Pullman overhauls zoning codes

The city of Pullman is planning to update its zoning codes for the first time since 2003.

The overhaul includes the use of more understandable language and the rearrangement and addition of codes, like those involving short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units.

The city will hold eight open houses throughout the month starting March 11 to gather input from the community on proposed changes.

Assistant Planner Ariel Medeiros said short-term rentals have been a topic of discussion for some time now.

The rentals would fall under bed and breakfast or boarding and rooming houses in the code, which are not allowed within Pullman’s R1 and R2 districts. Instead people would need to go through the conditional use process in the R2 district.

The addition would allow short-term rentals in all residential zones, and they wouldn’t have to go through the conditional use process. Medeiros said the city is trying to make it easier to have these rentals.

In the proposed code, short-term rentals would be allowed in a single-family home, duplex or accessory dwelling unit. Only one rental is allowed on a single parcel, and if a property has an accessory dwelling unit it can only be rented.

The initial application for a short-term rental permit is $350, and it must be renewed annually for $150. Applications require a plot plan and a floor plan showing evacuation routes.

Applicants must tell the city on which websites they’re advertising the rental. The online posts must include the city approved the short-term rental endorsement permit number to prove it’s legal.

A business license through the Washington State Department of Revenue is required for applicants. The application period for a short-term rental includes a 10-day public comment period, and if there’s enough opposition the city’s hearing examiner would review it.

Short-term rental owners must verify all taxes have been paid for the operation, like lodging and business taxes.

Occupancy is limited to 10 people in the rental. Parking limits are included and required the property manager be within a 30-minute drive of Pullman.

Contact information for the manager must be provided to the city and neighbors within 200 feet of the rental. The property must also pass an inspection to make sure it complies with all regulations. Rentals are subject to re-inspections annually.

The first two violations within a year would lead to a written warning. A third violation within the same time frame means revocation of the short-term rental endorsement.

Zone changes involving accessory dwelling units would allow them to be created on any lot with a single-family home or duplex. The owner must apply for a building permit to construct one, and they must occupy the primary residence for at least six months of the year.

The number of accessory dwelling units are limited to one per lot. For units with two or more bedrooms, an additional parking space is required per unit.

Accessory dwelling units are to be a minimum of 200 square feet and no more than 900 square feet.

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com