HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-17 Public Comment - K. Powell - Short Term RentalsFrom:KPowell & S Griswold
To:Agenda
Subject:Comments K Powell on Revised Current Draft STRs (8-14-17)
Date:Thursday, August 10, 2017 12:18:26 PM
Attachments:KPowell comments STR 8-14-17 Draft STR Ord.docx
Hello City Commissioners
Attached are comments and suggestions relating to the Revised Draft Ordinance for STRs thatyou will be discussing and taking action on Aug 14, 2017.
I am unable to attend the meeting as I will be traveling.
STRs have some clear benefits provided they operate in the right place.
The right place depends on zoning and the preservation of neighborhoods - the heart ofBozeman.
Thank you. Lot of work on getting a handle on STRs - safety, location, requirements.
Work well spent.
Kathy Powell1215 S 3rd Ave
powellgriz@icloud.com406-600-1164
August 10, 2017 TO: Mayor Carson Taylor Deputy Mayor Cindy Andrus Commissioners Jeff Kraus, Chris Mehl & I-Ho Pomeroy Asst City Manager Chuck Winn From: Kathy Powell RE: Revised Draft Short Term Rental Ordinance
Short Term Rentals in Bozeman do help boost the economy, are pleasant for visitors’ to stay in and give added income to owners. STRs work provided they are in the right place. Neighborhoods in Bozeman are the heart of the city. In my neighborhood we had a summer neighborhood potluck. When on vacation neighbors water each others’ gardens, take care of pets and houseplants, and keep an eye on homes. Neighbors often help shovel each others’ walks, especially if a neighbor is laid up with an injury. We have regular conversations over the fence with homeowners and long term renters. We know neighbor kids and watch them grow up. This does not happen from the people staying in STRs. Unfortunately I will be traveling when the revised STR draft comes out and for the Aug 14th meeting. But based on your direction to staff at the Commission meeting in June I encourage you to:
To Continue to allow Type 1 in all residential zoning districts
To Not allow Type 2 in R1 & RS
To Not allow Type 3 in any residential zoning During Grandfathering Period
Set date that a dwelling had to be operating as an STR to qualify for grandfathering. Some neighbors have told me that there are owners that have started up a STRs after hearing at the June 2017 Commission meeting that grandfathering was likely– trying to slip in. ----Possibly set a date of Aug 8, 2016 when the Interim Zoning Ordinance 1958 was passed. I know that was only to repeal & suspend ability to get a conditional use permit in R1, RS. R2 and NEHMU. But it is a clear date that involved STRs.
Encourage you not to allow grandfathering for Type 3 in R1 & RS
Encourage you not to allow grandfathering for Type2 in R1 and RS
Be clear that all those applying for STRs must:
o verify they were operating an STR before a city specified date
o meet all requirements in new ordinance (including parking) with zoning exceptions
o get permitted including paying fees
o pass Heath and Safety inspection
Determine length of time grandfathering allowed? 60 days? Enforcement Super important. Have staff give you a plan for this locally. Include contracting with company that has software to monitor on-line all STRs for their city permit number and maybe do more. If you list an STR but don’t actually rent – should code be enforced? Only way to prove that is to check with state that room tax was collected. NOTE: Some have asked that STRs that rent less than 14 days a year be exempt from all regulations. I sympathize but this kind of exemption is impossible to enforce. Code should apply to all STRS. Thank you for your work on this challenging topic and for caring about neighborhoods. They are the heart of Bozeman. Kathy Powell 1215 S 3rd, Bozeman powellgriz@icloud.com