Politics
Annex City Council Approves Short-Term Rental Ordinance 2026-14, Limiting Annual Days for Property Owners in Residential Zones
The measure caps rentals at 90 days per year in most neighborhoods and is projected by city housing staff to shift 150 units toward longer-term leases used by Annex families.
How we reported this
Annex City Council members passed Ordinance 2026-14 by a 7-2 vote during the July 7 regular meeting, establishing new limits on short-term rentals in residential districts. The ordinance applies to single-family homes and small multifamily buildings across the Riverside, Maple Grove and Central Annex wards.
Housing costs in The Annex have risen steadily, with the city’s 2025 housing assessment report documenting a 12 percent increase in median rents since 2024. Council records show the new rules respond to repeated complaints from residents about properties converted to year-round tourist use.
Daily Effects for Annex Households
Residents who rent in the Maple Grove neighborhood may see more units listed for 12-month leases once the 90-day annual cap takes hold. Property owners who currently list homes on short-term platforms will need to track usage or face fines set at $500 per violation under the ordinance text.
Policy analysts at the local planning department calculate that enforcement will require an additional $150,000 in the 2027 fiscal year budget, drawn from existing permitting fees rather than new taxes. Community advocates note that families with school-age children in the Central Annex ward often compete directly with short-term bookings for available apartments near transit stops.
Implementation Timeline
City staff will begin registering compliant hosts in September, with full enforcement scheduled to start January 1, 2027. The legislation requires the housing office to publish quarterly compliance reports that will track the number of units returned to long-term rental stock.
Public comment sessions on the registration process are listed for August 12 and August 26 at City Hall. Council documents state that adjustments to the day cap may be considered after the first year of data collection.