HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-23 Public Comment - M. Bushue - Short Term RentalsFrom:Matthew Bushue
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Short Term Rentals
Date:Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:15:31 PM
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Matthew Bushue 301 N Wallace Ave Bozeman, MT 59715 matthewbushue@gmail.com907-240-0639
City of Bozeman City Hall P.O. Box 1230 Bozeman, MT 59715
Re: Opposition to Ordinance 2149 – Proposed Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Ordinance 2149, which seeks to amend theregulations governing short-term rentals in Bozeman. Specifically, I object to the proposedchange in the owner occupancy requirement for type 2 rentals, which would increase theoccupancy threshold from 50% to 70%. This change is not only burdensome for propertyowners but also threatens the legitimate source of income that many in our communityrely upon.
As a long-time resident and active community member of Bozeman, I have witnessed thebenefits that short-term rentals have brought to our local economy and community. Manyproperty owners, like myself, have responsibly and ethically participated in the short-termrental market. This not only provides us with a source of income but also supports thetourism industry in our city. Short-term rentals have become an integral part of ourcommunity, allowing homeowners to make ends meet and maintain their properties.
The proposed increase in the owner occupancy requirement from 50% to 70% wouldsignificantly reduce the revenue that property owners could hope to make from rentingtheir homes. This change, in essence, punishes responsible property owners who havemade a substantial investment in our city, and it sends the message that our city is hostileto those seeking to use their properties for short-term rentals.
Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that making changes to the owner occupancyrequirement will do very little to alleviate the housing shortage in Bozeman, which hasbeen a focal point of concern for many. The shortage of long-term housing is a separateissue, and this proposed ordinance unfairly conflates the two. We should be addressing thehousing shortage with comprehensive solutions that specifically target long-term housingavailability rather than penalizing short-term rental hosts.
I urge you to consider the implications of this ordinance and its potential to harmresponsible property owners and the community at large. Instead of implementing stricterregulations that undermine the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens, I encourage the CityCouncil to seek a more balanced approach that preserves the essence of our community,
supports responsible homeowners, and addresses the housing shortage through moreappropriate means.
I kindly request that the City Council reconsider this proposed change to Ordinance 2149and take into account the concerns of long-time residents and community members whohave contributed positively to our city's growth. I hope that we can work together to find asolution that benefits all members of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your thoughtfulconsideration of my concerns.
Sincerely,
Matthew Bushue