HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-17 Public Comment - J. Sinclair - Short Term RentalsFrom:Juliene Sinclair
To:Agenda
Subject:Short term Rentals
Date:Thursday, August 03, 2017 9:23:31 AM
Hello!
I own a home in the R2 zoning district of the Cooper Park neighborhood inBozeman. I would like to convey my thoughts on proposed ordinance 1974 to the citycommissioners for their consideration.
1. I am opposed to a density cap on short-term rentals in any zoning districtin Bozeman. I believe this sets up a very unfair circumstances in which some propertyowners are afforded rights that are denied to others, for absolutely no fault of theirown. I was disappointed to learn that such an unfair measure was even underconsideration. Especially in recent times, people must spend a tremendous amountof money to invest in the Bozeman community and all Bozeman property ownersshould have equal rights to do as they please with their investments.
2. I feel strongly that short term rentals have a positive influence on ourneighborhoods. These units are typically very well kept and their rotationaloccupancy and high income potential dictate that they are regularly improved asmoney from rent is reinvested in the property to ensure continued marketability topotential renters. Generally, I find these units more attractive and less of adisturbance to the neighborhood than long term rentals, and often times, owneroccupied homes. Short term rentals provide great income to the community, and infact I enjoy meeting the variety of people who come to visit several short term rentalunits near me.
Personally, we ourselves have long term college renters as neighbors and althoughthey are generally friendly, finding the front yard (theirs and our own) littered withbeer cans and trash from their previous night's party is not uncommon. Not only thisbut their backyard stays a mess, which reduces the quality of our own backyard sincetheir yard is completely visible from ours. I was in college once so I'm not judging,but short term renters tend to not make such unattractive messes, especially in theneighboring yards. If they do decide to make a mess, it is cleaned up relativelyquickly and the tidiness is brought back to order. It seems common for short endrental properties to stay attractive and tidy, contributing largely to a wholesome andwell kept neighborhood vibe.
3. We are moving towards an age where travelers, myself included, would MUCHrather stay in short term rentals than conventional hotels and motels. This is becauseshort term rentals are more comfortable and give you a local feel. I believe shortterm rentals contribute VASTLY to the tourist attraction of Bozeman and especially isimportant as Bozeman grows. The increase in hotels in Bozeman is understandable,but they often are quickly and poorly assembled and the developers are gainingthis advantage. But what about the home owners who invest heavily to live inBozeman and make it a great place to live? Short term rentals brings visitors tothe neighborhoods that make Bozeman feel cozy and enjoyable, instead of sendingthem to the more commercial areas of town where the hotels are beginning tosprawl.
I am a strong supporter of short term rentals in Bozeman and the right to operate a
short term rental should apply equally to all property owners irrespective of thedensity of short term rentals in the neighborhood or city-wide.
Thank you for your consideration,Juliene Sinclair