Rockaway Beach hears plan to verify accessible short-term rentals

Becoming Rentable founder Lorraine Woodward told the Rockaway Beach City Council workshop that her organization reviewed 428 local short-term rental listings and identified 24 that meet the group’s minimum accessibility standards, 321 that do not, and 83 that require further information.

“We found 24 properties that do meet those minimal standards and qualify with more information, particularly the measurement of the doors,” Woodward said, adding that the group has developed 63 filters to capture mobility and cognitive-access needs on listings. Woodward emphasized that Becoming Rentable is a directory and verification service, not a booking agent; verification relies on owner-supplied measurements and photos plus staff review.

City planner Tapia told the council the staff-led approach will focus on the existing licensed STR stock and will not increase the city’s STR license cap. Tapia said staff will use the audit to build a structured proposal for council consideration: outreach to owners of the 83 “needs more information” listings, standard checklists for low-cost improvements, and possible incentives to encourage verification.

Council members expressed general support, with questions about whether the 24 identified properties meet only minimum standards or broader needs. Woodward said the 24 meet the organization’s minimum mobile-access criteria and that some properties exceed those standards; Becoming Rentable will list all verified features on its site. Members also discussed creating an “ABLE closet” of loaner ramps and shower seats, and cautioned about perceived favoritism if the city supplies equipment selectively.

Next steps: staff will return with a formal proposal that outlines outreach, incentives, and verification logistics so the council can decide whether to endorse verification, possible city support for equipment lending, or other incentives.