The Skagway Assembly introduced an ordinance that would regulate vacation rentals, at their meeting Thursday evening.
It can be difficult to find housing in Skagway, especially this time of year.
“As you all know, we are having a housing crisis—both long-term and seasonal and we are working hard for solutions,” said Monica Carlson, Mayor of Skagway.
During the period where the assembly hears citizen testimony, Kathy Hosford from Dyea, a local lodge owner said she thought Airbnb was negatively affecting her business and spoke out against passing the ordinance until changes are made. She suggested more regulation for vacation rentals.
“A state license that is required by law be obtained, a city license after that, a DEC inspection of water and sewer,” said Hosford.
“A conditional use permit by all means, so that neighbors could weigh in, and a fire marshal inspection, and off-street parking be verified. Competition is very good, but for those of us that went through a different process so that we could have overnight accommodations; this is the toolbox that we had to work with.”
The assembly postponed the ordinance until it is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 10, then it should come back to the Assembly for introduction.
The assembly also took up a resolution aimed at regulating the number of people living in recreational vehicles in Skagway.
Right now it is illegal to live in an RV unless you are permitted or living at an RV park in compliance with municipal code.
The community has plans to develop an additional RV park in 3 years. There are two existing RV parks. Two others recently closed.
In order to transition residents from RV’s to other housing or RV parks, the Assembly plans to continue allowing existing RV’s outside parks to remain with a permit. After three years, they will begin enforcing their code and fine those living outside official parks a $100 per day.
Under the new rules, permitted RV’s will be allowed on private property in all zones except the historic and waterfront districts and on property used for congregant housing.
The assembly adopted the resolution which means a temporary plan is now in place to transition those out of compliance with code into compliant living situations.
In the meantime, RV’s must be licensed, connected to water and sewer utilities, and have a life safety inspection in order to obtain a permit from the city, among other things. A permit costs $300 per year.
Those who do not obtain a permit will be fined under the existing code and required to pay $100 per day.
The temporary plan sunsets on May 1, 2021, at which time all RV’s must be compliant with code.
The assembly also took up a parking resolution aimed at eliminating congestion in the downtown area. They amended that resolution to allow the municipality to issue parking permits for year-round residents who live in the downtown area and postponed it to allow for further committee review.
A public committee meeting about the parking resolution is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, April 23 in Assembly Chambers.
The next regular meeting of the Skagway Assembly is scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 3.
