News - STRACC

Member's meeting Aug 4

7/30/2021

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Members Meeting August 4th to Discuss New Code

Dear STRACC Supporter:

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) finally voted to pass the new STR code this week (July 27). The good news is that established STRs will be grandfathered in! However, with the code being 40+ pages long, there is a lot to unpack, understand, and prepare for. Please join us for our next members' only meeting on August 4th @ 7pm PST to discuss the new code and what's next for STR owners & STRACC.

Important: Please be sure to join the members' meeting on Zoom using your full name on your Zoom profile. We use this to verify membership. If you're not yet a member of STRACC, please Join STRACC now and we will send you the invite link to join the meeting.

Member's Meeting Agenda:

Welcome
Membership Update
Overview of the New STR Code
- Who is eligible for grandfathering and who is not
- Transferability
- Tier definitions
- Operating Standards
- Occupancy limits including bedroom definition, IRC egress rules, and septic requirements
- Time allowed for coming into compliance with standards
- Time allowed to resolve problems
- Handling of citations, penalties, revocations
- Permitting Timeline
- Caps on Future Growth
What you need to do now
General Q&A

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BoCC CODE deliberation Tuesday July 13

7/8/2021

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Tuesday, July 13 is when the BOCC will deliberate on the STR code

Dear STR Supporter,

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and spoke at the public hearing, and for all the written comments submitted. This Tuesday, July 13, is when the BOCC will continue their conversation on and editing for the draft STR code, taking into account the written and public hearing comments.

We encourage our members to join and listen in, and highly suggest you change your photo, or edit your name, to show your support for STRs. Feel free to use the STRACC logo. Commenting will not be open during this call; we only have the ability to listen in.

Date: July 13, 2021
Time: 10:15am PST
Link to join the Zoom meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/650411499

Many thanks,
The STRACC Executive Board

Join the 07/13 BOCC Zoom Meeting here

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Final sTR public hearing next tuesday 6/29

6/23/2021

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Final Public Hearing next Tuesday (6/29)

Dear STR Supporter,

The last STR Public Hearing is scheduled for next week, on June 29th at 10:20am. Instead of an advance sign-up, the County will simply ask people to "raise their hand" in Zoom if they wish to speak, and will call on people "at random". To ensure random selection, we encourage you NOT to identify yourself as an STR supporter in your Zoom profile this time. As in previous hearings, each speaker will be allotted 2 minutes. Here's the Zoom link for next week's hearing: https://zoom.us/j/650411499

Keep in mind, this will be our last chance to voice support for STRs before the draft code is passed. So we strongly encourage all STR supporters to raise their hand and speak up at the hearing. This includes homeowners, property managers, local business owners and STR vendors & employees such as cleaners, handymen/women, landscapers, pool/hot tub maintenance, etc.

Just like December, it will be imperative that we show up in large numbers. We need to make sure that our voices are not drowned out by the other side. So please spread the word about this public hearing!

The BoCC also wanted to remind everyone that they consider all the written testimony as well, but noted that they find form letters less useful than more tailored comments. You can submit your written comments until July 2nd to CD.STRComment@co.chelan.wa.us. The STRACC board has drafted some helpful talking points to aid you in composing your spoken or written comments.

Thanks,
The STRACC Executive Board

Sign Up to Speak NOW!!

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Task force update & Key dates

5/20/2021

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Task Force Update & Key Dates

Dear STRACC Supporter,

This email contains important updates on the county’s STR task force and code development process, our upcoming members meeting, proposed amendments to STRACC’s bylaws, and STRACC board elections.

Key Dates
We strongly recommend that all STR supporters join the following 2 events:

BoCC meeting: Tuesday May 11, 10:15 am
The Commissioners will be reviewing the consensus task force report and likely signaling their intention to adopt or modify its recommendations. See task force update below. It is important for STRACC supporters to sign in and identify themselves (via their screen name or STRACC logo, for example) as an STR supporter. Public comment will not be taken at this meeting, but we want to make our presence known. https://zoom.us/j/650411499

STRACC Members Meeting & Board Elections: Thurs May 20, 8:00 pm
Please plan on joining this if you are a STRACC member and consider joining STRACC if you're not. We will send the link a couple days before the meeting. Be sure to sign in with your full name as we will be limiting participation to STRACC members.

