Property owners take legal action against City of Bellingham over short-term rental restrictions

Property owners Kathryn and J. Patrick Sutton have taken legal action against the City of Bellingham regarding short-term rental restrictions they claim violate their rights. The Suttons own several properties, including an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their main residence and additional properties intended for short-term rental. The city asserts that the Suttons' ADUs do not comply with a 2018 ordinance requiring that owners or tenants reside in the rental for at least 270 days. The Suttons counter that this requirement is unconstitutional, prompting their legal challenge.

Last week, the city filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, alleging it is similar to another case filed by the Suttons in April. The ongoing legal dispute highlights tensions between local regulations and property owners' rights in Bellingham. A future court date remains undetermined, and the case has now been reassigned to a new judge. This situation underscores the broader national debate over short-term rental regulations and property rights.