PORT ANGELES – We’ve spoken at length about the issue of short-term rentals and the moratorium that was placed on any new ones in Port Angeles while City staff and the City Council work on what the policies should look like going into the new year. That moratorium is scheduled to expire at the end of this month.

With that in mind, the City of Port Angeles announced Thursday its project webpage for Short-Term Lodging, designed to inform and invite community members to participate in the regulatory development process for short-term rental and bed-and-breakfasts operations. We’re all encouraged to review the proposed measures and engage in the online survey, feedback sessions, and public hearings scheduled for this winter.

A community survey conducted in 2021 yielded feedback on several critical issues. The regulation of short-term rentals was included, and 55% of respondents felt that some regulation of short-term rentals was necessary.

Moving forward, the City is proposing what they call “robust platform-based regulations” for short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast operations, including a proposed fee structure and licensing program. Proposed municipal code revisions under consideration can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

NEW: 17.23 – Short Term Rentals

NEW: 17.24 – Bed and Breakfasts

REPEALED: 17.18 – Bed and Breakfasts (to be replaced by Chapter 17.24 PAMC)

Participate in a Community Survey, which went live on December 21 and will be open until January 14.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pastrsurvey

The City has also scheduled 3 Drop-In Feedback Sessions. One is set for Thursday, December 28 from 4pm to 7pm, another at the Port Angeles Farmers Market on Saturday, January 6 from 10am to 2pm, and a third at the Port Angeles Senior Center on Thursday, January 11 from 4pm to 7pm.

There will also be a Planning Commission Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 24th at 6pm, and a City Council Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 20th at 6pm.

Go to the city’s website at cityofpa.us to learn more.