Task Force Update
The report documenting the task force process and consensus recommendations was sent to the BOCC on Friday May 7. Contrary to previous plans, the final report was not shared with the task force members. As such, the following is based on summary notes, and represents the best information we have at this time. We expect to see the final task force report when the BOCC presents it in their meeting on Tuesday May 11.

The task force’s consensus recommendations would eliminate the most egregious forms of overreach from the December draft code. They represent a significantly better outcome for STR owners and operators in most respects. Specifically:

There are reasonable provisions for grandfathering and transferability for established STR operators. If you were operating in the year before the moratorium and paid your taxes, you should be eligible for grandfathering.
The lottery and sunset period are gone.
The cap on the allowable percentage of STRs is higher than in the December draft code.
Tier 2 STRs would be allowed in all zones including RW and RV, which contain many STRs but were excluded from the December draft code.

It’s not all good news. For example, new STRs will face limitations including a 200 foot separation distance from other existing STRs, similar to measures enacted in other jurisdictions such as Cle Elum (250 feet) or Pacific County (300 feet). Future STRs would only be allowable on parcels meeting the minimum lot size standard for the zone they are in. Perhaps most importantly for existing operators, occupancy limits will be tied to septic system capacity.

The next step in the code development process is for the BOCC to officially review the task force report at their May 11 meeting. After that, it will likely be at least two weeks for county staff and consultants to prepare a revised version of the draft code. The BOCC will likely hold a workshop to review that code, and then post it for public comment. They can hold a public hearing two weeks after posting the draft code, and then can take a vote on the code. STRACC members should plan on remaining active throughout this period so we can continue to make sure the BOCC hears our voices.

Members Meeting
Thursday May 20, 8:00 PM.
We have delayed our members meeting by one week, from May 13 to May 20. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but the change was necessary for two primary reasons.

First, we plan to provide members with a briefing on the content of the task force report at the meeting. Since the county has delayed the release of the report, even to task force members, we need to have time to review it thoroughly in advance of our meeting.

Second, we are planning to hold elections for STRACC board member positions at this meeting. We want to make sure that any members interested in running for a seat on the board have the opportunity to put forward their names and vision for STRACC’s priorities.

STRACC Board Elections
STRACC needs you!

STRACC board members serve terms of two years. Responsibilities include working to advance the interests of STR owners and operators and facilitating best practices among STR operators. Board members participate in regular meetings with the full board, and undertake work individually and collaboratively via committees.

STRACC members are encouraged to nominate themselves or other members for board positions by replying to this email. Nominees should provide a short statement (200 word maximum) supporting their nomination. They may wish to highlight their qualifications and fit for the board, how they see themselves contributing, and their vision for STRACC’s priorities over the next two years. These statements will be shared with STRACC membership ahead of the meeting.

Several board positions already have nominees already. Nominations are welcomed for all positions. Current nominations:

Chair: Hernan Savastano
Vice chair: Denae’ Poss
Secretary: Don MacKenzie
Treasurer: Zelda Holgate
Leavenworth at-large: Justin Gere
Leavenworth at-large: Open
Chelan at-large:Joni Fisher
Chelan at-large: Carissa Reid
County at-large: Open
Affiliate (non voting): Open

Bylaw Changes
The Board is recommending two amendments be made to STRACC’s bylaws. The proposed text is attached.

The first change would create separate Board positions of Secretary and Treasurer, instead of the current Secretary/Treasurer role. This will provide for a more even division of labor and reflects lessons learned from STRACC’s operations over the past two years.

The second change would add the Legal Chair as a full Board member. This change would recognize the important role that the legal chair has played and will continue to play in STRACC’s decision making going forward.

The third and fourth changes would authorize membership and board meetings, respectively, to be conducted electronically on an ongoing basis.

The final change is to correct what appears to be an erroneous find-replace that replaced "may" with "March" in two places in our original bylaws.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you in the BOCC meeting this Tuesday and the STRACC members meeting on Thursday May 20.

Thank you for your support,
The STRACC Executive Board

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Update: Moritorium & Task Force Planning

1/22/2021

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Update: Moratorium Hearing and Task Force Planning

Dear STRACC Supporter,

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a public hearing on the STR moratorium and deliberations on the STR Task Force members on January 19-20.

