The The Dalles City Council made significant strides in addressing short-term rental regulations during its meeting on November 25, 2024. A key focus was the proposed amendments to the city's annual fee schedule for short-term rental licenses, which has been under review since January 2021.

Councilor Richardson led the charge, proposing to adopt General Ordinance 24-1407B with amendments that would reduce the buffer zone for short-term rental notifications from 500 feet to 300 feet and eliminate the requirement for mandatory exterior postings. This move aims to streamline the licensing process while still addressing community concerns.

The council engaged in a thorough discussion about the implications of these changes. Richardson emphasized the importance of the ordinance, stating it would clarify and tighten existing regulations. The motion received a second from Councilor Randall, and while the council recognized the need for further deliberation, they agreed to revisit the ordinance at a future meeting due to the substantive changes proposed.

Additionally, Councilor Runyon raised the idea of a future review of the ordinance's impact, suggesting that the council should evaluate the changes after a year. This suggestion was well-received, with the council agreeing to document this intent in the meeting minutes rather than embedding it directly into the ordinance.

In a related discussion, the council considered the necessity of maintaining some form of internal posting of rental licenses, ensuring that guests are aware of occupancy limits while still allowing for flexibility in how this information is displayed.

As the council moves forward, the anticipated outcomes include a more efficient licensing process for short-term rentals and a commitment to reassess the regulations in the coming year, ensuring they meet the needs of both the community and rental operators.