Ketchikan
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Ketchikan
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STR Regulations for Ketchikan
Based on the provided content, here is a comprehensive summary of short-term rental (STR) regulations in Ketchikan, AK:
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Are STRs allowed in Ketchikan? Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Ketchikan. The borough defines STRs as dwellings where someone "transient" stays for less than a month, without the owner living on the property.
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How to start an STR business:
- Property owners must obtain a zoning permit from the borough
- Register for sales tax
- Ensure property meets zoning requirements
- Provide one parking space per STR unit
- Required documents/permits:
- Zoning permit from Ketchikan Gateway Borough (free)
- Sales tax registration
- Transient occupancy tax registration
- Business license
- Specific regulations:
- STRs are permitted uses with standards in residential, commercial and miscellaneous land use zones
- One parking space required per STR unit
- No annual permit renewal requirement (removed by Assembly vote in 2023)
- Properties must comply with land use code
- Owners do not need to live on the property
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Local authority contact: Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Department Richard Harney, Planning Director Phone: (907) 228-6625 Address: 1900 First Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901
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Source links:
- Borough code: https://ketchikangateway.borough.codes/
- Borough planning department: https://www.kgbak.us/
- Ordinance 2011 passed in May 2023: Implementation of STR permitting system
- News coverage: https://www.krbd.org/2023/04/18/ketchikans-borough-assembly-advances-short-term-rental-permitting-but-nixes-annual-renewal-requirement/
The regulations aim to balance tourism needs with local housing availability. The borough implemented the permitting system to better track STRs' impact on the housing market while still allowing them to operate. The system is relatively permissive compared to other Alaskan communities like Sitka that have stricter STR restrictions.
Photos of Ketchikan
Overview of Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a small city situated on Revillagigedo Island in the southeastern part of the state. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," it boasts a population of approximately 8,300. Ketchikan is positioned about 235 miles south of Juneau, the state capital, and is accessible primarily by air and sea due to its island location.
Ketchikan has considerable appeal for short-term rentals, particularly owing to its rich cultural history and natural beauty. Downtown Ketchikan is characterized by its historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the water (https://www.visit-ketchikan.com/en/downtown/creek-street). Visitors also often explore nearby Misty Fjords National Monument (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/r10/recarea/?recid=78699), a pristine wilderness area with stunning fjords, steep cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls.
Another highlight is the Totem Heritage Center (https://www.city.ketchikan.ak.us/144/Totem-Heritage-Center), which houses one of the largest collections of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. The city's proximity to Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Ketchikan's local attractions and its strategic location make it an attractive destination for short-term rental investments. With its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and proximity to different outdoor activities, the city presents an inviting option for tourists seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.