Chapter 5.36
SPECIAL LODGING ASSESSMENT
Sections:
5.36.010 Authorization of special lodging assessment.
5.36.020 Classification of lodging business.
5.36.030 Uses of special lodging assessment.
5.36.040 Termination of assessment.
5.36.050 Special lodging assessment fund.
5.36.010 Authorization of special lodging assessment.
There is hereby assessed, pursuant to RCW 35.101.050, a special lodging assessment as a charge for the furnishing of lodging by lodging businesses located within the Richland tourism promotion area in the amount of:
A. Three dollars per night of stay at each Class A lodging business as defined in RMC 5.26.020.
B. No charge per night of stay at each Class B lodging business as defined RMC 5.26.020. [Ord. 17-04 § 1.02; Ord. 29-13 § 1.01; Ord. 45-20 § 1].
5.36.020 Classification of lodging business.
The Richland tourism promotion area shall include the following classifications:
A. Classification A. Classification A encompasses all lodging businesses located within the incorporated city limits of the city of Richland, Washington, that furnish lodging taxable by the Washington State Department of Revenue under Chapter 82.08 RCW that have 40 or more lodging units, except those identified in Classification B.
B. Classification B. Classification B encompasses all lodging businesses located within the tourism promotion area, other than hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast facilities. Lodging businesses within this classification would include (1) trailer camps and recreational vehicle parks which charge for the rental of space to transients for locating or parking house trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and tents; (2) educational institutions which sell overnight lodging to persons other than students; (3) private lodging houses, dormitories and bunkhouses operated by or on behalf of the businesses and industrial firms or schools solely for the accommodation of employees of such firms or students which are not held out to the public as a place where sleeping accommodations may be obtained; and (4) guest ranches or summer camps which, in addition to supplying meals and lodging, offer special recreational facilities and instruction in sports, boating, riding, outdoor facilities and outdoor living. [Ord. 17-04 § 1.02; amended during 2011 recodification].
5.36.030 Uses of special lodging assessment.
The revenue from the special lodging assessments collected from the operators of lodging businesses within the tourism promotion area shall be dedicated to the following uses and projects:
A. The general promotion of tourism within the Tri-Cities regional area as specified in the TPA business plan to be adopted annually;
B. The marketing of conventions, conferences and trade shows that benefit local tourism and the lodging business in the Tri-Cities regional area;
C. The marketing of the Tri-Cities regional area to the travel industry in order to benefit local tourism and the lodging businesses in the Tri-Cities regional area;
D. The marketing of the Tri-Cities regional area to recruit sporting, athletic, recreational, entertainment, performing arts and cultural events in order to benefit tourism and the lodging businesses in the Tri-Cities regional area for the purpose of increasing overnight visitor stays within the region;
E. Provide marketing and event assistance for qualifying nonprofit events that represent a substantial likelihood of benefiting tourism and lodging businesses in the Tri-City regional tourism promotion area and for the purpose of increasing overnight visitor stays within the Tri-City region. [Ord. 17-04 § 1.02].
5.36.040 Termination of assessment.
The special lodging assessment shall be terminated upon disestablishment of the Richland tourism promotion area as provided by RCW 35.101.140. [Ord. 17-04 § 1.02].
5.36.050 Special lodging assessment fund.
There is hereby established and created a special fund to be known as the special lodging assessment fund. Any and all revenues received from the special lodging assessment shall be credited to the special lodging assessment fund. All expenditures from such fund shall be paid to the tourism promotion area manager solely for the purpose of tourism promotion as provided in RMC 5.36.020. [Ord. 17-04 § 1.02].