ITEM TITLE:
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Discussion of Allowance of AirBnB's/VRBO's in Harbor
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SUBMITTED BY: Sarah Von Bargen - Harbormaster
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
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Discuss whether or not the Ports and Harbor Commission is in agreement to allow or disallow AirBnB's or VRBO's in the Valdez Harbors.
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SUMMARY STATEMENT:
This discussion item is based on whether or not the City should allow air b-n-b's in the Harbor. This topic has been discussed in the past, but no firm action was ever taken. I am bringing this back as two parties have shown interest in providing this service and operating out of our harbor. I have attached copies of their email propositions to this agenda statement. Currently, the City Code, Section 11.04.250 Commercial Enterprises states:
"A. Commercial businesses, enterprises or activities will not be allowed within the small boat harbor facilities, or from vessels within the small boat harbor. This should not be construed as an absolute prohibition of any type of commercial transaction in the Valdez Small Boat Harbor conducted on an occasional basis, but rather a prohibition of business enterprises locating and operating in the boat harbor. A commercial fishing vessel, charter boat operators, fishing vessels when selling or distributing fish or other products of the sea and water craft rental would not be considered a commercial business enterprise."
As the code states, it is somewhat vague as to what is allowed on "an occasional basis." I have reached out to about 4 other harbors in Alaska (some in PWS & others in Southeast) and none of them allow commercial businesses, specifically AirBnB's or VRBO's as they feel it is a safety and liability issue.
Previous commissioners have been on the fence to allow this, as it is promoting additional business here in Valdez, where others have felt the same about it being a safety/liability issue.
Title 17 Zoning Ordinan...
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