During the Jan. 16, 2025 Douglas County Commissioners meeting, commissioners approved a new ordinance allowing tiny homes, discussed a new ordinance for vacation home rentals in Lake Tahoe, looked at the county’s 2024 Financial Report, and more.
County celebrates retirement of Scott Morgan after 31 years with new award named in his honor
Commissioners honored Assistant County Manager Scott Morgan during his retirement after 31 years serving with the county. During his tenure, Morgan served as the county’s first director of the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department in 1994, and then as the director of the Community Services in 1996 when it formed in 1996. He continued in that role all the way into 2023, when he moved to the assistant county manager position.
As a part of the celebrations, a proclamation was read in his honor, and county staff wore festive t-shirts featuring a photo of Morgan from 1995 as a farewell prank.
In his honor, the Board also established the Douglas County Scott Morgan Award for Excellence in Public Service, celebrating Douglas County employees with more 30 years of service who embody the values of integrity, accountability, communication, customer service, leadership, respect and teamwork.
“Scott’s unwavering dedication and leadership have made an enduring impact on our community, and it was fitting to present him with the inaugural award bearing his name,” wrote Jenifer Davidson. “Thank you, Scott, for your outstanding contributions and for inspiring us all! We wish you the best in retirement!”
New Vacation Home Rental ordinance discussed
The board heard the first reading of a new ordinance which amends the Douglas County Code addressing Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in residential areas north of Cave Rock State Park.
According to the county, key changes include revising restrictions on rentals in Glenbrook Communities, revising penalties for licensed property managers, and clarifying penalties for renting without a valid permit, or with a revoked permit.
The ordinance also proposes stricter rules for property managers who violate County Code, extending the penalty window from 12 to 24 months.
According to supplemental staff information, the cost to renew a VHR permit is around $1,600, and the cost to obtain a new permit is around $2,150. Because a 2023 ordinance eliminated five permits in the area of Glenbrook which expired on Dec. 31, 2024, any permits obtained with the new ordinance (if approved) will be considered new permits, which would provide the county with around $10,700 in fees. However, if the board allows owners to pay renewal fees instead, the estimated fees to the county would then be around $8,000.
The proposed amendments to the ordinance are summarized by the county as follows:
- The Glenbrook area, consisting of the five HOAs and the non-affiliated parcels, is now defined as the “Glenbrook Communities.”
- VHR permit holders may only rent to individuals who own property within the Glenbrook Communities.
- VHR permit holders must obtain the physical address of the renter’s property within the Glenbrook Communities, and a statement from the renter about why they are renting the VHR.
- Renters, or a designee, must be personally present within the Glenbrook Communities during each night that the VHR is occupied.
- Renters may be held responsible for the actions of any and all occupants of the VHR.
- Local licensed property managers are required for any VHR permits issued for properties north of Cave Rock State Park (including the Glenbrook Communities).
- Local licensed property managers can be prohibited from managing VHRs if they have failed to follow County Code on two occasions within a 24-month period (increased from 12 months).
Ordinance 2025-1650 ordinance also clarifies that the maximum fine of $20,000 may apply not only to those who never held a VHR permit, but also those property owners whose permit was revoked.
You can read the current ordinance and its suggested changes here.