CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the regulation of short-term rental businesses; adding a new Chapter 6.600, Short-Term Rentals, to the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, housing vacancy rates are at low levels, making it increasingly difficult for people to locate permanent housing; and
WHEREAS, removal of residential units from the long-term housing market contributes to low vacancy rates; and
WHEREAS, the conversion of long-term housing units to short-term rentals could result in the loss of housing for Seattle residents; and
WHEREAS, the conversion of long-term housing units to short-term rentals could disproportionally impact people of color and low-income residents; and
WHEREAS, limiting operation of short-term rental properties to property owners will reduce opportunities to convert long-term housing units to short-term rentals; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that short-term rental uses be regulated in order to conserve limited housing resources; and
WHEREAS, the short-term rental platforms, as part of a new but growing industry, would also benefit from regulation to ensure good business standards and practices; and
WHEREAS, short-term rental platform businesses depend upon participation and contact with local short-term rental operators; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance provides standards for the operation of short-term rental platforms, short-term rental operators, and bed and breakfast operators who use short-term rental platforms; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this ordinance is necessary to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the general public; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A new Chapter 6.600 is added to the Seattle Municipal Code as follows:
Chapter 6.600 SHORT-TERM RENTALS
6.600.010 Scope and purpose
This Chapter 6.600 applies to all short-term rental operators and short-term ren...
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