HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-23 Public Comment - K. Brantley - Opposition to Ordinance 2149From:Kate Brantley
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Opposition to Ordinance 2149
Date:Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:35:19 PM
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Kate Brantley912 S. Black AveBozeman, MT 59715Katebrantley00@gmail.com406-580-3096
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Ordinance 2149, which seeks to
amend the regulations governing short-term rentals in Bozeman. Specifically, I object
to the proposed change in the owner occupancy requirement for type 2 rentals, which
would increase the occupancy threshold from 50% to 70%. This change is not only
burdensome for property owners but also threatens the legitimate source of income that
many in our community rely upon.
As a concerned resident and active member of our Bozeman community, I have
witnessed the benefits that short-term rentals have brought to our local economy and
community. Many property owners, like myself, have responsibly and ethically
participated in the short-term rental market. This not only provides us with a source of
income but also supports the tourism industry in our city. Short-term rentals have
become an integral part of our community, allowing homeowners to make ends meet
and maintain their properties.
The proposed increase in the owner occupancy requirement from 50% to 70% would
significantly reduce the revenue that property owners could hope to make from renting
their homes. This change, in essence, punishes responsible property owners who have
made a substantial investment in our city, and it sends the message that our city is
hostile to those seeking to use their properties for short-term rentals.
Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that making changes to the owner occupancy
requirement will do very little to alleviate the housing shortage in Bozeman, which has
been a focal point of concern for many. The shortage of long-term housing is a
separate issue, and this proposed ordinance unfairly conflates the two. We should be
addressing the housing shortage with comprehensive solutions that specifically target
long-term housing availability rather than penalizing short-term rental hosts.
I urge you to consider the implications of this ordinance and its potential to harm
responsible property owners and the community at large. Instead of implementing
stricter regulations that undermine the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens, I encourage
the City Council to seek a more balanced approach that preserves the essence of our
community, supports responsible homeowners, and addresses the housing shortage
through more appropriate means.
I kindly request that the City Council reconsider this proposed change to Ordinance
2149 and take into account the concerns of residents and community members who
have contributed positively to our city’s growth. I hope that we can work together to
find a solution that benefits all members of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your
thoughtful consideration of my concerns.
Sincerely,
Kate Brantley