After passing three moratoria, and taking nearly 18 months, Gig Harbor City Council passed final regulations at its February 27 meeting which allow Short-Term Rentals within the city.

The ordinance, which takes effect March 8, allows short-term rentals in all residential and commercial zones where dwelling units are allowed and also restricts rental permits to one per person. Under the new provisions, STR operators are required to obtain a business license and

Prior versions of the ordinance had sought to require that STR operators also lived in Gig Harbor, as well as require the operator to live on-site at the rental. Those provisions had faced legal scrutiny due to lawsuits in New Orleans and Clark County, NV where STR operators prevailed in court.

TPCAR advocated its support of STR properties in the City and is pleased to see that the Council agreed with our position. It's likely that the ordinance will be refined in one year and we will continue to monitor this policy.