Douglas County temporarily suspends issuance of new vacation home rental permits
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners took action earlier this month to temporarily suspend the issuance of new vacation home rental permits in the Tahoe Township portion of the county.
The suspension is effective until Commission approves a new ordinance intended to address ongoing issues concerning public health, safety and welfare in relation to the operation of vacation home rentals in the County.
The temporarily suspension of all new permits per Douglas County ordinance has come about after complaints about quality of life issues in the Tahoe Township area of the county. Planners will look into options and bring it back recommendations to the board.
Across the state on the California side in South Lake Tahoe, Measure T was passed by voters that eliminates vacation home rentals in non-tourist core areas beginning when their permits expire in 2021. The ordinance is currently being appealed in court.
On Tuesday, Washoe County Board of Commissioners had a first reading of a vacation rental ordinance that addressees fees, fines and enforcement and rules for homes that cause issues in neighborhoods. The proposed ordinance would ban house parties and house weddings, require bear proof trash cans, enforcement of "quiet hours" and parking rules in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
According to a news release from Douglas County, the Manager’s Office is dedicated to making the issues surrounding VHRs a priority and will work with the Chairman of the Board to appropriately place future items on the agenda for consideration by the Board until such time as the necessary changes to the program can be enacted.
Existing permit holders may continue to renew their permits pursuant to Section 20.622.080 of the Douglas County Code. Instructions regarding the process can be viewed here.