Short-term rental fire inspection fees could rise in Chelan County

CHELAN COUNTY — Chelan County is considering increasing fire and life safety inspection fees for short-term rentals.

The county requires short-term rentals to have fire and life safety inspections every other year by the Fire Marshal’s office.

During an Oct. 20 budget workshop with county commissioners, Chelan County Economic Services Director Ron Cridlebaugh proposed a minimum flat fee of $200 for short-term rentals under 3,000 square feet, $300 for rentals under 5,000 square feet, and $400 for those over 5,000 square feet.

The county’s current tiered fee structure is also based on square footage, starting with a $64 fee for short-term rentals under 1,000 square feet. The fee increases to $87.85 for rentals up to 2,500 square feet, and $127 for those up to 5,000 square feet. Fees increase every couple of thousand square feet and cap at $566.50 for rentals over 20,000 square feet.

County officials said the current inspection fees don't cover inspection costs, including transportation.

“We should be at least recovering our costs on those inspections,” said Cridlebaugh.

According to Cridlebaugh, the county has completed more than 200 short-term rental inspections so far this year. Using the proposed formula, the economic services director said revenue would increase from about $37,400 to $62,350.

Cridlebaugh recommended maintaining current rates for commercial business inspections, reasoning that inspections were less resource-consuming.

Cridlebaugh said he would go over the proposed numbers with Chelan County Fire Marshal Chris Pedersen, but would like to schedule a public hearing and potentially have new rates adopted at the end of November.

“I'm good with that,” said Commissioner Shon Smith.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media