Bonner County Upholds Rental Occupancy Limits

Commissioners Deny Appeal, Reinforce Parking Rules

Bonner County commissioners have denied an appeal to increase vacation rental occupancy limits, reaffirming a previous decision by the county’s planning director. The ruling, which limits a Coolin property to nine occupants, underscores the county’s commitment to its revised codes, particularly the link between off-street parking and maximum occupancy.

The Core of the Dispute: Parking and Occupancy

The appeal centered on Bonner County Revised Code section 12-484, which ties the number of allowed occupants to the availability of off-street parking. The code now permits three occupants per designated off-street parking spot, a reduction from the previous four. This change, implemented in 2024, led to the planning director’s decision to cap the Coolin property’s occupancy at nine, based on its parking availability. The property owners argued that shared common areas within their development should count towards parking, but commissioners disagreed, stating that only “designated areas” as defined by the code would suffice.. Learn more about Vacation

Background and Appellant’s Arguments

The property owners had operated their rental with a permit for twelve occupants since 2021. They claimed they were not adequately notified of the code revision that altered the occupant-to-parking ratio. The appellants presented evidence of potential financial losses, estimated at up to $32,000, due to cancelled bookings and reputational damage. They proposed utilizing shared common areas for additional parking to justify their request for a higher occupancy limit.

Commissioners’ Rationale and Decision

Commissioners Brian Domke and Ron Korn supported the Planning Department’s interpretation of the code. They emphasized that the regulations are in place to safeguard public health, safety, and the character of residential neighborhoods. The commissioners concluded that the shared common area did not meet the code’s definition of a “designated area” for parking. As a result, the appeal was denied, upholding the occupancy limit of nine.. Learn more about Bonner County Daily Bee

Broader Implications for Vacation Rentals

This decision has significant implications for vacation rental operators in Bonner County. It highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to current regulations, especially regarding parking requirements. The ruling clarifies that shared community spaces cannot be unilaterally designated for vacation rental parking unless they meet specific code criteria. Property owners are encouraged to stay informed about regulatory changes and to ensure their operations comply with county ordinances. The county’s approach aims to balance tourism support with the preservation of residential areas.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The denial of this appeal reinforces Bonner County’s stance on enforcing its parking and occupancy regulations for Vacation rentals. The decision serves as a reminder for property owners to strictly follow the Bonner County Revised Code, particularly its off-street parking provisions. As the Vacation rental market continues to evolve, future discussions and potential code amendments may occur. The county’s planning department remains available for clarification and guidance on these matters.