HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-23 Public Comment - J. Schwartzenberger - Public Comment - Proposed Short Term Rental RestrictionsFrom:Justin Schwartzenberger
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment - Proposed Short Term Rental Restrictions
Date:Thursday, October 12, 2023 4:06:40 PM
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Hi,
I live and work full time in Bozeman and own a home in R3 zoning near main street. I do not
have any STRs in Bozeman. I want to first thank you for the challenging work you do. Thereare strong opinions on both sides of the code changes brought forward this year and I’m sure it
is impossible to satisfy everyone.
I have a few comments regarding the proposed changes to short term rental rules that I wouldadvance respectfully knowing that I do not have all of the information nor answers. I have
learned a lot by watching the staff at weekly city meetings.
1. Type II STRs1. Dwelling units in residential zoning in Bozeman, especially near main street, have
increased substantially over the last 10 years secondary mostly to new ADUs. It isimportant that we recognize that most new ADUs were built on a pro-forma to
rent them short term. It is highly cost prohibitive to build a new ADU and use it asa long term rental. Undoubtedly some of these ADUs that are initially rented short
term will be converted to long term rentals eventually increasing housing supply.I agree that we should not be restricting ADUs used as STRs in type II zoning. I
would go further and suggest that the city consider allowing more than one ADUper lot for appropriately sized lots. This will increase the construction of dwelling
units, contribute gently to infill and ultimately result in more affordable housing.2. I disagree with any proposed further restrictions on the percentage of the year that
a home owner is able to rent out their home short-term. I don’t see a way this willincrease affordable housing. These fully furnished houses will likely not get
rented long term while these residents are away. I do not want houses in myneighborhood sitting empty because the snowbirds that bought them are gone for
6 months out of the year and are not allowed to rent them. I worry about increasedcrime if many homes are sitting empty. Lastly, allowing these homes to be STRs
50% of the time brings in tourism and is good for businesses and good for jobs. 2. Type III STRs
1. I disagree with banning type III STRs, especially in B3 zoning. They are alreadyquite restricted in their geographic allowance. It seems unintentional that we
would ban short term rentals in the same zoning areas that allow hotels. It doesn’tmake sense to me that we would allow the big developers to build a 9 story hotel
in downtown Bozeman but we are not going to allow the small scale developmentand positive renovations that are encouraged by type III STRs. There are multiple
examples of excellently done renovations to B3 zoned homes with the intent ofrenting short term and I think these contribute to the neighborhood in very
positive ways.
Thanks for your work and your time and attention.
Respectfully,
Justin