AkGlobe News - Juneau: 2024 summer visitor season: what you need to know

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Juneau's busy summer tourist season is just around the corner. Whether you're launching a boat, taking a flight, renting a room, running a business, or just trying to get around, make sure you're up to date on what you need to know about working and playing in Juneau during the summer.

Cruise Ship Schedule

The first cruise ship of the 2024 summer season docked in Juneau on April 9. The 2024 schedule is available on the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska website.

The ship season starts to ramp up mid-May. Typically, Saturdays are the quietest day of the week and Tuesdays are the busiest. The daily five-ship limit goes into effect this summer, and residents can expect Tuesdays to be less busy than in previous years.

Capital Transit Bus Service

This summer, Capital Transit is increasing service on Route 8 in order to ease route strain and make sure that local riders traveling to and from important stops such as the Federal Building, Anka Street, and Fred Meyer are able to board the bus despite the high number of visitors using public transit to visit the Mendenhall Glacier. Check the new schedule at juneaucapitaltransit.org.

For those traveling to the airport, please be aware that Route 6 is temporarily suspended as of April 22. Capital Transit hopes to reinstate the route as soon as staffing levels allow. Until then, please use Routes 3 & 4, stopping at Glacier Highway and Shell Simmons Drive (about a 6 minute walk from the airport).

Capital Transit continues to offer a year-round Ride Free zone downtown, for locals and visitors alike who may experience mobility issues or otherwise wish to avoid walking up and down the hill. The Ride Free Zone includes stops at Marine Parking Garage, Franklin Street & Rawn Way, Fourth Street near Rainbow Foods, and the Downtown Transit Center.

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To plan your bus trip, check schedules, or see route maps, visit juneaucapitaltransit.org.

Short-Term Rentals

Many Juneau residents—whether full-time business owners or casual operators—rent out units during the summer through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. If you have not operated your unit since last summer, please be aware of recent changes to the short-term rental environment in Juneau.

As of October 8, 2023, all short-term rental operators must register each unit with the CBJ Sales Tax office. Units will receive an STR registration number that must be displayed in every public listing for that unit.

Registration is free. However, please be aware that the penalty for non-compliance is $25 per day the unregistered listing is live.

Registration is quick and easy—just fill out the online registration form or download a fillable PDF. Visit juneau.org/finance/short-term-rentals for forms, FAQs, and more information.

Please remember that STR operators are responsible for collecting and remitting both the 5% CBJ sales tax and the 9% CBJ hotel bed tax.

Rental operators or any member of the public interested in learning more about the Assembly's approach to short-term rentals in Juneau are encouraged to join the CBJ Assembly Committee of the Whole worksession on Monday, April 15 in person at the Assembly Chambers or remotely via Zoom. The agenda is available at juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com.

Sales Tax and Online Marketplaces

Tourism and the visitor industry are a major part of how Juneau residents make their living. It's important to make sure that everyone who does business in this field—whether that's a major employer, a local small business owner, or someone earning casual income—is operating on the same playing field.

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That includes collecting sales tax from those using your products and services, whether you are making the transaction in person or through an online marketplace like Turo. When you're listing your car, boat, camper van, or any other product or service, you will need to collect and remit sales tax to CBJ.

Learn more about how sales tax works, download the registration form, or remit your sales tax online at juneau.org/finance/sales-tax. If you have questions about how to calculate, collect, or remit sales tax, please contact the CBJ Sales Tax office at [email protected] or (907) 586-5215 ext. 4901.

To see what sales tax pays for in Juneau, visit juneau.org/budget and check out the proposed FY25 budget.

Docks and Harbors Permits and Parking

As you get ready to take your boat out for the first time this summer, don't forget that boaters need a permit to use the launch ramps at all CBJ harbors, including popular recreation sites like the North Douglas Boat Launch. Buy a daily or annual launch ramp permit online, or in person at the Aurora and Statter Harbor offices. Daily launch ramp permits will also be available at the parking kiosks in Auke Bay.

Seasonal paid parking at Statter Harbor and the Taku Lot (downtown) begins on May 1. Starting this year, customers will able to choose between using physical self-serve kiosks or paying via app CBJ's new Park Smarter app. Download the app at parksmarter.com.

Airport Parking

Airport traffic is entering its busiest period of the year. Please remember that the curb areas are for active loading and unloading only—there is no curb parking and unattended vehicles are not permitted. Use the newly renovated short-term parking lot to park for free for up to 15 minutes, or stay with your vehicle in the active loading/unloading zone. This ensures that everyone can get in and out of the airport as quickly and safely as possible.

Don't forget that all airport parking is now prepaid. Prepare for your next trip by downloading the REEF Mobile parking app for iPhone or Android, or use the kiosks in each lot before you leave your vehicle. Visit juneau.org/airport for more parking information.

Filed Under: Government, City

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