Chapter 18.70
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS
Sections:
18.70.020 Permits and licenses – Application – Fees.
18.70.030 STVR permit to be displayed.
18.70.050 STVR permits – Conditions of approval, cancellation/revocation, appeals and enforcement.
18.70.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that nightly rentals observe the legal requirements of other transient tourist accommodations so that they compete fairly for commerce, that long-term housing stock needs are adequately considered, and to preserve the residential character of the areas in which they are located. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)
18.70.020 Permits and licenses – Application – Fees.
Short-term vacation rental permits (“STVR permit(s)”) must be renewed annually prior to the anniversary date of original issuance of the STVR permit. An STVR permit is personal to the owner and is not transferable as part of the sale of property. An STVR permit application from the new property owner must be approved as provided in this chapter for the property to continue as a short-term vacation rental.
Application for an STVR permit shall be made to the town of Twisp planning department on a form to be furnished by the town requiring such information related to the ownership and conduct of such STVR. The fee for an STVR permit shall be established by resolution of town of Twisp town council.
Other required permits/licenses for the issuance of an STVR permit include a town of Twisp business license, an Okanogan County public health overnight transient accommodations permit, Washington State unified business identifier (“UBI”) and town of Twisp change of use permit. Such issued permits shall be presented to the town prior to the approval and issuance of an STVR permit.
No more than 15 STVR permits will be issued within the town of Twisp on an annual basis (January 1st through December 31st). STVR permits will be issued to the first 15 applications submitted to the town by an owner, deemed complete by the town with all fees paid in full and approved. Such annual limitation shall include all existing vested administrative permits for overnight rentals and overnight accommodations. STVR permits will be limited to a maximum of two permits per owner.
Applications may be submitted beginning on January 1st of each year and received by January 31st. If existing STVR permit holders do not apply by January 31st, they will be treated as a new application. If existing STVR permit holders make application within the time frame stated, they shall have precedence over any new applications made for an STVR permit. Provided, that STVR permit applications for the calendar year after adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall begin on the first day of month after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter until 15 applications are received as provided herein. Such STVR permits issued for the first calendar year shall expire on December 31st of the first year and a new application period shall begin on January 1st as provided herein. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)
18.70.030 STVR permit to be displayed.
STVR permits issued shall at all times be prominently displayed at the location of the STVR of the owner in Twisp, Washington. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)
18.70.040 Record keeping.
It shall be the duty of every owner or STVR operator to possess and maintain the following permits and records:
(1) Unified Business Identifier (UBI). A valid Washington UBI number for taxation purposes, along with supporting information validating registration of the specific STVR. At no time shall the STVR operate without a valid UBI.
(2) Public Health Permit. An overnight transient accommodation permit (“OTA”), from the Okanogan County public health district to operate the STVR. At no time shall the STVR operate without a valid OTA permit from the Okanogan County public health district.
(3) Building Permits/Change of Use Permit. An inspection report from the town of Twisp building official verifying that the STVR met all applicable use and building code requirements.
(4) Town of Twisp Business License. A valid town of Twisp business license issued by the town for the STVR. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)
18.70.050 STVR permits – Conditions of approval, cancellation/revocation, appeals and enforcement.
Applications for an STVR permit shall be processed and issued in the manner provided in TMC 18.50.080, and may be cancelled or revoked pursuant to TMC 18.50.080. In addition, notice, appeals and enforcement, as applicable, shall be governed by TMC 18.50.110, 18.50.120 and 18.50.130. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)
18.70.060 Conditions for approval and issuance of STVR permit for STVR in residential zoning districts.
The following conditions must be met for approval and issuance of an STVR permit for STVR in residential zoning districts:
(1) Any property containing an STVR must be owner occupied.
(2) Owners shall identify the location of all online advertising (Airbnb, etc.) on the STVR permit application.
(3) STVR permits approving specific STVRs are personal to the owner and are not transferable with the property.
(4) A current town of Twisp business license is required and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(5) A current Okanogan County public health overnight transient accommodations permit is required and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(6) A Washington State UBI is required for the owner and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(7) A change of use permit from the town of Twisp is required and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(8) Off-street parking must be provided for guests on the STVR property in the amount of one space per bedroom rented, plus one additional space. No STVR parking is allowed on public streets or right-of-way.
(9) The name and contact information for the owner or site manager must be posted on the property of the STVR and in an accessible area for STVR guests and public safety responders.
(10) The owner or site manager shall create and provide to the administrator a list of general living provisions that will be provided to all STVR guests that will ensure guest activities on the property do not become a nuisance to the surrounding residential neighborhood.
(11) The owner or site manager must always be available to respond to complaints and emergencies and arrive at the STVR within one hour of being notified at all times during the rental period.
(12) The owner or site manager shall require all STVR guests to provide the owner or site manager with a written copy of all names and contact information for each guest and vehicle license numbers.
(13) One sign may be displayed for each STVR, which shall be no larger than two square feet with indirect downward facing lighting, so it does not interfere with neighboring residents.
(14) Noise originating inside or outside of an STVR shall not exceed 65 decibels at the property line of the STVR.
(15) Annual renewal of each STVR permit is required.
(16) Violations of any of the above conditions may result in the loss of the STVR permit. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)
18.70.070 Conditions for approval and issuance of STVR permit for STVR in commercial zoning districts.
The following conditions must be met for approval and issuance of an STVR permit for STVR in commercial zoning districts:
(1) Owners shall identify the location of all online advertising (Airbnb, etc.) on the STVR permit application.
(2) STVR permits approving specific STVRs are personal to the owner and are not transferable with the property.
(3) A current town of Twisp business license is required and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(4) A current Okanogan County public health overnight transient accommodations permit is required and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(5) A Washington State UBI is required for the owner and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(6) A change of use permit from the town of Twisp is required and must be presented to the town prior to issuance of an STVR permit.
(7) Off-street parking must be provided for guests on the STVR property in the amount of one space per bedroom rented, plus one additional space. No STVR parking is allowed on public streets or right-of-way.
(8) The name and contact information for the owner or site manager must be posted on the property of the STVR and in an accessible area for STVR guests and public safety responders.
(9) The owner or site manager shall create and provide to the administrator a list of general living provisions that will be provided to all STVR guests that will ensure guest activities on the property do not become a nuisance to the surrounding area.
(10) The owner or site manager must always be available to respond to complaints and emergencies and arrive at the STVR within one hour of being notified at all times during the rental period.
(11) The owner or site manager shall require all STVR guests to provide the owner or site manager with a written copy of all names and contact information for each guest and vehicle license numbers.
(12) One sign may be displayed for each STVR, which shall be no larger than two square feet with indirect downward facing lighting, so it does not interfere with neighboring businesses.
(13) Noise originating inside or outside of an STVR shall not exceed 65 decibels at the property line of the STVR.
(14) Annual renewal of each STVR permit is required.
(15) Violations of any of the above conditions may result in the loss of the STVR permit. (Ord. 817 § 4, 2024)