Resolved Updated

shortterm rental fees

Fees for licensing and regulating short-term rental properties.

What to Watch
Confirm the exact short-term rental license fee amounts and when the new fees take effect.
Coming Up

Typically discussed at City Council. Check back when the next agenda is published.

The Story

After a work-session debate over big building-permit cost jumps, council approved the city’s updated fee list 9-0. The final version included changes to short-term rental licensing fees and added limits on inspection charges: $2,500 for residential projects and $100,000 for commercial projects.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 9-0 City Council · Dec 15, 2025

    25-228 Ordinance to Amend Chapters 1-2-1 of the Municipal Code, Fees (Tabled from November 17, 2025 meeting)

    Motion to waive reading and adopt the ordinance with the amendment of a $2500 cap on residential projects and $100,000 cap on commercial projects for inspection fees

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Bonnie Shimulunas Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
Record

  1. Council discussed a broader update to the city’s fee schedule; the main focus was a draft building-permit fee change to a percentage-based model that would substantially increase costs for new construction and large commercial projects.

    City Council Work Session

  2. Staff said current fees are not covering inspection costs; council members raised concerns about sticker shock and asked for alternative fee structures, including caps and square-footage models.

    City Council Work Session

  3. Council directed staff to return with multiple revised fee options for a Dec. 1 meeting.

    City Council Work Session

  4. Council adopted Ordinance 25-228 updating the city’s master fee schedule, including changes to short-term rental licensing fees, a new harbor sludge tipping fee that can be charged to the Army Corps of Engineers, and a restructuring of building permit fees.

    City Council

  5. Council amended the ordinance to cap inspection fees at $2,500 for residential projects and $100,000 for commercial projects, then passed the ordinance 9-0.

    City Council
← All topics