Update 9/12: we need your support now

Unfortunately, the news is not good. To put it plainly, the STR industry is under attack in Chelan County. Last week, we learned about a line item tucked into the County's 2019 budget planning to raise an additional $750,000 from STRs. If permits and new codes are passed, this NEW revenue stream will make up 24% of the CCCD budget. This is clearly a money grab.

The Planning Commission is moving ahead with unjustified and unlawful new code regulations, including:

• Requiring a $500/year permit for each STR property you own/manage
• Limiting nightly occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2.
• Enforcing fines of $750 per violation per day and a strict "3 Strikes & You're Out" Complaint Policy
• Requiring Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) for homes over 3200 square feet and potentially retrofitting with sprinkler systems

We've Hired Legal Team

It has become clear that we'll need to mount a legal defense as well as engaging the political process. To defend the right of property owners to rent their homes without undue burdens and regulatory overreach, we are pleased to announce that we have hired Samuel A. Rodabaugh PLLC of Bellevue, and Michelle Green of Wenatchee, two highly-respected property rights attorneys. More information about our legal strategy will follow, but we plan to oppose all new STR regulations. The main "complaint" issues - parking, trash and noise - are already managed by existing nuisance ordinances, which should be enforced equally. Per Supreme Court decision, STRs, long-term rental and a primary residence are all seen and treated equally. Therefore, County Commissioners do not have the authority to regulate STRs differently.
 
Make Your Donations Now

Mounting a legal defense will require considerable financial resources to prepare for the July 24 Planning Commission hearing and vote. So we are asking STRACC members to step up and make their donations ASAP. Our suggested donation is now $500 or more to cover our expected legal costs this year. Any amount will help, but please give what you can. The future of our property rights and of each of our property investments depends on this legal defense. Thankfully, we're now able to accept online donations on our JOIN/DONATE page, or simply click the button below.

Please Join STRACC in this fight to protect your property rights!

Together, we can defend our rights as property and business owners and be recognized as important contributors to our community. Please also forward this email to anyone else who might be impacted.

JOIN & DONATE NOW