Lincoln County caps short-term rental licenses in Zones 6 and 7; staff asked to study density and policy

On March 19, 2025, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to cap short-term rental licenses at the county’s current levels for Zones 6 and 7 and asked staff to study density, spacing and other policy options before reopening the issue.

County Counsel Kristen Ewell told the board the moratorium on issuing new licenses had been set to expire March 31 and that the board had three main options: let the moratorium expire; extend it; or change the number of allowed licenses in Zones 6 and 7. Ewell told commissioners the only currently available licenses were in Zones 6 and 7 and identified counts on the staff display (she stated 47 and 45 licenses respectively when showing available licenses). Counsel later referenced alternative cap figures during discussion (44 and 31 were mentioned by staff later in the presentation), a discrepancy the board did not resolve on the record.

Commissioners discussed public sentiment, enforcement workload and next steps. Commissioner Miller said he favored extending the moratorium and studying the program — including density, zone size and spacing — and suggested a public survey or outreach to gauge community views. Another commissioner said capping existing allocations would reduce ongoing administrative burden for sheriff’s staff. Staff told the board the wait lists are active — roughly “25 or so” applicants per zone — and that 14 of the available licenses were in Zone 7. Staff also noted reported complaints about STRs have declined (17 complaint calls in February 2023 versus 10 last year).

Mr. Herczyk moved to cap licenses at the current levels and ask staff to review the cap levels and return with recommendations; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners present voted in favor and the motion carried.

The board requested staff follow up on several topics if caps remain fixed: refine counts of available licenses and wait‑list size, analyze spacing/density options, review the complaint/enforcement record, and return with recommended timelines or ordinance language if the board wants to change allocations in the future.

Votes at a glance: The board also adopted the consent calendar earlier in the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

The board did not set a specific deadline for staff’s follow-up work during the meeting; commissioners noted the county will soon enter its busy budget season, which could affect scheduling for any in‑depth policy review.