The formal public hearing to provide comments on the City of Pullman’s plan to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb will be held Wednesday evening.
The city’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on updating the zoning code. The general changes to the zoning code include a new section that specifically regulates short-term rentals. Currently, legal Airbnbs in Pullman require a conditional use permit issued by the city’s hearing examiner. Only a handful of Airbnbs in Pullman are legal. Side hustles have become very popular in Pullman, with about 100 Airbnbs in the city.
The proposed restrictions require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit from the city. The application costs $350, and operators must submit a site plan and floor plan, show proof that their taxes have been paid, and have a Washington state business license. The short-term rental’s online advertising pages must be provided to the city, and the permit number must be part of listings. The application process also includes a public comment period for each permit. Other rules include occupancy limits, a city-approved emergency evacuation plan, and the fact that the property must pass an inspection. If a short-term rental owner does not live within a 30-minute drive of Pullman, a local property representative must be designated to respond to any complaints. Permits must be renewed annually.
The City of Pullman’s proposed Airbnb rules can be enforced by several municipal agencies, including the police. Online listings for short-term rentals in Pullman that do not include a permit number violate the proposed restrictions. Three violations within a 12-month period will result in revocation of the short-term rental permit.
The Planning Commission will accept public comments on the proposal in person during Wednesday’s public hearing, which begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Comments can also be submitted via email to [email protected]. The commission will make a recommendation to the Pullman City Council, which will make the final decision on the proposed short-term rental rules.
