Chelan council schedules workshop after residents press for short‑term rental cap

Council members and planning staff held an extended discussion May 26 after several residents and the Residents Coalition urged the City of Chelan to adopt a targeted cap on short‑term rental (STR) conversions.

Brian Madison, regional vice president of the Residents Coalition of Chelan County, told the council seasonal homes comprise roughly half of deeded dwelling units and urged a broader public conversation on whether the city should limit STR conversions. “We will instead invest our time communicating with Chelan residents and encouraging the public to have its voice heard,” Madison said, arguing conversions have pushed housing toward tourist uses and away from long‑term local occupancy.

Planning staff told the council that, based on public emails and technical review, a targeted cap on conversion properties — especially within the downtown planning area and certain TA overlay parcels — was the most supportable approach. A planning representative said a targeted cap would be clearer to administer than a blanket moratorium and could slow conversions in neighborhoods where impacts have been reported.

Council members probed whether a cap would meaningfully improve affordability or simply shift demand to commercial lodging. One member noted county data are still new and asked for five‑year comparisons before weighing a permanent policy. Staff and the Residents Coalition agreed more community engagement and technical analysis were needed.

Next steps: council directed staff to gather additional data and scheduled a focused workshop on STR caps for June 2, with a follow‑up council discussion and potential action planned for June 7.