Project News

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MEETING LINK: Please email Mariah at [email protected] for link and password.

UPDATE: Project review is on hold by recommendation of the Planning Advisory Commission. This page and the notification list will be updated if there is any change in status based on briefing with the Board of County Commissioners.

Check back here for major milestones in project development. For step-by-step project development see the Meeting Information page.

Check the Planning Advisory Commission agenda page, for the corresponding agenda which also has information on how to access the Zoom meeting.

Project Overview

The Planning Department has been directed by the Mason County Board of Commissioners to review the short-term vacation rental (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.) situation in Mason County. The County has never regulated, nor does it currently regulate short-term rentals. The state, however, enacted certain statutes, RCW 64.37, regarding short-term lodging rentals that became effective on July 28, 2019. Many counties and cities have already extended the statutes to encompass their own regulations based on the unique situation within their jurisdiction.

The Department has received an increasing number of reports from Mason County residents expressing concern over short-term rentals, especially on shoreline fronting lots. The concerns range from overuse of septic systems, beach trespassing and harvesting, and noise complaints. At the same time, the Department also knows that short-term vacation rentals may make shoreline residency more affordable for residents of the County as well as provide experiences for non-residents that may rarely be possible along with the financial boost to businesses that these guests may partake of.

This topic will also be relevant as the County updates the Comprehensive Plan which includes re-evaluating the vision for the County as well as revising the county-wide planning policies. Meetings on this process will also be starting soon.