Chelan County launches short-term rental monitoring system

WENATCHEE - Chelan County has launched a 24-hour monitoring system for short-term rentals, contracting with Deckard Technologies, a San Diego-based company specializing in real estate data analytics and technology. This new system aims to improve regulation and address community concerns by offering a 24/7 complaint hotline and an online reporting platform.

The initiative, set under a five-year contract worth $60,000 annually with Deckard Technologies, is designed to enhance short-term rental oversight in conjunction with existing Code Enforcement services provided by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. This move introduces a comprehensive approach to managing noise, parking, and illegal rental activities, particularly in the county's unincorporated areas.

Kirsten Ryles, assistant director of Community Development, emphasized the significance of this development. “Establishing a short-term rental monitoring service for better regulation has been a long time coming – and one Community Development has been working on for over a year,” Ryles remarked. “This addition to our toolbox provides citizens another avenue for reporting issues around the clock.”

Residents facing issues with short-term rentals now have three reporting options: an online complaint form that allows for the upload of supporting evidence, a hotline staffed by Deckard Technologies, and direct engagement with the county’s Code Enforcement. These tools streamline the complaint process and ensure rental owners uphold community standards.

Ryles also urged residents to use the designated reporting channels for non-life-threatening complaints rather than emergency services. “With three options for reporting short-term rental violations, I encourage people to use these tools,” she stated. “The tools are in place to encourage short-term rental owners to be good neighbors.”