Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Haines, Alaska

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Haines, AK?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Haines, Alaska. The evidence confirms that Haines currently has an active short-term rental market with 54 documented short-term housing units as of June 2023. These properties range from purpose-built vacation rentals to converted long-term rentals and private homes, demonstrating that the borough permits and regulates this business model.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Haines

Based on the available information, starting an STR business in Haines involves several key considerations:

Market Analysis and Property Selection

The current STR inventory shows diverse property types are successful:

• Purpose-built vacation rentals (Chilkat Tower, Chilkoot Haven, Cozy Chilkat, Viking Cove, View at Oceanside)
• Owner-occupied properties with rental portions (Blue Heron, Cozy Cove Cottage, Snappers Inn, The Aerie)
• Converted long-term rentals (The Attic, The Cottage)
• Private homes for guest accommodation (Alaska Guardhouse, Picture Point Seaside Flat)

Property Development Considerations

According to housing dialogue notes, there are accessory unit regulations for units under 600 square feet, though stakeholders noted these may be "too restrictive" and require more education about existing possibilities.

Market Positioning Strategy

The local market shows a preference for:

• Properties with 1-2 bedrooms and under 1,500 square feet
• Units close to town center
• High-end accommodations (noted as "high end housing units, often closed in the winter")
• Properties suitable for the seasonal tourism market

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Regulatory Environment

The documents indicate that Haines Borough is currently reviewing 12 permits encompassing both housing and commercial properties. The borough government has identified a need for more resources to effectively enforce existing regulations and is considering whether to expand building code enforcement and inspection services.

Specific STR Requirements

While the provided documents do not detail specific STR permit requirements, they indicate:

• Permit review process exists through the Borough
• Building codes and inspections are under consideration for enhanced enforcement
• Zoning revisions are being discussed to utilize more land for housing and increase density
• Accessory unit regulations exist for units under 600 sq ft (details not specified in provided content)

Business License Considerations

The documents suggest that sales tax collection is already established ("generating more sales tax for the borough"), indicating a business licensing framework exists, though specific STR licensing requirements are not detailed in the provided content.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Borough-Level Regulations

While comprehensive STR regulations are not detailed in the provided documents, several regulatory frameworks are referenced:

1. Housing Working Group Oversight: The borough has an established Housing Working Group identifying key locations for housing development.

2. Zoning Framework: The borough is reviewing zoning regulations to "utilize more land for housing or to increase density of housing on existing housing areas."

3. Accessory Dwelling Regulations: Exists for units under 600 square feet, though stakeholders view current requirements as restrictive.

County-Level Regulations

The documents focus primarily on borough-level governance rather than county-specific regulations, indicating that Haines operates under borough governance structure typical of Alaska municipalities.

State-Level Regulations (Alaska)

The documents reference Alaska Housing Finance Corporation involvement and discuss Alaska Housing Vouchers, though specific state-level STR regulations are not detailed in the provided content. Note that Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) has identified challenges with Alaska Housing Voucher availability for Haines residents.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Borough Contacts

Haines Borough Government

• Annette Kreitzer - Borough Representative
• Doug Olerud - Borough Representative
• Diana Lapham - Borough Representative
• Alekka Fullerton - Borough Representative
• Richard Clement - Borough Representative

Housing Development and Planning Contacts

Haines Borough Housing Working Group

• Identified as the primary body for housing development strategy and policy recommendations

Haines Economic Development Corporation (HEDC)

• Cindy Zuluaga Jimenez - Contact for housing survey data and economic development initiatives
• Conducted "HEDC Housing Survey Report 2022-2023" focusing on demographics, housing needs, and planned projects

Industry Professional Contact

Randa Szymanski - Reservations by Randa

• Phone: 907-314-0466
• Email: info@reservationsbyranda.com
• Website: www.reservationsbyranda.com
• Experience: Managing vacation rentals in Haines since 2014
• Can provide practical insights on STR operations and market dynamics

Specialized Housing Contacts

Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL)

• Sierra Jimenez - Contact for accessibility housing needs and policy advocacy
• Note: SAIL has been researching Alaska Housing Voucher availability issues

Chilkoot Indian Association

• Harriet Brouillette - Contact for tribal housing partnerships and considerations

Additional Resources and Sources

Source Documents

• Haines Comprehensive Plan Revision: Housing Dialogue Notes - Primary source for regulatory framework and stakeholder discussions

Planning and Development

• HEDC Housing Survey Report 2022-2023 - Comprehensive housing market analysis (not directly linked but referenced)
• Haines Borough Assembly Chambers - Venue for public meetings on housing policy

Investment Recommendations

Based on the provided documentation, STR investors should:

1. Engage with the Housing Working Group early in the development process to understand current policy priorities
2. Focus on high-quality accommodations to align with the existing market positioning
3. Consider seasonal operation strategies given the noted winter closure patterns
4. Monitor zoning revision efforts that may create new development opportunities
5. Partner with local management companies like Reservations by Randa for operational expertise

The regulatory framework appears supportive of STR development, though investors should expect continued evolution of regulations as the borough balances housing needs with tourism economic benefits.