BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners have decided to fine property owners who rent out their homes as short term rentals or their guests could face fines of 1-thousand dollars per day. The new fines, approved by a 2-to-1 vote, takes effect this Friday April 10th. Commissioner Tony DeBone voted no because he wanted the fine to be on the books immediately. Last week commissioners passed an order prohibiting anyone from staying fewer than 30 days in vacation, short term, timeshares, inns and B & B’s outside of LaPine, Bend, Redmond and Sisters. The ban was designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Commissioners say education will be a priority but fines will be levied for those who don’t comply with a warning.
