Planning staff previews short‑term rental permitting software and proposed annual permit fee

Planning staff told the commission they will present a software demonstration at an upcoming workshop intended to support an annual short‑term rental permit fee. The county received a $50,000 grant tied to state housing provisions and the software will scan websites and social media to capture listings and addresses and integrate with the county’s permitting platform to improve enforcement and lodgers‑tax compliance.

Staff said the permit fee revenue would help cover software costs and enable enforcement, and that the program could encourage operators to convert to long‑term rentals to avoid the fee. The commission indicated interest in fast‑tracking ordinance language and enforcement criteria so the permitting and fee program could be implemented early next year.