Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON THURSDAY WORK SESSION 7:00 P.M. August 17, 2017 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Video-taped www.cob.org CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Ali Taysi, Chairman of the Planning Commission. ROLL CALL: Ali Taysi (C), Garrett O'Brien (VC), Phyllis McKee, Steve Crooks, Lisa Anderson, Mike Estes and Iris Maute- Gibson Present: Ali Taysi, Steve Crooks, Lisa Anderson, Mike Estes and Iris Maute-Gibson Absent: Garrett O'Brien and Phyllis McKee Staff Present: Rick Sepler, PCDD Director; Lisa Pool, Senior Planner; Heather Aven, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No minutes were submitted for approval. 15 MINUTE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No testimony given. WORK SESSION A work session on short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb, HomeAway, etc.) in residentially-zoned areas. At this initial work session, staff will present background information, current city regulations and regulatory approaches used by other jurisdictions. STAFF PRESENTATION: Staff provided background information and reviewed the City's current regulations regarding short-term rentals. Staff also reviewed approaches used by other jurisdictions on this emerging issue, and briefly discussed which ones could be considered Bellingham. COMMISSIONER QUESTION / COMMENT The Commission would like more information on the following topics:  Impact short-term rentals have on the tourism industry. o Seek feedback from LTAC / Tourism Board o Important that short-term rental owners are paying their fair share  Number of hotel units / vacancy rate existing in Bellingham  What is the percentage of lodging tax revenue coming to the City  What is the dispersion of the 345 identified units o Important consideration for future allowed units as well o Concern about some neighborhoods experiencing saturation of rentals  General support for addressing this issue while the number of units is still relatively low  Progressive fee schedule that would be based on the potential income rather than just one flat fee regardless of number of units / rooms renting  Renters being allowed to rent out unit if allowed by property owner Final Copy - 1   Enforcement  Third-party monitor  Fee-in-lieu of affordable housing  Regulating the number of days allowed to rent PUBLIC COMMENT Five citizens addressed the Commission and shared their thoughts on short-term rentals. GENERAL BUSINESS ADJOURNED: 9:00 p.m. Minutes prepared by: _____________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff. Final Copy - 2