Review 2024 Page 4 SHORT- TERM RENTALS BOCC WORK SESSION 2 - APRIL 23 , 2024 PROJECT ROAD MAP Short Term Vacation Rentals BOCC Work Session on Survey Responses and PAC First Draft Survey Opens Recommendations Regulations Review November 16, 2023 January 12, 2024 February 6, 2024 April 23, 2024 May/June 2024 Survey Closes BOCC Work Session 2— Additional Meetings and Draft Regulations Dates to be determined NO OUTRIGHT BAN OF SHORT-TERM IL I RENTALS SPECIFIC STRUCTURES CAN NOT BE USED AS SHORT-TERM RENTAL INITIAL PERMIT & CODE COMPLIANCE COMMISSIONER FEEDBACKOUTSTANDING CODE VIOLATIONS FROM �B . . NOTIFICATION OF NEIGHBORS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLANS ANNUAL PERMITTING PROCESS FOR REVOCATION OF PERMIT CLEAR COMPLAINT PATHWAY 04 05 01 02 03 Commissioner RCW 64.37 Current Common Staff Input provisions of Structuring Recommendations MCC FEEDBACKADDITIONAL APPLYTO ALL OF DEFINITION OFA MASON COUNTY TYPES ORTIERS OF NUMBER OF STRS "SHORTTERM INCLUDING UGAs, SHORT TERM PER PARCEL RENTAL" OR RURAL LANDS RENTALS ONLY OCCUPANCY LIMITS ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL SOLID INITIAL FIRE, SAFETY, & SEPTIC SYSTEM PARKING WASTE BEYOND AND HEALTH APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS MCC 6.72.030(h)(3) INSPECTIONS STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS DOCUMENTATION PERMIT EXPIRATION CONSISTENT RENEWAL AND NEW PERMITTING WINDOWS SMOKE ALARMS PER WAC 51-51-0314 MIN 2A-IOBC RATED FIRE EXTINGUISHER (SERVICED ANNUALLY) EXAMPLE RULES OF CONDUCT QUESTIONS