Jefferson County has enacted its first comprehensive update to short-term rental (STR) regulations in over two decades, coinciding with the expiration of a year-long moratorium on new STR permits in unincorporated areas.  

The updated code, adopted unanimously by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on April 7, introduces a range of new requirements to improve oversight and address concerns about housing availability, said Josh Peters, the county director of community development (DCD). 

“The regulations were simpler back then; I guess we lived in simpler times,” Peters said. “The new regulations are just one part of a program to do everything we can that is in our power to try and alleviate the housing situation.” 

The code changes only affect those in unincorporated Jefferson County. Port Townsend is excluded and has its own code.

The county defines an STR as a lodging use that is not a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast, which is rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Its original code was short, with rules preventing unreasonable disturbances, outdoor advertising and requiring STR owners to reside on the property and either rent the main house or a guest house, but not both. It also required one additional off-street parking space. 

The new code builds on the original code. It requires that all STRs have a county-awarded permit and sets a four percent cap on the number allowed in the county per the zip code. Once the cap is met, STR permit applicants will be placed on a waitlist and notified when a spot opens up.

While the cap is one of the most significant changes, Peters said, there are others. 

Parking must now be fully contained onsite, no outdoor signage is allowed aside from a small ID placard. Rentals must not exceed the property’s septic capacity.

STR operators are limited to one rental in the county. They must display their permit number on all rental platforms, including but not limited to Airbnb, VRBO, Craigslist, Facebook, flyers or posters, and marketing materials such as brochures and websites. The county will not permit STRs in any temporary or portable structure, including boats, tents, yurts or RV’s.

To maintain compliance, permits must be renewed annually and are subject to inspections for safety and habitability. Existing STRs may continue operation under the new rules as long as their permits are renewed and the property meets the updated standards. Permits must be displayed on all rental platforms and forums.

Peters said he intends to present a resolution to the BOCC for adoption on April 21 to adjust DCD’s fee schedule, increasing the standard application fee for an STR permit. The proposed fee schedule lists the initial STR permit fee at $862, reflecting additional time required to review STR applications under the updated code and hourly rates, including building life-safety review. Before the DCD fee schedule was adjusted last year, the STR permit fee was $545, which included an initial fire life-safety inspection. For all permitted STRs, there is an annual renewal fee of $252 to confirm that life-safety measures remain in place.

“We want to make sure that when we are having visitors to our community that these home businesses are safe,” he said.  

During the year-long moratorium, the county worked through a public process to update the regulations, including collaborations with the DCD, the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Public workshops, public hearings and staff recommendations informed the commissioners passing of the new regulations. 

“In the end, the commissioners voted three to zero, so it was a unanimous decision to establish these regulations. That’s the thing about this kind of process: it can be messy. People have different opinions and different perspectives because it’s not an easy issue,” Peters said. “I think everyone can agree it’s not going to solve the problem of affordable housing; it’s just one part.”