On behalf of the community of responsible short-term rental hosts and others affected in Packwood and Lewis County, WA. I urge you to reject the 17.105 Short Term Rental ordinance that will harm Packwood’s local economy and property rights.
 
This Ordinance Will Devastate Packwood’s Tourism Economy:
 
Packwood depends on visitors who come to access Mount Rainier National Park, White Pass Ski Area, and our incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Short-term rentals are essential infrastructure that makes these visits possible. Hotels and motels cannot accommodate the demand, especially for families and groups who need kitchen facilities and multiple bedrooms.
Without adequate lodging options, tourists will simply go elsewhere – taking their dollars to communities that welcome visitors instead of restricting them.
 
Proposed Restrictions Are Unnecessarily Punitive Arbitrary caps on STR numbers create an unfair “winner and loser” system among property owners, where some residents will be denied the right to use their property legally while others will benefit. Non-transferable permits essentially steal property value from homeowners. This restriction could make homes unsellable and trap families in properties they can no longer afford to maintain. On the other hand, many if not all of these properties are highly unlikely to be rented long-term either. Burdensome renewal processes with expiration dates create uncertainty that makes business planning impossible. Would you invest in property improvements if you didn’t know whether you’d be allowed to operate next year?

We’re Already Good Neighbors. As STR hosts, we have strong incentives to maintain our properties well and ensure guests are respectful. Problem properties hurt our reviews and income. The current system of neighbor complaints and existing noise ordinances already addresses legitimate concerns.

Most STR guests are families and outdoor enthusiasts who come here specifically because they love and respect our mountain community.
 
Additionally, STRs generate significant tax revenue for Lewis County through lodging taxes, property taxes and sales taxes from guest spending at local businesses. Every STR you eliminate means lost revenue for the Lewis County grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, outdoor gear shops and many more.
 
Many of us rely on STR income to afford living in this high-cost area. Taking away this income source could force long-term residents to sell and leave the community entirely.
 
Instead of blanket restrictions, consider:
• Clear complaint processes: Streamline reporting for legitimate issues
• Moderate oversight: Simple registration without expiration or caps

 
In summary, this ordinance solves problems that don’t exist while creating real economic harm. Packwood thrives because we welcome visitors to experience our natural beauty. Don’t let bureaucratic overreach kill the tourism economy that sustains our community.

I urge you to vote NO on this ordinance and work with hosts like us to develop sensible policies that protect both residents and our economic future.
 

Kind regards.