Curious about the role that vacation rentals play in our local community? What about the growth of vacation rentals around the world? A small, diverse group of Orcas community members have been gathering and researching this issue for the past couple of months and they’d like to invite you into the conversation!
This community conversation will take place on Wednesday, July 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the public school cafeteria. Members of our Board, Janet Alderton and Toby Cooper, have played a role in shaping this event and our staff attorney, Jennifer Barcelos, will be presenting her research on the global impact of vacation rentals.
Currently there are no limits on the number of vacation rentals in San Juan County, and permits convey with the sale of a property. Unlike official commercial businesses-like bed and breakfasts, hotels, and resorts-licensing constraints are minimal for vacation rentals. The majority of vacation rental property owners (~51%) do not live in San Juan County.
Come join the public conversation about how vacation rentals impact affordable housing, the composition of our community, the costs of infrastructure, environmental quality, and our overall quality of life and learn about the measures that other communities have enacted to accommodate and limit the impacts of vacation rentals.
While there will be a few short presentations, there will also be ample time for facilitated, small group discussions about the role that vacation rentals play in our community. Click here to see the agenda.
Please come and spread the word about this important event! RSVP and share on Facebook here.