Moratorium
STRACC’s position is the moratorium is causing more problems than it solves. In our testimony, we recommended that the moratorium be lifted and that the new code take effect on the adoption date. About two dozen individuals gave testimony highlighting the wide range of unique situations and people who had acted in good faith and are being hurt by the moratorium, and urging the BOCC to either end the moratorium or introduce some flexibility. About a dozen people spoke up in favor of keeping the moratorium in place as is, citing perceptions of STRs’ impacts on neighbors and on the long-term rental market.

After taking testimony, the three commissioners remarked that they had heard several common themes and that they would like to review written comments before making a final decision. They have scheduled their vote on extending or possibly modifying the moratorium for Tuesday, February 2 at 10:15. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/650411499 Meeting ID: 650 411 499

Task Force
The BOCC deliberated at some length over the composition of the Task Force. They are trying to achieve balance in members’ positions for or against STRs, as well as the geographic balance between different parts of the county. The BOCC passed a motion approving the following people for the Task Force. For the pro-STR side, Sean Lynn, Don MacKenzie, and David Donovick, with Zelda Holgate as an alternate (a role like an alternate juror, who listens to the discussions but does not participate unless one of the Task Force members needs to be replaced). For the anti-STR side, Kirvil Skinnarland, John Agnew, and Ken Longley, with Jerry Jennings as an alternate. In addition, they approved Ed Martinez plus one more person to be named later as representatives of the Planning Commission. We understand that the BOCC had not necessarily contacted each of these individuals personally prior to voting, so there is some chance the Task Force membership could change if anyone is unable to assume this responsibility.

The BOCC closed with some discussion of the specific issues that they will charge the Task Force with addressing. It sounds like questions of grandfathering, a cap and/or distance between STRs, allowable zones for STRs, minimum lot sizes, transferability, occupancy thresholds for tiers, and the definition of Tier 1 STRs are all on the table. STRACC’s position is that the code could be also be improved considerably by simplifying some of the operating standards. Simpler code is easier to comply with and easier to enforce.

STRACC is pleased that the BOCC has included several of the people we recommended to the Task Force. Sean Lynn, too, is an experienced and well respected STR operator and has been a pragmatic voice in the code development process. We welcome his inclusion as well. Those approved to represent the other side of the debate are smart, talented, and experienced individuals who will no doubt advocate vigorously for their side’s interests. Maintaining balance in perspectives is essential to constructive dialogue, and we urge the BOCC to consider this when selecting the final Planning Commission representative on the Task Force. STRACC encourages all parties to enter this process with open minds and a willingness to find common ground. We continue to be optimistic that the Task Force will be able to make recommendations on making the code simpler and more enforceable while finding a durable way for STRs and neighbors to continue coexisting in Chelan County.

Thank you!

The STRACC Executive Board

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reminder: moratorium hearing tomorrow!

1/11/2021

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Reminder: Moratorium Hearing Tomorrow!

Dear STRACC Supporter,

Tomorrow, January 12 at 10:30am, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will hold a public hearing on whether to extend their STR moratorium. An extension would prevent many of you who had made investments and plans to operate a new STR (or modify an existing one) but were unable to do so before the Aug 25 moratorium date.

So we encourage everyone to sign up to speak now to make sure you get a spot and your voice is heard! Here are some recommended talking points that you may find helpful in preparing your 2-minute testimony. You can also submit written comments to CD.STRComment@co.chelan.wa.us until Friday Jan 15th at 5pm.

Here's the Zoom link for tomorrow's meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/650411499

Thank you!

The STRACC Executive Board

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Update: Member meeting this week & moratorium hearing next week

1/5/2021

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Update: Member Meeting, Survey and Moratorium Hearing next week!

Dear STRACC Supporter,

Just wanted to send out a few quick reminders:

STRACC member meeting this Thursday, January 7 at 8pm. We will provide a legal update, introduce our recommendations for the STR Task Force and discuss our negotiation strategy. Make sure you join STRACC asap if you'd like to attend this meeting. Only members will receive the Zoom invite (on Thursday morning).
Take the STRACC Survey so we can understand what's most important to you regarding STR regulations and better prepare for the task force negotiations. We've received 215 responses so far, but it's important that everyone of our 500+ supporters on this list spend 3 minutes to fill out the survey.
Public Hearing on STR Moratorium next Tuesday, January 12th at 10:30am. The BoCC will meet to take input on whether to extend their moratorium on the creation of new STRs after August 25th, 2020. An extension would prevent many of you who had made investments and plans to operate a new STR (or modify an existing one) but were unable to do so before the Aug 25 moratorium date. So we encourage everyone to SIGN UP TO SPEAK ASAP!

