HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-17 Public Comment -D. Lutey -ShortTermRentals
I would like to comment on the regulation of Short Term Rentals in the City of Bozeman
from two perspectives:
FIRST As someone with a short term rental in my neighborhood:
Several years ago a neighbor began renting a converted garage/studio as a short term
rental. It is the only STR that I know of in my neighborhood, though there are at least
two houses on each block that have become long term rentals owned by folks who do not
live in Bozeman and rent primarily to MSU students. I have lived in this neighborhood
46 years and have witnessed the conversion of many family homes into income
properties held by absentee owners. As a long time property owner I prefer the STR
over the these longer term rentals for the following reasons:
The STR is well maintained inside and out
The sidewalks are always shoveled
The travelers who rent the property are older and respectful of the neighborhood
Though the STR is not rented every night of the year, the arrival and departures go
unnoticed except for lights coming on.
The long term rentals are poorly maintained and downgrade the appearance of the
neighborhood as well as property values.
The sidewalks are not cleared of snow and pose a hazard to the public safety
The lawns are not mowed and are often cluttered with bottles, cans, etc.
When tenants move, their mattresses and TV sets are left curbside
The City noise ordinances are ignored, particularly on weekends, late at night
Vehicles park the wrong direction along the streets and often are parked across sidewalks
obstructing public right of way.
SECOND As the owner of two historic, ancestral homes, one of which I would like to
continue renting on a short term basis:
I am a fourth generation native, great granddaughter of Jacob Spieth who founded the
Spieth & Krugg Brewery on East Main Street in the late 1800’s. The building remains
today. With the passing of my father, ownership of the two ancestral homes which
occupy 2/3 of a city block in northeast Bozeman, was transferred to me. Both homes are
on the Historic Register and were built by my great grandmother at the turn of the century
(1903). My son currently lives in one of the homes. Some years ago I licensed the
smaller home with the State of Montana going through the County Health Department. It
was inspected for fire, water, etc. by the County and the 7% State tax is paid quarterly.
Why a short term rental? Simply stated, lower impact on the house. The home has all of
the original interior wood finishes, lead glass windows, etc. Greater control of tenants
and occupancy allows preservation of the home. Many guests do stay for a month at a
time and are return visitors. These are people who have adult children and grandchildren
in the area. Some are retired couples, former residents of Bozeman who return to ski in
the winter or hike in the summer. Local engineering and tech firms who are expanding
by bringing in personnel from their other locations have need for temporary housing for
their employees. A short term rental is an excellent solution. Families considering MSU
for their students often need a place to stay while “experiencing Bozeman” as do parents
and grandparents of graduating seniors. They like a place to gather as a family, prepare a
meal, walk their dog. Isn’t that what homes (households) are all about?
Here’s my point. There is a need for short term rentals in our community. Visitors
staying at a short term rental do not impact the “fabric” of the neighborhood. I would
guess any complaints of disturbances so far have been minimal. I think the CUP process
is inappropriate given the low number of existing short term rentals in Bozeman. If
reported numbers are accurate then 300 homes out of 19,000 homes is only 1.5%. The
chance of having a short term rental on any given block is small. Contrast this to the
current regulation of absentee owners who rent property to students for a few months of
the year. There are many, many more of these properties and they really do impact the
“fabric” of the neighborhood.
I would respectively ask that you consider my comments in your deliberations. There are
many valid reasons for operating a short term rental and not all of them are to gain great
wealth. In fact, most such rentals that I am familiar with are unoccupied more days than
they are occupied, unlike standard overnight housing.
Best regards,
Donna Lutey