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Committee sets attorney review after complaints of tipped garbage cans tied to STRs
Summary
Members discussed recurring alley trash and enforcement of a new short-term-rental ordinance that imposes a $100 fine; staff will seek a formal attorney opinion on whether fines should attach to property owners or occupants and will update STR mailers and emergency-contact requirements.
The Admin & Finance standing committee reviewed repeated public complaints about garbage cans being tipped in alleys — complaints members said often single out short-term rentals (STRs). The committee confirmed a recently passed STR ordinance will begin enforcement in roughly two weeks and includes a $100 fine for violations.
"I'm like, please call nonemergency number every time you see this so that, you know, it can be recorded," the Chair said, urging residents to report incidents. Staff said they are updating enforcement letters to police and Fish, Wildlife & Parks and that the ordinance provides for a $100 fine: "that'll be a public health and safety thing," a staff member said.
Committee members and STR managers described practical obstacles to enforcement: outdated or out-of-area emergency contact numbers on STR listings, owners who live out of town, and inconsistent mailers. The STR manager said, "as an STR manager, I have not received an updated version of that mailer or that mailer or that mailer," highlighting a gap between ordinance requirements and outreach. Members asked staff to ensure the STR mailer and QR-coded instructions are posted in rental properties and to update the city's online materials.
The group debated who should receive a ticket when a violation occurs. Staff noted fines are issued as tickets rather than being tacked onto utility bills and that initial enforcement may start with warnings before fines are levied. To remove ambiguity about liability, staff was directed to obtain a formal attorney opinion clarifying whether fines should default to the property owner when the occupant commits the violation. The committee also discussed charging cleanup costs to owners after repeated incidents and urged owners and managers to ensure adequate, bear-resistant cans and valid local emergency contacts.
Next steps: staff will seek counsel guidance on fine responsibility, update STR outreach materials, and return to the committee with recommended ordinance tweaks or clarifications.
