SISTERS, OR -- Sisters officials are working on new rules for short term rentals, following a public review process.
Community Development Director Patrick Davenport says the Planning Commission took both sides into consideration in making the new rules. "Some folks are saying that it's a detriment to affordable housing; it's taking away from the stock of long term rentals in the city. But, on the other side, we're getting complaints that we're being too strict." He says those homeowners believe they should be able to do with their properties as they see fit who no interference from local government.
The new regulations call for strict licensing and insurance requirements, only 8% of the homes inside city limits can be short term rentals at any given time, and the review process is more frequent and comprehensive. Davenport says it's a compromise, "You've got competing interests, so I think we have a great solution on still allowing them, but not allowing them to proliferate and take over the city."
There will be another hearing to finalize the regulations May 17; an official decision is expected by City Council on June 27.
