Jefferson enacts 1-year moratorium on STRs

County wants to consider possible regulations for rentals

PORT TOWNSEND — The Board of Jefferson County Commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on land use applications for short-term rentals in order to evaluate and potentially change existing regulations.

County data suggests there are more than 400 unpermitted short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated Jefferson County and commissioners said Monday they’re concerned about potential life-safety violations and impacts to neighbors.

“We have heard from the public for a long time about their concerns about the impacts of STRs,” Board Chair Kate Dean said. “We have an interest in wrapping our arms around this issue.”

Commissioners unanimously approved the moratorium Monday afternoon following an executive session with county staff and attorneys. Dean said she is not legally allowed to speak on topics discussed during executive sessions.

However, she said concerns from the public include the availability of housing, particularly for the workforce, noise complaints and overburdened septic systems.

The county conducted a series of public meetings last month to discuss STRs and potential regulations, and that information will be presented to commissioners in a meeting on May 1. County staff learned in public meetings many residents, including STR operators, were unaware of regulations, including the need for a permit.

A handful of permit applications have been received, and those will be processed by the county under the current regulations, but any additional land use permits will not be accepted.

Dean said existing STRs, even unpermitted ones, can continue to operate as normal, at least until new regulations are passed.

“Enforcement of that has been a very low priority,” Dean said of unpermitted STRs. “Once the moratorium is over, we hope that existing STRs come into compliance.”

Once new regulations are passed, the county will likely step up its enforcement of STR regulations, Dean said. Unpermitted STRs are currently considered a low priority unless there is a life-safety or other issue that requires action. Public nuisance complaints to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will be managed in the same way as before the moratorium.

The moratorium ordinance requires the Department of Community Development to lead a public process and draft language for a new ordinance with possible revisions to the county code. Public participation will be available at Jefferson County Planning Commission and commissioners’ meetings.

Communities across the country have struggled with STR regulations with some areas banning them outright and others trying to strike a balance. Last month, the Port Angeles City Council voted to limit the number of STRs citywide to 200, to become effective July 1.

Dean said a limit like Port Angeles’ is one of the policies the county will be considering.

________

Reporter Peter Segall can be reached by email at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Matthew Nash / Olympic Peninsula News Group
Rick Godfrey stands with his Boy Scouts of America achievements on his office’s wall, including his merit badges and Troop 490 photos. In 1950, he was the youngest scout in the state to earn his Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting. The troop celebrated 100 years at a special dinner on Saturday at the Sequim Masonic Lodge.
Sequim troop celebrates centennial with dinner

Scout organization began in 1925 in a Sunday school class

Jefferson County board takes on transportation benefit district

Tax, license fee expected to bring in $1 million

Clallam County commissioners discuss reservoir design

Consensus reached on two-cell option

Firefighters respond to a house fire at West Sixth Street and Cherry Street on Friday in Port Angeles. (Port Angeles Fire Department)
Home destroyed in Port Angeles house fire

Residents escaped a house fire at West Sixth Street… Continue reading

Five workshops to repair broken items set this spring

JeffCo Repair will sponsor five workshops where fixers will… Continue reading

Kathy Cruz/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Mary Montgomery-Crumley dishes up helpings of salad at “Soup’s On.” Lunch also included a biscuit, two versions of minestrone soup, one vegetarian, one with chicken, and chocolate chip butterscotch bars.
‘Soup’s On’ free lunch at St. Luke’s draws varied crowd of helpers, diners

Melissa, a member of Sequim’s Friends Together, a group that… Continue reading

At a recent site visit, North Olympic Library System Facilities Manager Brian Phillips and SHKS Architect Pia Westen examine construction progress at the Sequim Library as it’s being renovated and expanded. NOLS leaders anticipate reopening the facility in June. (North Olympic Library System)
Sequim library may open in June

Fall campaign brings in more than $500K in donations

Mike Speer of Bonney Lake, the brother of Sherry Nagel, a former board member of the YMCA of the Olympic Peninsula, cuts a ceremonial ribbon on Jan. 28 courtesy of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce to commemorate a new bus that Nagel’s estate helped fund. The bus is dedicated in Nagel’s honor. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
YMCA honors late board member with new bus

Sherry Nagel’s estate, Forest Foundation provide funds

Immigration fears hit Olympic Peninsula

Law enforcement agencies won’t deport individuals

Local immigrants worry about federal orders

As President Donald Trump steps into office and reports… Continue reading

Jefferson commissioners to discuss sheriff appointment

Three candidates named by Jefferson County Democrats

Eric Spencer, a landscaping and janitorial worker for New Life Open Bible Church, clears snow from a sidewalk next to the church at Sixth and Peabody streets in Port Angeles on Thursday morning. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
After snowfall, cold temperatures expected today

Morning commutes could continue to be icy, weather service says