The meeting focused on the residential housing allocations allotted by TRPA. For Washoe County, the allocation was reduced because Washoe County failed to develop rules, regulations, and enforcement methods to comply with the TRPA required short term rental neighborhood compatibility guidelines. It is noteworthy to clarify that in 2004 Washoe County opted not to enter into an agreement with TRPA regarding short term rentals of single family homes. As a consequence, short term rentals of single family homes in Washoe County is in violation of the TRPA ordinance (click here for the TRPA ordinance). Although Washoe County also has ordinances restricting short term rentals, the Board of Commissioners opted to suspend enforcement and voted to allow the collection of Transitory Occupancy Tax(TOT) by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA). The RSCVA TOT funds go to pay for various debt in Reno (click here to see where the funds are disbursed). Therefore, as it stands today, Washoe County and TRPA are allowing short term rental activities to take place in Incline Village/Crystal Bay that are in violation of the TRPA ordinances as well as the suspended Washoe County ordinances. At the meeting, a citizen asked as to why TRPA is not enforcing their ordinance. The response was because Washoe County is working on their plans. It was suggested that if TRPA enforced the existing ordinances it would incentivize Washoe County to actually put plans in place.
There is community interest in attending upcoming County Commissioner meetings to make public comments on the Short Term Rental issue. If you are interested in attending, please email us for carpooling.
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