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Council adopts short-term rental rules; fines higher for businesses, local managers must be licensed
Summary
Washington City Council unanimously approved an ordinance updating short-term rental rules, requiring local property managers to hold a business license and setting a $7.50 infraction for individuals and up to $1,000 for entities.
Washington City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on March 26 that updates the city's short-term rental regulations, adding a business-license requirement for local property managers and clarifying enforcement procedures.
City Recorder Tara Pence told the council she adjusted the draft to require a local property management company or local point of contact to have a Washington City business license. Pence described the enforcement process the city will follow: staff will contact the owner and property manager, give 30 days to correct a violation, then issue a citation and civil fines for ongoing violations; more than three violations can trigger license suspension and possible revocation.
Council debate focused on the level of fines. City Attorney Thad Sigmiller clarified the limits in current state and municipal code: the maximum infraction fine permissible for an individual is $7.50 under the city's current ordinance, while corporations or other entities face a maximum civil fine of $1,000. After discussion, Councilman Ivey amended his motion to specify $1,000 for incorporated entities and $7.50 for individuals; Councilman Belson seconded the amendment. The council then voted and approved the ordinance unanimously.
Councilman Ivey also noted a recent state law change he identified as "HB 256," which he said allows cities, when acting on a complaint, to use official listing websites to verify rental listings and helps the city enforce safety and tax rules. Ivey said the bill also clarifies transient room tax (TRT) collection responsibilities for short-term rentals.
What the ordinance does: The approved text requires local property management and local points of contact to hold a Washington City business license, sets a civil fine framework that distinguishes individuals and entities, establishes a 30-day correction period before citation, and allows suspension or revocation of licenses after repeated violations.
Next steps: Staff will update the ordinance language and enforcement protocols to reflect the council amendment and proceed with issuance and compliance activities.
Vote record: Motion to approve ordinance amending city code title 3, chapter 2 (short-term rentals), amended to set fines at $7.50 for individuals and $1,000 for incorporated entities; mover: Councilman Ivey; second: Councilman Belson; outcome: approved unanimously.
