Walla Walla City Council to review vacation rental rules

Several new ordinances geared at regulating local vacation rentals will be reviewed at a City Council work session at 4 p.m. on Monday at City Hall, 15 N. Third Ave.

The review is a precursor to what is expected to be a final City Council vote on the matter in the coming weeks.

For about two years city officials have been working to draft ordinances that could one day regulate an estimated 107-133 vacation rentals in city limits – though officials noted the number could be significantly higher because the rentals are not tracked by any local agencies.

The proposed ordinances have resulted in a rift between supporters and opponents, as well as a strong contingent of neighbors who would like to see the rentals completely eliminated in the city.

At a December City Planning Commission meeting, the commission voted 4-3 to recommend to the City Council that it approve the following ordinances:

• A one-time application and annual renewal fee of $150 per vacation home.
• Classifying all vacation rentals as two types, dependent on whether they are primary or secondary residences. Secondary residences would be required to notify neighbors of the proposed vacation rental prior to obtaining an approved application from the city.
• Requiring a local contact number that would be available at all hours.
• Requiring one additional off-street parking spot beyond what codes specify for the residence.
• Proof of proper insurance coverage.
• Verification of payment of state and local taxes.
• A graduated fine structure for vacation-rental ordinance violations.

The vacation rental portion of the meeting is expected to last one hour.

Also at Monday’s work session, a 45-minute citywide Transportation Plan update will given, and officials will introduce the new deputy city manager, Byron Olson, who comes from Port Angeles, Wash., where he was the chief financial officer.

Alfred Diaz can be reached at alfreddiaz@wwub.com or 526-8325.