PORT TOWNSEND — City government is again using online software to collect public input about a hot-button issue.
On Monday, the city opened a discussion on the Speak Up site, looking to better understand how people feel about changing the restrictions on short-term rentals.
The city’s code currently allows short-term rentals in the form of bed and breakfasts, hotels/motels and tourist homes, but forbids private homes or auxiliary dwelling units being used for that purpose.
The city is considering a three-year pilot program to allow for and regulate non-owner occupied short-term rentals and is developing the idea on parallel tracks, assigning the Planning Commission to craft the ordinance and using the City Council as a means to develop a business licensing process.
Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson said information collected online would not have greater weight than what is collected through other avenues, but it can be more interactive and easier to analyze.
“Council members get emails sent directly to them that not everyone gets to see,” Stinson said.
“With Speak Up, one person’s idea can generate ideas for other people; it can be a better way to communicate.”
On Monday, the City Council was due to pass a resolution instructing the Planning Commission to address the issue with it to be taken up at their second meeting this month at 6:30 p.m. May 26 in council chambers, 540 Water St.
Timeline open
City Clerk Joanna Sanders said there is no timeline for addressing the matter or changing the statute.
The topic is only scheduled to be online until the end of May, but that could be expanded if the discussion needs to continue, she said.
The site, viewable at speakuppt.us, had already solicited two lengthy responses by Monday afternoon, both opposing a change to the statute.
As the discussion continues, people can respond to each other and enter “like” commands, similar to the Facebook feature that allows users to support an idea without having to repeat what has already been said.
Stinson said the software “isn’t as intuitive as I would have liked, but once I used it for a while, it got easier.”
Since installing the software last summer, the city has used it to collect input about the city comprehensive plan and to revise animal control regulations.
Jefferson County recently installed its own Speak Up module to help gather public opinion about the county’s comprehensive plan.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
