The White Salmon City Council has imposed a temporary six-month moratorium on short-term rentals within the city limits of White Salmon. The ordinance also provides a 30-day opportunity from the date of the ordinance for property owners who currently have short-term rental bookings finalized before the date of the moratorium to comply with city requirements including obtaining a business license and short-term rental permit. Councilor Jim Ransier brought the moratorium before the council for consideration this week, after Councilors had heard concerns from residents regarding short-term rentals and decided it is time to provide guidance in the city’s land use codes on how short-term rentals are allowed. Councilors felt the moratorium is necessary due to the impacts that short-term rentals are having on the housing market and long-term rental availability in the community. The White Salmon Planning Commission will be forwarded the moratorium ordinance and is expected to make short-term rentals a priority. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the moratorium on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers at the White Salmon Fire Hall and via teleconference.