Committee forwards minor short-term rental amendment for council consideration

The Business and Economic Development Committee voted on Jan. 7 to forward a proposed amendment to the city's short-term rental rules that would allow limited short-term rentals in tiny-home parks and single-owner manufactured-home parks.

Staff outlined the change as a narrow allowance for parks with a single operator and recommended a cap of 30% of units or five units per operator, whichever is less. The proposal was framed as aligning tiny-home parks with existing manufactured-home regulations and maintaining the citywide cap already in place.

Councilors debated the policy's housing-stock implications. One councilor said short-term rentals risk reducing long-term housing availability, while another noted short-term rentals can support local tourism, visiting medical professionals and potential future residents who later invest in local businesses. Councilor Fish, who said he works in real estate, argued many short-term rentals are family-run and can bring visitors who later invest locally.

A motion to forward the amendment to council passed by roll call with recorded yes votes from Councilor Mallard, Councilor Carson, Councilor Palermo and Councilor Fish; the chair confirmed the item will appear on the next council agenda for consideration.