Short-term Rental Program

Application Process

On March 8^th, 2023 Ordinance 1507 went into effect and the city is accepting applications at this time. The Application and checklist can be found on the city’s Planning Division web page. Applications and required submittal documents can be submitted to PlanningIntake@CityofGigHarbor.net. Once all documents have been received an invoice will be sent for permit fees and review will start once all fees have been paid. Property Owner will also need to apply for a City Business licenses with The Department of Revenue.   Please see the Short-term Rental Client Assistance Memo available online or call the Planning Division and talk to a Planner at (253)851-6170.       

Background

The City of Gig Harbor worked diligently with stakeholders to produce regulations around short-term rentals (STRs). Short-term rentals are an entirely new land use that had not been previously considered, and the current Gig Harbor Municipal Code does not adequately address this category. Gig Harbor is not alone in this situation, as many cities and counties across the country are also wrestling with how to appropriately plan for this unique category.

Both the planning commission and city council have studied this issue intensely and gathered extensive public comment.  At a study session held on January 19, 2023, the city council provided staff with formal direction to prepare an ordinance for council’s consideration and adoption.

Ordinance 1507 was be presented to council on February 13 for first reading and a public hearing. Key provisions of the ordinance will include:

• Creation of a single “short-term rental” land use type which will proceed through a Type II permit process.  The short-term rental definition will not include “live aboard vessels.”
• Allowance of STRs to be permitted in all residential and commercial zones where dwelling units are allowed.
• Allowance of only one STR permit per operator.
• Establishment of performance standards for STRs.
•  Provision for the lifting of the moratorium on rental applications upon adoption of the ordinance.

Ordinance 1507 was adopted by City Council on February 27th, 2023.  provides the city with an opportunity to collect real data on the amount of STRs permitted, review any adverse impacts from permitted STRs, and review any public complaints. Along with this option, the city council directed staff to create an online STR tracking tool and to provide quarterly reports on the state of STRs over the course of a year. Council will review the data to determine if changes need to be made to the regulations.

Public Participation

The city will be analyzing all land uses in the upcoming 2024 Comprehensive Plan update, which will include a robust public outreach process. This process will provide staff and elected officials additional time to assess the issue, hear from the public, and ensure our regulations are meeting new guidance and legislation that might be instituted at the state government level.

The city thanks the community for your continued involvement and input into the process. Please reach out to city staff with questions and or comments.

Code Compliance

If you feel there is a property in the City Limits that is in violation of the Short-term Rental Regulations in GHMC 17.85 please visit the City's Code Compliance page and submit a Code Compliance Action Request Form to initiate an investigation.