Man argues case for his Airbnb biz in Coulee Dam

A man who has been operating his house on Central Drive as a short-term rental took exception to a cease-and-desist letter from the city that said that activity is illegal.

Danny Wiyrick didn't back down at a city council meeting June 14, had his arguments ready to go point by point, and had council members wanting to find a way to make it legal before the end of the meeting.

But tonight (June 28) they consider a draft resolution declaring a moratorium on such rentals as Wiyrick's Airbnb operation until the council can set up the rules under which the city will allow them. The draft specifies a moratorium for months but leaves the number of months blank.

Short-term rentals have been controversial in many communities across the country where if not well regulated they can lead to neighborhood problems. Electric City residents objected to them in recent years.

Wiyrick encouraged Coulee Dam's council not to take the same inaction route they had in 2022. He listened to the city's recording of a council meeting when it was discussed, preparing for his June 14 presentation.

Wiyrick said he got written approval from all the neighbors. "They agree with what I'm doing and have no issue and what I'm doing," he said.

He has rented the house 19 times and paid the taxes on those rentals he said.

Wiyrick said the city should pass a "three strikes, you're out" ordinance so short-term property owners would have incentive to not risk their investment by allowing bad renters.

He said his rentals have come from safety people working for weeks at the dam, University of Washington people in town for days, contractors working for the Colville Tribes for months.

His Airbnb listing offers the house for $210 a night, and the platform refers to Wiyrick as a "superhost," a designation indicating he is an "experienced, highly rated host ... committed to providing great stays for guests."

He contended he selects guests carefully. "I don't want that house destroyed because I'm going to move into it when I retire," he said.

On the council agenda for tonight is a draft resolution entitled "RESOLUTION NO. 2023-03, A RESOLUTION adopting a moratorium on enforcement of short term housing."