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Residents press Washington City Council over parking, events at Ell Hotel; staff to follow up
Summary
Three residents told the council that events at the Ell Hotel are creating on‑street parking problems; city staff said the property is permitted as a bed-and-breakfast, not an events center, and council directed staff to investigate and report back within 10 days.
Three residents urged the Washington City Council on May 12 to address what they said are recurring parking problems on West 11th and Market streets when events are held at the Ell Hotel.
Mike Kelly, Debra Speer and Ray Faulkner told council members the on‑street parking and traffic related to hotel events have been disruptive to neighbors. Community & Cultural Services Director Mike Dail said the property received a 2021 permit to operate as a bed-and-breakfast that requires the owner to live on site and limits occupancy to 24 guests, adding that "you can not have an events center in this area as it is zoned R9s." He also said the permit distinguishes that 12 of the 24 guests are those renting rooms and the other 12 are guests, and that on‑street parking is not regulated by zoning.
Dail told council staff issued a courtesy violation on May 5 after receiving citizen complaints about parking and events at the location. Councilmember Lou Hodges noted the property's sign indicates "hotel," and asked whether that differs from an Airbnb; Dail replied the owner‑occupied requirement distinguishes the bed‑and‑breakfast from a typical short‑term rental. City Manager Jonathan Russell said he will discuss parking with the Public Works Department.
Council directed staff to follow up on the complaints and report back to council within 10 days. The council did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting.
