Council tightens short‑term rental rules, adopts 12‑hour host response requirement

The Dalles City Council adopted ordinance 24-1407b to amend the city’s short‑term rental licensing code, approving a package of changes that includes a reduced vicinity restriction for new licenses, a clarified posting requirement and a 12‑hour host response timeline after an amendment from council.

Community Development Director Joshua Chandler summarized the changes staff had proposed after multiple work sessions: a 300‑foot vicinity restriction for locating new short‑term rental licenses (with a 500‑foot notice radius retained for neighbors), removal of the requirement that the mandatory posting be visible from the street (posting instead at the front door interior), and clarification that initial licensure mailing fees—if revised—would apply only to new applications, not renewals. Chandler recommended council approval of ordinance 24‑1407b as presented.

Councilor Runyon expressed concern over a staff‑proposed one‑hour contact/response requirement for operators, calling it “an extraordinarily high bar.” After discussion, the council amended the proposal to require a 12‑hour response time and to retain administrative discretion for enforcement nuances. Councilors also discussed screening and fencing requirements for properties that adjoin residential lots; staff noted the code allows waivers if all adjoining property owners consent.

Councilor Randall moved to adopt the ordinance by title with the 12‑hour amendment and Councilor Runyon seconded. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.

Council members said the amendment aims to strike a balance between neighborhood concerns and the needs of local operators, and they reiterated a plan to review the ordinance after one year to evaluate outcomes and consider further adjustments.