News - STRACC

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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update: stracc rocks public hearing!

12/23/2020

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STRACC Rocked the Public Hearing!

Dear STR Supporters,

Many thanks to the hundreds of you who attended to the Public Hearing last night, especially those who spoke up! You were well prepared with compelling arguments opposing this disastrous draft code. You clearly expressed our desire to see nuisance laws enforced, for existing STRs to be grandfathered in, a willingness to accept additional operating standards and help pay for enforcement, and strong dislike for the lottery. Code supporters spoke about affordability, neighborhood quality, and nuisance issues, and pushed for shortening the grace period further to 2 years. Here's the recording of the hearing in case you missed it.

By our count, there were 38 comments in support of STRs with only 10 against (mostly from the RUN steering committee), and 14 who were called on but didn’t speak for some reason, many of whom were STRACC members. So, we estimate almost a 4:1 ratio in support of STRs! Unfortunately, however, only 48 people in total got to speak out of the 306 that had signed up as of yesterday morning. The County has to draw the line somewhere, but 14% seems insufficient, especially since no local business owners got to speak. Many are just now learning about the proposed code and signed up too late to make the cut.

Regardless of the numbers, it was clear from the discussion afterward that we had a strong impact. The Commissioners asked CD Director Jim Brown to draft a revised code which would grandfather in existing STRs (as legal non-conforming uses), scrap the lottery system, and raise the STR cap from 5% to 10% of housing inventory. If adopted, these changes would be major improvements and signal that the BoCC is moving toward a more balanced approach and is willing to work with us.

What's Next

We are not out of the woods yet, but last night’s hearing showed the Commissioners under a lot of pressure to consider the damage this code could bring to families, the economy and the county. This week, we are asking the Commissioners to schedule another hearing to give more people a chance to speak, especially business owners. We will also send the BoCC a letter with a simpler alternative code to consider that would focus on common-sense solutions and give us all a fresh start. We certainly hope to negotiate a fair compromise with Commissioners so we can ultimately all avoid costly lawsuits. We'll provide an update in the next few days.

In the meantime, keep submitting comments to the BoCC. It you didn't get to speak, you can still submit your comments in writing. Even if you spoke or already submitted comments, you can send further thoughts about the hearing and discussion afterward. They want to hear from us. Please also THANK the Commissioners for hearing our input and considering major changes and course-correct at this late stage. Grandfathering existing STRs would be a big step forward. Encourage them to continue on a path to a middle ground and not try to rush this code. Written comments will remain open until Sunday night and should be sent to CD.STRcomment@co.chelan.wa.us.

Please also send any questions or comments to the STRACC board here at info@straccwa.org. We'd really like to hear your thoughts about where things stand as of last night.

Overall, last night was was a good night for our side. The momentum seems to be shifting in our favor and we have some cause for hope (just in time for Christmas!). However, we have to stay focused. Our near-term goal remains to delay the vote into the new year so we can work with the Commissioners on a truly fair and balanced solution. Recent media coverage from the Seattle Times and Kiro 7 will raise more awareness around this battle and pressure for a balanced solution. Now is not the time to rush this through.

Thank you for your support,
The STRACC Executive Board

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public hearing tonight dec 22 6-9pm

12/22/2020

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Reminder: Public Hearing Tonight Dec 22 6-9pm!

Dear STR Supporter,

Tonight Dec 22 from 6-9pm is the Public Hearing where we will have an opportunity to have our voices heard before the Commissioners try to ram this disastrous piece of code before the new year. Please SIGN UP TO SPEAK if you haven't already using the Doodle Poll. They may not get to everybody, but it's important to show up and be ready to speak. Our goal is to pressure the County to add at least one more session and extend the process into the new year, when Tiffany gets seated and can represent the will of the voters.

So please sign up, attend the hearing and stay logged in for the entire time just in case you get called to speak. Everyone who is selected will get 2 minutes to speak. No registration is required to simply observe the hearing. Here's the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/650411499.

We've also compiled some recommended talking points to help you prepare for tthe hearing or include in your written comments which we are still encouraging everyone to submit before the vote on Dec 29. As you can see, the talking points are organized by theme. They are not meant to dictate what anyone should say, but hopefully they provide a common resource and hit on some of the same themes. The key themes are:

The lottery is inherently arbitrary and unfair
STRs must be respected as established nonconforming uses
STRs should be treated the same in all zones (RW, RRR, RV, RRX)
Enforce existing nuisance laws with a modest lodging tax increase
Create a "responsible person" STR registry, levy heavy fines for nuisance violators and punish repeat offenders
Common ground and a more balanced approach can be found to unite and not further divide the community

Finally, make sure you sign our petition that is making the rounds. We have to do everything we can right now to help save STRs in Chelan County before the Commissioners try to eliminate two-thirds of us by rushing this disastrous code through before year's end. Now is the time to speak up!

