Proposed ordinances would address RVs, rentals, ADUs

BREWSTER – A public hearing for three proposed city ordinances – accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals, and recreational vehicle (RV) operation and use in the city – were on the agenda at the regular monthly city council meeting last week.

There was no public comment at the hearing.

The three proposed ordinances were submitted to the state Department of Commerce for a 60-day review and will be up for vote by the council at its November meeting. An abbreviated summary or the ordinance provisions include:

Accessory Dwelling Units

• An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within or on the same lot as a one family home will be permitted. Each dwelling with an ADU will be charged for a total of two water and two sewer connections and the applicable monthly user fees.

• The ADU must comply with all other Brewster Municipal Code (BMC) requirements.

• Two off-street parking spaces will be required for the ADU in addition to the off-street parking spaces required for the main one family home.

Short-Term Rentals

• The term “short-term” rental applies to a dwelling or portion thereof rented to overnight guests for less than 3-consecutive days.

• The property owner must obtain a business license pursuant to BMC requirements and include contacts for complaints and emergencies

• The BMC is amended to allow short-term rentals in C-1 and C-2 commercial zones. They will not be operated in residential zones of the city.

• Each bedroom of the short-term rental will require one off-street parking space.

RV Operation and Use

• A new Chapter 17.12 Recreational Vehicles is added to the BMC.

• An RV cannot be inhabited in the city outside of the city park or other permitted space except as provided in the BMC for short-term use. 

• An RV must not be parked in a right-of-way or public easement.

• An RV cannot park in a setback.

• No decks, covers, detached awnings, or other structures appurtenant to the RV can be erected.

• Pertinent city health and safety regulations will apply.

• RV occupancy is restricted to 14 consecutive days and for no more than 14 days within a three-month period.

• A RV cannot connect to the city water or sanitary system. All holding tanks must be emptied at an approved waste facility.

• A $500 penalty will be levied for each separate infraction.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483, michael@ward.media