Chapter 5.06
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Sections:
5.06.010 Administrative license required.
5.06.020 Conditions of approval of a business license for short-term rentals.
5.06.030 Notice, approval, and/or denial of short-term rental business licenses.
5.06.040 Suspension or revocation procedure.
5.06.010 Administrative license required.
A. Purpose. It is the intent of this chapter to recognize the desire of some property owners to rent their dwelling on a short-term basis and establish appropriate regulations to mitigate the disruption that short-term and vacation rental dwellings may have on a neighborhood. This purpose and intent shall govern the interpretation of the entire chapter.
B. License Required. Any person desiring to rent their home on a short-term or vacation rental basis shall make application for a business license pursuant to Chapter 5.02 EMC, and pay the administrative fee established by city resolution for this purpose. For purposes of this chapter, a “short-term or vacation rental” means the rental of a dwelling or portion thereof used for the purpose of providing lodging for periods of less than 30 days where the owner or operator does not reside or operate the facility. A short-term or vacation rental shall not include a house-swap or home-exchange arrangement or bed and breakfast facilities pursuant to EMC 19.32.030 where the owner lives on the premises. (Ord. 2673 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2020).
5.06.020 Conditions of approval of a business license for short-term rentals.
A. The following conditions of approval shall apply to business license applications for short-term or vacation rentals:
1. Local Property Representative. The property owner must designate a local property representative who shall be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for the purpose of: (a) responding within one hour to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the short-term rental; and (b) taking remedial action to resolve any such complaints. The name, address, and telephone contact number of the property owner and the local property representative shall be kept on file at the city. The failure to provide the contact information, failure to keep the contact information current, failure to respond in a timely manner to complaints, or the occurrence of repeated complaints may result in the suspension or revocation of approval and/or civil or criminal penalties.
2. Notice shall be mailed to all adjacent properties. The notice shall include the name, address, and telephone contact number of the property owner and the local property representative. Adjacent properties shall be properties directly adjacent to the rental property, excluding intervening features such as roads, alleys, etc. Documentation shall be provided to the city that this mailing has been completed.
3. Occupancy. Maximum occupancy of the rental shall be based on the International Building Code standards. The property owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the dwelling unit is in conformance with its maximum occupancy.
4. Restrictions on Use. A renter may not use a short-term rental for a purpose not incidental to its use for lodging or sleeping purposes. This restriction includes using the rental for a wedding, banquet, reception, meetings, bachelor or bachelorette party, concert, fundraiser, sponsored event, or any similar group activity.
5. Parking. There will be no demand for parking beyond that which is normal to a residential area and no unusual or excessive traffic to and from the premises.
6. Signage. No outdoor advertising signs related to the rental dwelling shall be allowed on the site.
7. Informational Packet. A packet of information shall be provided to renters and posted conspicuously in the common area of the short-term rental summarizing guidelines and restrictions applicable to the short-term rental use, including:
a. Information on maximum occupancy;
b. Applicable noise and use restrictions;
c. Location of off-street parking (if applicable);
d. Direction that trash shall not be stored within public view, except within proper containers for the purpose of collection, and provision of the trash collection schedule;
e. Contact information for the local property representative;
f. The renter’s responsibility not to trespass on private property or to create disturbances; and
g. Notification that the renter is responsible for complying with this chapter and that the renter may be cited or fined by the city for violating any provisions of this chapter.
8. Insurance. The property owner shall maintain on file at the city an up-to-date certificate of insurance documenting that the dwelling is insured as a short-term or vacation rental.
9. Inspection. The property owner or his/her designee shall maintain on file at the city an up-to-date certificate of inspection documenting that the dwelling complies with the provisions for transient accommodations in the International Building Code as adopted by the city and shall obtain an appropriate certificate of occupancy. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to schedule and pass an annual safety inspection.
10. Compliance with City Ordinances. All short-term or vacation rentals must comply with all city codes and ordinances, including but not limited to Chapter 8.20 EMC, Noise Control, and Chapter 9.40 EMC, Public Nuisance.
B. Effective Date and Expiration. A business license obtained under Chapter 5.02 EMC shall be effective for one year and shall be renewed by July 1st every calendar year. (Ord. 2673 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2020).
5.06.030 Notice, approval, and/or denial of short-term rental business licenses.
The procedures for the suspension, revocation or denial of a license shall apply as established in EMC 5.02.070. Applicants that do not comply with the conditions of approval as established in EMC 5.06.020 shall be denied a business license or renewal of a business license. (Ord. 2673 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2020).
5.06.040 Suspension or revocation procedure.
If the administrator has reasonable cause to believe that any of the conditions imposed upon a short-term rental business under this chapter have been violated, the administrator shall follow the procedures established in EMC 5.02.070 to revoke or suspend the business license. (Ord. 2673 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2020).
5.06.050 Penalties.
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to the enforcement procedures, remedies, and the civil and criminal penalties provided in EMC 5.02.080, Violation – Penalty. (Ord. 2673 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2020).