Thank you for your support,

The STRACC Executive Board

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Public hearing this tuesday!

12/21/2020

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Strategy & Talking Points for the Public Hearing!

Dear STR Supporter,

Many thanks to the 100+ members of you who attended and energized our virtual meeting last week with Commissioner-elect Tiffany Gering. We discussed strategy heading into the Public Hearing this Tuesday Dec 22 from 6-9pm. Most importantly, we are asking everyone to SIGN UP TO SPEAK at the hearing. Even though the speaking slots are probably already filled given the limited time allotted, we need to show the County how many of us wish to be heard - strength in numbers! Our goal is to pressure the County to add at least one more session and extend the process into the new year, when Tiffany gets seated and can represent the will of the voters.

So please sign up, attend the hearing and stay logged in for the entire time just in case you get called to speak. Everyone who is selected will get 2 minutes to speak. No registration is required to simply observe the hearing. Here's the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/650411499.

We've also compiled some recommended talking points to help you prepare for tthe hearing or include in your written comments which we're still encouraging everyone to submit. As you can see, the talking points are organized by theme. They are not meant to dictate what anyone should say, but hopefully they provide a common resource and hit on some of the same themes.

Finally, make sure you sign our petition that is making the rounds and keep spreading the word with our flyer if you can. We have to do everything we can right now to help save STRs in Chelan County before the Commissioners try to eliminate two-thirds of us by rushing this disastrous code through before year's end. Now is the time to speak up!

Thank you for your support,

The STRACC Executive Board

STRACC Facebook Page

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Tiffany Gering to Join STRACC Member Meeting This Thursday!

12/16/2020

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Tiffany Gering to Join STRACC Member Meeting This Thursday!

Dear STRACC Member,

We're excited to announce that Commissioner-elect Tiffany Gering will be joining our STRACC members meeting this Thursday, Dec 17 at 8pm. STRACC endorsed Tiffany in the recent election, and she's one of the main reasons that the sitting Commissioners are rushing to pass their new regulations before next year, when Tiffany becomes only the second woman to get a seat at the BoCC table. At our meeting, Tiffany will discuss her position on the proposed code and how we might negotiate a more balanced solution.

At our meeting, we will also give a legal update and discuss our strategy for the Public Hearing next Tuesday, Dec 22. It is essential that everyone SIGN UP TO SPEAK at the hearing to pressure the Commissioners and to strengthen our legal challenge, if it comes to that. We'll also discuss at the meeting our plan for a weekend of "pounding the pavement" and reaching out to local businesses who will be impacted by these regulations.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and questions for Tiffany Thursday night. In the meantime, here are some other things you can do to help the cause...

Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing on Dec 22
Send written comments to the County
Share our Ad Flyer and online petition with your social networks
Encourage other STR owners and supporters to JOIN STRACC and get involved!

Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be impacted by these regulations. We'll send out the link to the member's only meeting on Thursday morning.

The STRACC Executive Board

STRACC Facebook Page

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Time To ACT ahead of NEXT WEEK's public hearing!

12/14/2020

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Update: STRACC Takes Action Ahead of Public Hearing!

Dear STR Supporter,

As you know, the County is rushing to pass new regulations that would eliminate two-thirds of vacation rentals in Chelan County, where visitors spend more than 1 million nights each year, generating more than $150 million in economic activity, creating 1400 local jobs and paying $42 million in wages. A brand new financial impact study released today showed that the proposed elimination of STRs in RW and RV zones alone would cost the county an estimated 314 jobs and $9.5 million in labor income, $459,000 in sales tax and $517,000 in lodging tax.

Now is the time to speak up against this disastrous code. Our time is running out. We have just over a week before the Public Hearing next Tues Dec 22, where we need to make sure the Commissioners hear our voices. Fortunately, STRACC has been getting organized with a surge of supporters contributing both time and money and "pounding the pavement." We can feel the momentum building with our new ad in the Wenatchee World ad, a petition making the rounds, and recent media coverage on both sides of the mountains. So, we are hopeful that we can still have an impact before this code passes, but we need all hands on deck working together now! Here are some ways you can help...

Speak Up!

Sign our petition. It only takes a minute!
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing on Dec 22
Send written comments to let the County know how this code will impact your family's livelihood and the people whose businesses rely on your STR.

Get Involved!

Join STRACC and attend our member meeting this Thursday Dec 17 at 8pm
Join the discussion on this Facebook group.

Spread the Word!

