By Jerry Keene, Editor
jerrykeene@oceansidernews.com
Return of the Oceanside Steps Planks and Handrails
(Spoiler: Short Term Rentals will be “capped”)
The final draft of the proposed revisions will not be available until Absher issues the Staff Report, but we can provide some highlights of what to expect in general. The Oceansider will provide a more detailed analysis when Absher’s office issues its Staff Report and final draft of the proposed ordinance. Remember that the Commissioners may accept, reject or modify any of the recommendations.
Caps. Though strongly opposed by STR owners and their representatives, a bare majority of the Committee recommended that the Commissioners “cap” the percentage of residences with STR permits in each uncorporated community at their current levels plus an additional 1%. In Oceanside, 132 of our 692 residences (19%) currently hold permits. Under the proposal, Oceanside’s cap would be 20% – or 138 STRS – leaving room for 6 more. (Netarts would have room for 11 new STRs.) Once a community reaches their cap, further applicants will be placed on a waiting list. This cap would be in effect for a year, during which Sarah Absher and her staff will hold meetings in each unincorporated community for input on whether and in what form these caps should continue in their individual communities after the first year. More on this later!!!
Transferability. Under current law, homeowners with STRs who sell or otherwise convey their STR property to others may transfer the existing STR permit to the new owner without limitation. Under the proposed changes, this will still be true when a change in ownership results from death, divorce, marriage or inheritance. Otherwise, the permit may not be transferred to new owners, who must instead submit a new permit application if they wish to continue operating an STR. If there are no permits available because of the new caps, the new owner must join the waiting list. Importantly, however, this would only apply to new STR permit holders after the new laws take effect. Permits in existence before the new law takes effect may be transferred once (or maybe twice) thereafter to new owner(s) before the prohibition takes effect. How this will apply to homes owned by trusts, corporations and LLCs is not yet entirely clear.
Occupancy and Parking Limits. The Committee endorsed tighter restrictions on how many visitors may occupy an STR, including stricter definitions of what constitutes a “bedroom” and correspondingly stringent calculations of occupancy limits and allowed parking spots. The Committee unanimously endorsed an overall maximum of 6 parking spots per STR.
Noise and Nuisance Rules. Tillamook County has no noise ordinance. The new rules generally prohibit “unreasonable or unreasonably sustained” noise that goes beyond the STR property limits, with even tighter restrictions on “amplified music or unreasonable noise” during quiet hours of 10 pm to 7 am. The new ordinance also specifically prohibits “unattended barking dogs” and large events that exceed specified attendance limits.
Signage, Notices and Complaints. The Committee endorsed clearer rules specifying the content and location of notices at STRs reflecting the name and contact information of a “contact person” available to take phone calls at all times by neighbors with complaints about STR visitor conduct. The contact person must respond by phone within 20 minutes, and in person within another 30 minutes if a phone call to the STR occupants does not resolve the problem. Alongside these changes, the County has contracted with a 24/7 “hotline” service to field and document complaints by neighbors when contacting the STR owner/contact person does not resolve the issue. These rules also include a new process for the county to enforce STR rules with a series of progressive fines and a 3-strike rule for revoking an STR’s permit.
Oceansiders Jerry Keene, Terri Warren and Pam Zielinski served on the Committee, as well as Fire Chief Tim Carpenter. The Oceansider has invited each of them to provide a short essay offering their perspective on the Committee and its deliberations.
There is much, much more that space does not permit us to mention at this point. We will be providing ongoing coverage and analysis as the new draft rules become available and the Commissioners commence public hearings.
May 16 Election Day – Special Elections (It’s too late to mail ballots. Drop boxes and County Elections Office will be open until 8 p.m.)
May 22 Oceanside Action Partnership Initiative Workshop, Oceanside Community Hall 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
May 27-28 Oceanside Art Show (many local artists and crafters), Oceanside Community Hall 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact Kay Wooldridge – claysumi22@yahoo.com
June 3 Oceanside Neighborhood Association, Annual Meeting and Officer Elections Hybrid Meeting (Live and Zoom)
Oceanside Community Hall 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
And that’s the view from Oceanside!