HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-17 Public Comment - D. Salveson - Short Term RentalsFrom:Derrick Salveson
To:Agenda
Subject:Short Term Rentals
Date:Monday, September 11, 2017 5:49:40 PM
Dear City Commission Members,
Thank you for your time and efforts in regards to the “Short Term Rental” (STR’) agenda over the last
year. I know it has been a long process and a lot of sweat has went into the drafting of Ordinance
1974. I have read over the proposed ordinance multiple times and agree with approximately 90% of
what is being proposed. I think the proposed regulations will be a mutual benefit to all parties
including the Property Owners, City of Bozeman and the Tenants renting such properties. However,
the 10% I do not agree with is the regulation of STR’s in R-1 zoning as it restricts the available usage
of the property in which I, and many other Bozeman Property Owners, have worked so hard to
obtain. I am specifically talking about restricting Type 2 STR’s in R-1 zoned areas. As you know R-1
zoned areas are single family, low density areas and scattered throughout the City. Most of the
development on these properties are as specifically designated and have a single dwelling however a
select few of the properties have been designed and permitted for Additional Dwelling Units (ADU’s)
in which allows the Owner of the property to rent out either the main dwelling or ADU while living in
the other as the primary residence. By restricting STR’s on these types of properties greatly affects
the property Owners in multiple ways as follows:
1. Restricts the possibility of blocking off scheduled dates to house family and friends during
holidays and gatherings.
2. Restricts the right to maintain the property in top shape as the Property Owner has limited
access to the property under long term rental agreements.
3. Restricts the Owner’s right to develop and maintain a legitimate business and provide passive
income.
Also, I believe the restriction of Type 2 STR’s in this circumstance will negatively impact the
neighboring community as long term tenants tend to have a greater impact on the property than
short term tenants. Example include but are not limited to the following:
1. Long term tenants tend to bring permanent possessions in which the Owner of the property
does not have control over. This can include beat up vehicles, multiple vehicles, furniture,
indoor and outdoor furnishings, etc. Short term renters tend to have a single vehicle, nicer
vehicles (or rental vehicles), limited possessions which are often limited to clothes and
recreational items.
2. Property Owner’s cannot maintain the property with such a high standard on a long term
rental basis as that compared with STR’s.
3. Long term tenants have a greater impact on occupying the property and neighborhood as
they are there 100% of the time. This means the tenants are continuously coming in and out
versus STR tenants being on premise a few days or weeks of the month.
Again, I agree with needing some type of regulation on STR’s and the need of maintaining
registration, business licensing, and safety inspections. However I also believe that property Owners
shall have the right to choose how they manage their primary residence and to whom they share or
rent their property to, whether it be long term or short term. As a City of Bozeman Citizen, Property
Owner, and Business Owner I greatly urge you to reconsider the restrictions that Ordinace 1974 will
have on property Owner’s in R-1 properties with permitted ADU’s. This percentage of the Bozeman
population is very small and is at the mercy of what is being voted on today.
Sincerely,
Derrick Salveson, PE
STE Engineering | SalveTECH LLC
406.579.4198