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Chelan Planning Commission wants public opinion on giving incentives to ag land owners



It was once called a ‘homestay’ provision for permitted uses of land in the city of Chelan, used primarily by farmers to allow people to stay on their property. Now the city is considering allowing short term rentals in what are special land use districts in suburban areas.


It will be the topic at a city of Chelan Planning Commission hearing Wednesday night at city hall.


"What the city decided to to was incentivize owners to preserve their agriculture (lands) in exchange for allowing for short term rentals in that (special land use) zone," said Chad Coltman, the city Communications Director. "It would allow short term rentals on about 2.5 acres of land if they keep half of that land in use for agriculture."


"It gives the property owners some flexibility of what they can do with their land," added Coltman. "It allows for some specific pockets where we can place short term rentals in a way that we don't feel like is gonna to take away from reasonable, affordable housing. It's not short term rentals in well established neighborhoods."


There is some concern that the proposal is going to lead to widespread development or take away from housing inventory or lead to construction of resorts, but Coltman noted, "We just don't see that happening the way this is structured."


"We've spent a lot of time on this looking at multiple angles and we do believe it strikes a good balance for helping preserve agriculture while giving them a opportunity at a supplemental source of income," said Chelan Community Development Director John Ajax.


The Chelan Planning Commission convenes a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday night at city hall.


Eventually the planning commission will give an advisory recommendation to the city council.


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