Share our ad flyer with your social networks and email lists
Help with local business outreach
Ask past guests to submit written comments. Here's a template letter you can use.

Now is the time to act. Thank you for your support,

The STRACC Executive Board

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Update: Final BoCC Workshop & STRACC Membership Meeting

12/9/2020

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Update: Final BoCC Workshop, STRACC Member Meeting & Public Hearing

Dear STRACC Supporters,

In their final workshop yesterday, the BoCC continued its attack on STRs in Chelan County by adding further restrictions to the final draft code. Specifically, the Commissioners required Tier 3 STRs to be at least 10 acres and restricted them to a maximum occupancy of 16. Additionally, while Tier 2 (non owner-occupied) occupancy remains at 12, they inexplicably reduced Tier 1 (owner-occupied) occupancy from 12 to 8 guests. Similarly, they've yet to explain how primarily banning waterfront STRs (RW zone) accomplishes their goal of addressing housing affordability. Unfortunately, these are just a few examples of the logical inconsistencies in the code resulting from the Commissioners trying to rush this process through before year's end, when newly-elected Commissioner Tiffany Gering gets seated.

On the bright side, there's a surging amount of community energy in support of STRs. Those of you who tuned into yesterday's workshop noticed the many pro-STR avatars as well as the public outcry to the County initially capping attendance to 100 guests before our attorney intervened and made them increase the limit. Vibrant discussions are taking place in our Facebook group. Our STRACC mailing list has grown to over 450 subscribers and from 100 to 160 contributing members in recent days. Given this growing momentum, we are hopeful that we can still turn things around before the Commissioners eliminate 75-85% of STRs countywide. However, we have to get organized with everyone working together. We need all hands on deck now.

Here 3 Ways You Can Help Right Now

Join STRACC with a minimum $100 donation by midnight tonight to attend our member's-only meeting tomorrow night, Dec 10 at 8pm, when will discuss strategy and our legal options going forward. We will send the Zoom link to all members in the morning.
Sign Up to Speak at the Public Hearing on Dec 22. We need hundreds of people demanding to be heard at this hearing.
Submit Written Comments and let the BoCC how this code will specifically impact you and your family's livelihood.

Thank you for your support,
The STRACC Executive Board

STRACC Facebook Page

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UPDATE: STRACC ORG MEETING

12/4/2020

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Update: STRACC Org Meeting!

Dear STRACC,

Last night's STRACC Organizational meeting was a success! Thank you to the 120+ supporters who Zoomed in. We were so encouraged by the turnout, the great ideas and offers to help. In case you missed it, here are the presentation slides with information about how to get involved.

While the BoCC appears poised to rush this dangerous new code before the new year, we still have time to unite and make our voices heard. We need hundreds of STR owners, managers, businesses, and even our guests to speak up at the Public Hearing on Dec 22 so we can place enough STR pressure on the Commissioners to reconsider the code before they eliminate 75-85% of STRs in Chelan County and destroy our tourist economy. We have to get organized and spread the word. Let's get to work...

Here Are 5 Ways You Can Help

Join STRACC to attend our member's-only meeting on Dec 10 at 8pm.
Join the Facebook group for discussions and ways to get involved.
Submit Written Comments and let the BoCC how this code will specifically impact you and your family's livelihood.
Speak Up at the Public Hearing on Dec 22, 6-8 pm. Keep an eye on the BoCC's page for the sign-up form which will likely be posted right after their final code workshop on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 10:30am. It's important to sign up on the form as soon as it's posted so we can make sure we all get a chance to speak.
Spread the Word! Reach out to any other STR owners, property managers and local businesses you know to make sure they're aware of what's going on. Encourage your housecleaners, maintenance staff, etc. to get involved. Maybe even ask past guests to submit written comments and speak up at the hearing.

Everyone's voice helps. We're in this fight together to protect our property rights and our economy.

Thank you for your support,
The STRACC Executive Board

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REMINDER: STRACC meeting dec 3 6pm

12/1/2020

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Join our STRACC Strategy Meeting this Thursday 6pm!

Dear STRACC,

Honestly, things are not looking good for STRs in Chelan County. There's a lot to consider in the proposed code, but essentially it boils down to this:

If your STR is on less than 5 acres, you will be out of business after the 3-year "grace period" unless it is owner-occupied (Tier 1) or zoned RRR.

Fortunately, we still have time to change the code before it passes, but we need to get organized and make our voices heard!

STRACC is hosting an online meeting this Thursday Dec 3rd at 6pm (Add to Calendar) for STR owners and supporters to learn about our organization, how to get involved and help with strategic planning ahead of the Public Hearing on Dec 22. We will introduce you to the STRACC board, go over our finances and share an overview of our legal strategy going forward. The meeting will be held via Zoom via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89693118268?pwd=QlRxOXdsV0xVUDV2RHJZU01aQVpUUT09

We hope you will join us on Thursday to help make sure that the County hears all of our voices!

