QUICK SUMMARY
Property owners Kathryn and J. Patrick Sutton sued the City of Bellingham for enforcing short-term rental restrictions that they claim are unconstitutional. The city argues that their accessory dwelling units do not comply with a 2018 ordinance requiring owners to reside in rentals for at least 270 days. A motion to dismiss the lawsuit was filed, citing similarities to a previous case brought by the Suttons.
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.