Lewiston planners review short-term rental ordinance draft, flag tax language

The Lewiston City Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed a second revision of a proposed short-term rental ordinance at its Feb. 4 meeting and asked staff to clarify a tax provision before moving the draft to legal review. Chairperson Pattie Wiser opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.; the commission approved Jan. 7 meeting minutes 5-0 before discussing the ordinance.

The ordinance draft under review was provided by Commissioner Jarred Glover. Commissioners focused on Section 8.B, which, in its current wording, treats non-owner-occupied short-term rentals as taxed at 100% value. Commissioner Abel Herrera said he would verify whether the ordinance’s reference to "lodging taxes" is equivalent to the city’s existing transient-tax rules and report back. The commission asked Glover to revise the draft and forward it to the city attorney for recommendations; the commission will schedule a public hearing only after receiving the attorney’s input.

The discussion did not produce any votes on the ordinance itself. Commissioners also spent time earlier in the meeting reviewing building permits issued in January, including one remodel permit, two electrical permits and one solar installation, which Commissioner Herrera noted for the record. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.; next regular meeting is March 4, 2026.

What happens next: Glover will prepare an updated draft reflecting the commission’s questions and submit it to the city attorney. The commission expects to schedule a public hearing after legal review and any further revisions.