Thanks,
The STRACC Executive Board

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BOCC STR Update & stracc planning meeting!

11/24/2020

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BoCC Update & Upcoming STRACC Meeting!

Dear STRACC,

In today's workshop session, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) continued their assault on STRs by drafting further restrictions into the proposed code. Needless to say, it’s getting worse and worse for STRs, but STRACC has a plan to get organized before the Public Hearing, currently set for Dec 22. More on that below, but first here’s a quick summary of today’s session. Specifically, the Commissioners.....

Confirmed their plan to ban all non-owner occupied STRs in Rural Waterfront (RW) and Rural Village (RV) zones.
Retained the minimum lot size of 5 acres even in the RR2.5 zone.
RR20 and RR10, and RR5 with minimum lot sizes of 10, 5, and 5 acres respectively.
Allowed STRs in RRR zone with no minimum lot size.
Changed the permit fee structure:
- Tier 1 (owner-occupied): $500 annually
- Tier 2 (non-owner occupied): $500 first time, $900 second time with inspection, $500 annual renewal
- Tier 3 (occupancy over 12): $2020 first time including CUP, $750 annual renewal
  - Capped Tier 3 occupancy at 24

Today's session focused on the BoCC's goal of reducing STRs to 5% of all housing units countywide. Currently, about 13% of all dwellings in the 98826 zip code are STRs so the County is aiming for a pretty drastic reduction. The Commissioners eventually decided on a lottery system to determine which owners could apply for a permit to operate an STR. Only STRs in permitted zones would be eligible.

Feeling Lucky?

Under the new code, you would need to get lucky in the STR lottery to apply for a permit even if your STR is in a "permitted" zone (i.e., RRR, RR5, RR10, or RR20). Otherwise, you will no longer be able to operate. If your STR is in a "non-conforming" zone like RW, RV, or RR2.5 on a lot smaller than 5 acres, you're out of luck and would be outlawed after a 3-year grace period. Period.

The Commissioners are clearly singling out some zones over others. The Community Development office’s analysis estimated that 354 out of 1020 rentals in rural areas of Chelan would be eliminated, the vast majority coming from RW or RV zones, while leaving other zones like RRR untouched. (The definition of RW and RRR in the County Code both similarly allow for "recreational and tourist activities.") The reasons for this targeting are not clear, in part because the Commissioners’ reasoning keeps changing. The County's hasty analysis also somehow assumes that only 2 out of 178 in RR2.5 would disappear, despite the requirement for STRs to be on lots double the minimum size (5 acres in a zone with a 2.5 acre minimum). So their estimate is most likely way undercounting the number of STRs that would be eliminated.

Why the Rush?

The BoCC is running out of time to pass the code in 2020. They’re desperately rushing to pass something before Tiffany Gering replaces Doug England as District 3 Commissioner at the start of next year, because they know that she was endorsed by STRACC and will support STRs. Trying to ram an unfinished, poorly structured, and thoroughly inequitable ordinance through before Tiffany can represent the will of the voters on this matter would be shameful behavior by the BoCC, even if we weren't in a pandemic where people are already suffering economically.

Fortunately, the BoCC was unable to finalize the draft code tonight, and the Commissioners acknowledged they won’t be done by next Tuesday, Dec 1. They also know they need share the finalized draft code with the hearing announcement, two weeks before the public hearing. So they are now aiming to finalize the draft code at their next workshop session on Dec 8, hold the public hearing on Dec 22, and a vote on Dec 29. Two days before the New Year. We need to apply pressure and make sure that doesn't happen!

So Let's Get Organized!

STRACC is planning an online meeting for STR supporters to learn about our organization, get involved and start planning for the Public Hearing on Dec 22. We will introduce you to the STRACC board, go over our finances and share an overview of our legal strategy going forward. We hope you will join us and get involved so we can pressure the County to hear our voices. The meeting is set for December 3rd at 6pm via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89693118268?pwd=QlRxOXdsV0xVUDV2RHJZU01aQVpUUT09. Mark your calendars!

Thanks,
The STRACC Executive Board

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info@straccwa.org
PO BOX 321
Leavenworth, WA 98826
info@straccwa.org

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Our Privacy Promise. We, members of Short Term Rental Alliance of Chelan County (STRACC), value your support. We want to address any privacy concerns you may have. To that end, we have set forth our privacy policy for handling the information you share with us online. We want your decision to participate and support our cause, to be an informed one. Read our full privacy policy here.