Thank you!

The STRACC Executive Board

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Happy new year & a look ahead!

12/31/2020

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Happy New Year and a Look Ahead!

Dear STRACC Supporter,

Despite 2020 having been a challenging year on many levels, we still find much to be grateful for. First, a deep THANK YOU to all ye faithful STRACC supporters. Without your energy and your voices, the year could have ended on a truly miserable note had the BoCC voted to pass STR regulations. So we also want to thank the Commissioners for hearing our input, pausing the process and creating an STR Task Force with members from both sides to find a compromise. We are grateful that STRACC will have a seat at the table!

So we welcome 2021 with hope and look forward to brighter days ahead. STRACC is currently forming a list of pro-STR candidates to nominate to the Task Force, which will be comprised of 3 pro-STR members, 3 people from the other side, and one member from the Planning Commission. The Task Force will have the first 3 months of the new year to make progress toward a balanced solution and make an advisory recommendation to the BoCC.

Upcoming STRACC Members Meeting & Survey!

Mark your calendars for our next STRACC members-only meeting on Thursday, January 7th at 8pm and please officially join STRACC if you haven't already. We'll discuss the makeup of the Task Force, our strategy looking ahead, and go over the results from the STRACC Survey. Many of you (180 so far) have taken the survey, but it's imperative that everyone among our 500+ supporters on our mailing list spend 3 minutes to fill it out as soon as possible. Your input will help us understand what is most important to you regarding STR regulations, so we can better prepare for the upcoming Task Force negotiations.

Thank you for your support and Happy New Year!

The STRACC Executive Board

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BoCC CreateS Task Force, Extends Process Into New Year

12/29/2020

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BoCC Creates Task Force and Extends STR Process into the New Year!

Dear STRACC Supporter,

Today was a victory for STRs in Chelan County! After a huge show of support for STRs at last week's public hearing, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) decided to postpone a vote on the controversialSTR code. Instead, they approved a resolution to create a "task force" with members from both sides of the issue to work together on a compromise solution. Importantly, the BoCC's decision extends the code review process into the new year, when Commissioner-elect (and STRACC-endorsed) Tiffany Gering gets seated on Jan 4th. She will have a say on selecting the 7 members of the task force, which will be comprised of 3 pro-STR members, 3 anti-STR members, and 1 member from the County's planning commission. The task force will be asked to make "signifiant progress" within 3 months and a non-binding recommendation to the BoCC within 6 months. Commissioner Bugert reached out to STRACC today to nominate members to the task force. Getting a seat at the table is a big win for us.

The BoCC also scheduled a public hearing today for January 12 at 10:30am for comment on extending the moratorium on new STR, with an exception for the approximately 45 lawfully permitted STRs in the Manson UGA. Manson created a short-term rental permit process several years ago that the county manages. Otherwise, we believe the moratorium has no legal standing. The Jan 12 hearing will a be an opportunity for us to weigh in on the legality of the moratorium and the uncertainty it is creating.
Before closing today's BoCC meeting, England handed over chairmanship of the BoCC to Bob Bugert for the coming year.

Take Our Survey!!

Finally as we await the formation of the task force, we urge all STRACC supporters to take a deep sigh of relief and then a few minutes to Take the STRACC Survey. We need your input to better serve you and fight for you rights in our upcoming negotiations with the County.

Thank you for your support,
The STRACC Executive Board

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bocc workshop today and take our survey!!

12/28/2020

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Update: Final BoCC workshop today at 2pm!

Dear STRACC Supporter,

After a strong pro-STR showing at the Public Hearing last week, the BoCC has scheduled a last-minute workshop on the latest draft revision Today Monday Dec 28 at 2pm before their final deliberations and vote Tomorrow Tuesday Dec 29 at 10:15am. Both sessions will be held on Zoom using this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/650411499. We encourage you to tune in if possible.

While we await the Commissioners' decision, we also ask you take a few minutes to take our Take our STRACC Survey today so that we can better serve you and fight for your property rights in our upcoming negotiations with the County.

Thank you for your support,
The STRACC Executive Board

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PO BOX 321
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