To the editor:
VIA Oregon Coalition, the leading advocacy group representing short-term rental homeowners on the Central Oregon coast, strongly opposes the proposed 300 percent fee increase for short-term rental license annual renewals in Lincoln County.
This exorbitant jump in fees, coupled with recent overreaching laws, threatens the future viability of short-term rentals in the county.
The proposed fee increase is a concerning development that places an additional unfair burden on short-term rental homeowners. VIA Oregon Coalition firmly believes that such a drastic hike in fees is unjustifiable and fails to consider the significant negative implications it would have on property owners and the local economy.
We acknowledge that responsible regulation and administration of short-term rentals is important for the well-being of both homeowners and the community. However, the county’s excessive fee increase demonstrates a lack of understanding and fairness towards short-term rental operators. It disregards the economic contributions these rentals make to the local tourism economy and the financial stability they provide to homeowners.
Moreover, this fee increase comes in the wake of other overreaching laws that have already made it challenging, if not impossible, to operate short-term rentals in Lincoln County. These laws have placed unnecessary burdens on homeowners, resulting in decreased property values, limited availability of vacation rentals, and reduced opportunities for families to enjoy the beautiful coastal region.
With pending lawsuits challenging recent changes to the county’s regulatory framework, the sudden and substantial fee hike raises suspicions of possible retaliation or an attempt to force short-term rentals out of the county.
VIA Oregon Coalition firmly believes in a balanced approach to regulation that safeguards the interests of both homeowners and the community. We call on Lincoln County to reassess its position and work collaboratively with stakeholders, including VIA Oregon Coalition, to develop reasonable and fair regulations that promote the responsible operation of short-term rentals while respecting property rights.
In light of these concerns, VIA Oregon Coalition urges the county to reconsider the proposed fee increase and instead engage in constructive dialogue to find mutually beneficial solutions. We advocate for a comprehensive review of existing regulations to ensure they are based on reliable data, promote fairness, enable homeowners to continue providing valuable short-term rental accommodations to visitors, and are enforceable. We are strong advocates for sensible regulation, consistent enforcement, and a balanced approach to licensing fees that cover the actual costs of short-term rental regulation and enforcement, without unduly burdening homeowners.
As the leading voice for short-term rental homeowners on the central Oregon coast, the VIA Oregon Coalition remains committed to preserving the integrity of the local vacation rental market and advocating for a regulatory framework that supports both homeowners and the local community.
— Jamie Michel, community outreach advocate, VIA Oregon Coalition
Well, well… The “exorbitant jump in fees” as claimed by the VIA Oregon Coalition should match the exorbitant increase in number of short term vacation rentals throughout Lincoln County over the past 10 years. We live in Yachats. We had a true neighborhood when we settled here nearly 20 years ago. All the neighbors had been long-term residents and were always friendly and caring to all the people who lived on our street. We looked out for one another, warned each other over potential dangers, had neighborhood socials to exchange stories [and gossip] and generally made living here a true joy. As time passed, however, people passed away or became sick and needed more health care availability. New neighbors moved in. Many were full time residents and contributed to the well being of our community and neighborhood. Others bought homes for investment purposes to be used for profit. The owners may come and go a few times each year but otherwise the homes are rented by tourists for their vacations. And then came the pandemic. Vacation rentals were full – all the time. It still continues. Full time residents used to get a break from the tourist activity in the autumn and winter. Tourist activity would increase in spring and go full swing every summer. We understand why. It is beautiful here. It has always been a lovely place to live. We too were tourists at one time and we had dreams of spending our retired lives here on a full time basis. We were lucky and succeeded in our dreams and we know and love our neighbors. Inevitably, change occurs. But the proliferation of short term rental properties within well established neighborhoods has changed the very character of our community. We no longer know who is talking loudly on the deck outside in the house behind us. We no longer know who is strolling down the street with dogs and children or biking up and down the road or parking several cars in the driveways and along the streets in our neighborhood. They are not our neighbors. They are tourists vacationing as they see fit. And the owners are making profits off their investment with little or no intent of becoming a full-time neighbor.
My complaint is why do we have tourists next door when we have hotels and motels all along the coast in town and out? Homes are to actually live in and a place to settle long term. If one can afford to buy a second home for their use good for them. If they want to rent it long term to people who live and work here please do so. Long term rentals are in dire need locally. But you don’t buy a home to simply make money and provide a place for tourists to irritate full time residents. That is what hotels/motels are for. They are equipped to support tourism and provide a pleasant stay in a designated commercial area. Our homes are not meant for business. Our homes are where we live our lives hopefully in peace. Exorbitant fees? I respectfully disagree and I know of many others who do also.