Title
Short Term Rental Regulations
Recommended Action
Breifing only.
Report
Issue:
Receive briefing on process to develop regulations on short term rentals consistent with guiding principles established by the City Council's Land Use and Environment Committee.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Catherine McCoy, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3776
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development,
Catherine McCoy, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
Short-term rentals, also known as vacation rentals, exist in Olympia neighborhoods as room rentals or rentals of entire living units, primarily in single family homes and multifamily units. City residents, property owners, and stakeholder groups (such as short-term rental operators) have shared their stories and first-hand experience renting, owning, and living adjacent to short-term rental units.
The Washington State Legislature has adopted some regulations for short term rentals (RCW 64.37). The City of Olympia currently does not have specific regulations addressing short term rentals. However, in 2019 the City Council's Land Use and Environment Committee directed staff to conduct a public process to establish rules that carry out the following six guiding principles:
1. Housing: Establish protections for the supply and affordability of housing.
2. Health and Safety: Identify unwanted behaviors and negative consequences.
3. Neighborhood Integrity: Minimize impacts and tensions between short term rentals and neighbors.
4. Fees and Taxes: Ensure equitable permit and tax compliance.
5. Enforcement: Enact enforceable policies that improve building, safety, and accessibility requirements.
6. Economic Development: Ensure an equitable approach with existing local firms and providers and their employees, and enable revenue opportunities for existing residents.
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