HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-17 Public Comment - A. & R. Harris -ShortTermRentals March 19, 2017 �jylj1,tl� /�/ 25 Ar' 9;77"
Dear Mayor Carson,
We write you now in support of fair consideration for short-term rental (STR) options that
work for both full and part-time Bozeman residents. While regulation of rentals is
desirable it is important to avoid defaulting to overly restrictive regulations unfairly
penalizing the variety of home owners who have taken proper measures to promote
responsible and beneficial home use. After participating in the public meetings held in
January it seems there are still strong feelings as well as some troubling mis-
understandings, for example:
We hear that STRs will subject neighborhoods to an increased variety of
nuisances, yet as indicated by local law enforcement officials previously,
STRs have no higher rate of such occurrences than the average Bozeman
home.
We hear that STRs are to blame for high rental rates and are making Bozeman
homes unaffordable, yet STRs likely only make up no more than 1 or 2
percent of area homes, homes which are In use by their owners and would
not simply become available if not used as STRs.
We hear that while STRs may be fine for higher density R3 zones, they are not
appropriate for lower density R1 and R2 zones. Yet these same lower density
zones typically provide greater setback buffers, larger lots, and off-street
parking so often lacking in higher density zones. Eliminating the STR
options in R1 & R2 would only result in a greater exclusivity based largely
on the relative affluence of some neighborhoods.
No doubt STR homes should be properly regulated to insure appropriate protections for
the community. Those of us with licensed rentals fully understand that and have shown
ourselves willing and able to provide the necessary safeguards. We have conformed to
current regulations, secured permits, paid fees, paid taxes, and do our best as
responsible homeowners for our neighborhood out of pride and commitment to this
community. And, it should be recognized that STRs provide numerous community-wide
benefits including enabling economic vitality, providing welcoming diverse uses, and
keeping homes vital and occupied at times when they would otherwise simply sit empty.
Though we fear it is far too easy for some to scapegoat STR homeowners in general by
simply defaulting to overly restrictive or even punitive regulations, as has been the case
in some other communities. We fear it is potentially easier still, to act even more unfairly
toward STR homeowners who are part-time residents, bringing harm to the homeowner,
their management companies, and the variety of other local service providers that
support them. While it can be fairly argued that part-time residents should have
contracts with locally owned rental management companies to insure prompt responses
to any potential concerns, it would be unfair and discriminatory to single out or
disadvantage lawful part-time homeowner residents. To do so would only result in more
downtown homes left empty for significant portions of the year which does not make for
better safer neighborhoods, or for the vital community we all desire.
We support the current standards for conditional use, in addition to requirements for the
use of local management companies for part-time residents, the principle of limiting of
the number of homes allowed as STRs in any given block or area, the payment of fees
for use and taxes on income for all short-term rentals, and a balanced application of
regulations in all R zones in support for the beneficial use of STRs for the wide variety
of Bozeman homeowners.
Bozeman has the opportunity to set a new standard that respects the time, energy, and
money a variety of conforming STR homeowners have put into their homes in good
faith, while appropriately safeguarding and promoting the livability of the community as
a whole.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Most Sincerely,
Amanda and Robert Harris,
624 South Willson Avenue
aharris@bakerrisk.com
rharris@lakeflato.com