THE OCEANSIDER: Commissioners Continue Work on New STR Rules, Agree to Extend STR “Pause” for 60 Days

On Tuesday, June 13, a packed house watched as the Commissioners heard a brief staff update on the current ordinance draft as of June 13, entertained public comments and began deliberating the provisions in earnest. With few exceptions, the Board members signaled support for the draft proposals and rebuffed renewed litigation threats formally presented by the Portland law firm representing “Oregon Coast Hosts.”

In some new or significant developments, the Board tentatively agreed to …

Here is a link to a video of the June 13, 2023 BOCC STR Hearing

On Wednesday, June 14, the Commissioners began a discussion of options for phasing in the new rules once adopted. While they took no votes, the Commissioners did agree in principle to extend the current “pause” on processing STR applications for 60 days beyond its current July 1 expiration date. They also shared initial thoughts on implementing a “use it or lose it” requirement for STR licenses in conjunction with imposing caps and creating a waiting list. The Board scheduled its next hearing on the STR rules for July 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Port of Tillamook Bay offices.  It will continue to accept and review written comments emailed to Lynn Tone at LTONE@CO.TILLAMOOK.OR.US. All written comments and the draft ordinance may be viewed at Tillamook County STR Webpage

The Oceansider has been working to pin down the details of two new hotel projects underway in the village. Here is what we have learned.

Fusion Lodging/Oceanside Cabins. The Oceansider can report that Fusion Lodging has requested a “pre-application” meeting with county and local utility officials sometime during the next two weeks. At this meeting, it intends to preview its tentative, updated plans for the new hotel and restaurant at the current site of the Oceanside Cabins. Despite Fusion’s recent, public commitment to engage the community and keep it informed of its progress, ONA President Sharon Brown stated that she is unaware of the upcoming meeting and has not been contacted by Fusion with any updates. In any event, The Oceansider has obtained a copy of the design information that Fusion intends to preview at the upcoming meeting and will provide more details in a future issue.

Nile Hagen/House on the Hlll.  We can also confirm reports that a group of individuals and developers from Portland has purchased the former House on the Hill compound and two adjacent tax lots on Maxwell Mountain Road. Their spokesman, Nile Hagan, reached out to The Oceansider this week to discuss their plans. Hagan indicated the purchase is contingent on successfully obtaining the county’s approval for the same uses of the property that House on the HIll enjoyed during its decades of operation. If approved, Hagen indicated that the current, dilapidated structures will likely be replaced with several new buildings comprising a 22-24 unit hotel and a dining facility for lodgers only (to avoid traffic congestion and overparking).

Hagen stressed that his group does NOT intend to request any land use variances, which means the new buildings will comply with existing setback rules and the 24-foot height limitation applicable to oceanfront property. Hagen emphasized that he had family in Cape Meares growing up, and that he shares Oceansiders’ “protective” attitude when it comes to change. To that end, the new structures will be “recessed” from the edges of the cliff and “blend” with the setting to create what he called a “magical” new village amenity.  As they become available, Hagan agreed to share concept sketches with the community and offered to attend the next ONA meeting (in October) to answer questions. If all goes well, his group intends to obtain the necessary permits over the next few months, and to complete construction within approximately 18 months.

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