Chelan County Commissioners to take public input on short-term rental code changes

WENATCHEE - Chelan County will hold a public hearing on proposed modifications to the county's short-term rental regulations, as officials continue to refine rules governing vacation rentals in the region.

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has scheduled the public hearing for Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m. at the Confluence Technology Center in Wenatchee. The meeting will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options through Zoom, with connection details available on the Commissioners' webpage at www.co.chelan.wa.us/board-of-commissioners.

The proposed amendments follow a review initiated by the BOCC earlier this year, targeting sections of the code that have generated questions from county staff and residents since its initial adoption in July 2021. The existing code established operating standards for the county's short-term rental industry.

A previous public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Nov. 13 drew 75 online participants and 40 in-person attendees. The commission has since submitted its recommendations on the proposed changes to the BOCC, which are now available for public review online.

Members of the public wishing to voice their opinions at the upcoming hearing will be allocated three minutes each for comments. Written submissions are being accepted by the Community Development department at CD.Comment@co.chelan.wa.us prior to the meeting.

Following the public comment period, commissioners may proceed with deliberations and take immediate action on the proposed updates. Alternatively, they retain the option to close the public comment period and continue deliberations at a subsequent meeting.

The proposed modifications and current short-term rental code can be accessed through the county's official website, along with additional meeting information and documentation.

This hearing represents the latest step in the county's efforts to regulate its short-term rental industry, which has grown to become a key part of the local housing market.