Chapter 5.15
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Sections:
5.15.030 General requirements.
5.15.040 Application requirements.
5.15.050 Denial of application for a short-term rental.
5.15.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for the operation of short-term rentals within the town. It does not apply to hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2023)
5.15.020 Locations permitted.
(1) Short-term rentals are permissible within any approved and conforming single-family residence, accessory dwelling unit, or other approved real property.
(2) The following shall not be used for short-term rentals under any circumstances:
(a) Railroad cars;
(b) Boats;
(c) Shipping containers;
(d) Recreation vehicles (RVs);
(e) Park model homes; and
(f) Structures that do not meet the standards of International Codes, as adopted and administered by Coulee Dam. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2023)
5.15.030 General requirements.
(1) The owner of a short-term rental shall obtain, and maintain in good standing, a business license.
(a) The issuance of a business license shall include a review and certification of compliance with the provisions of the Coulee Dam Uniform Development Code, including, but not limited to, the International Codes, as adopted and administered by the town.
(b) The business license may include conditions of approval to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and to minimize adverse impacts on neighboring properties.
(c) Business licenses are subject to annual renewal and additional conditions may be added at the time of renewal.
(d) A business license issued for a short-term rental is not transferable and upon sale or transfer of the property a new business license application must be submitted.
(2) Short-term rentals must be inspected and obtain an inspection approval:
(a) The inspection approval must be obtained prior to issuance of the business license.
(b) Applicants must pay the short-term rental inspection of $50.00.
(c) The inspection will ensure compliance with this section.
(d) Short-term rentals are subject to inspection on an annual basis.
(3) No more than one short-term or vacation rental shall be allowed on a single parcel. Where a single parcel of property contains a combination of any of the following: single-family dwelling, guest room, guest house, or dwelling group, only one shall be eligible to function as a short-term/vacation rental.
(4) If a short-term rental is being rented without the property owner on site, a property owner may designate a local agent to manage a short-term rental on their behalf within 30 miles of Coulee Dam.
(5) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that all short-term rentals are operated and used in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, Coulee Dam Municipal Code, and any additional conditions of approval that may be established by the town to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and to promote compatibility with the use of neighboring properties.
(6) The maximum capacity for overnight guests for each short-term rental shall be based on information provided by the applicant and shall not exceed two adults per room identified to accommodate overnight sleeping.
(7) All uses of a short-term rental shall not generate noise in excess of what is typically associated with residential uses in the neighborhood and shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 9.25 CDMC, Disturbing the Peace.
(8) Short-term rentals are prohibited to be utilized as event space.
(9) Functioning fire extinguisher(s) shall be installed within the short-term rental. Number and location will be determined based on the size of the structure during the inspection process.
(10) Functioning fire detectors shall be located within every room of the short-term rental.
(11) Functioning carbon monoxide detectors must be located outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom and on each level of the residence.
(12) If the short-term rental property has a pool then the pool must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.
(13) A copy of the business license and the local contact information for the owner or the authorized agent shall be posted and maintained at a visible location at the main entrance, subject to review and approval.
(14) The property owner or their designee shall be responsible for the collection and payment of all required taxes including lodging taxes, state business and occupation taxes, fees, and charges and shall provide the town with annual documentation of compliance, in a format acceptable to the town.
(15) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the users of a short-term/vacation rental, and all guests, are respectful of their neighbors, and shall be in compliance at all times with the terms and conditions of approval and the provisions of the Coulee Dam Municipal Code.
(16) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner, or their authorized agent, to promptly investigate and appropriately respond to complaints. Repeated complaints and/or the failure to respond to complaints in a timely manner may result in the suspension or revocation of approval, and/or civil or criminal penalties. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2023)
5.15.040 Application requirements.
(1) A prepared site plan that identifies the location of:
(a) The rental facilities;
(b) On-site amenities;
(c) Required off-street parking.
(2) A prepared floor plan that identifies:
(a) The designated use and dimensions of each room.
(b) The capacity of each room designated for sleeping.
(c) The location of windows, doors, and emergency exits.
(d) Fire extinguisher locations.
(e) The location of the circuit box and emergency shutoff valves.
(3) A property management plan that:
(a) Identifies the property owner and agents authorized to act on the property owner’s behalf.
(b) Provides emergency and local contact information.
(c) Identifies how the property owner will ensure that solid waste and recycling containers are put out and picked up in a timely manner.
(d) Identifies how the exterior of the building, grounds, and landscaping will be maintained; and identifies how the property owner will enforce compliance with the terms and conditions of approval. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2023)
5.15.050 Denial of application for a short-term rental.
An application for a short-term rental shall be denied if the approving authority finds that either the application or record fails to establish compliance with the provisions of this chapter. When any application is denied, the approving authority shall state the specific reasons, and shall cite the specific provisions and sections of this code on which the denial is based. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2023)
5.15.060 Severability.
If any chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2023)