HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-23 Public Comment - M. Wictor - Public Hearing_UDC Comment for 10_16_2023 CDB ~ Inform, Educate, Outreach to gain affordable Room(s)s for rent NOW_SOON!From:Mary Wictor
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Hearing/UDC Comment for 10/16/2023 CDB ~ Inform, Educate, Outreach to gain affordable
Room(s)s for rent NOW/SOON!
Date:Monday, October 16, 2023 10:56:17 AM
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Dear Community Development Board (CDB) for City of Bozeman
re: input related to Housing $hortage/crisis, & UDC updates/zoning (don't up-zone so much everywhere
that existing homes are at risk):
RECOGNIZE, INSPIRE, SUPPORT "sharing" existing dwellings... it's not a new concept at all, but is NOT
widely-enough known/used!
BELOW MARKET RATE RENTALS
You have heard in-person from several people--even at recent meetings--who rent out a portion of their
home (maybe an ADU or DADU) or basement "apartment". Each of them has said they use/offer
"BELOW MARKET RATEs" and do it to try to help & keep their renter(s).
Additionally, I believe these situations typically are for LONGER term rentals--for months, seasons, or
years, and even for years & years.
ADUs/DADUs HIGHEST COST PER SQ. FT., and also do take time, resources, and $$ to build
I know the City of Bozeman with MSU Architecture Dept. has small example models for ADUs, and even
pre-approved architecture plans for ADUs (and/or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units). But over the past
year or two, quite a number of people have given Public Comment about ADUs being the MOST
EXPENSIVE per Square Foot for any type of housing--as building all the living support features into a
very small space is rather costly, time-consuming, and requires construction! Also, with current overall
construction demands and high costs of supplies, it will likely be too big of a step for many/most folks to
even attempt to do an ADU or DADU on their existing property.
{NOTE: Even one City Commissioner spoke to this sometime last year saying their own home is ideal for
an ADU, but they can't do the project nor be able to finance the costs of doing so.}
EXISTING HOUSING STOCK CAN BE LIVEABLE for the OWNER(s) and also RENTABLE to folks with
MATCHING NEEDS
Thus, I again bring up the fact that existing homes are the most affordable housing that Bozeman has,
and use of those dwellings can be a very real solution NOW for providing living
accommodations/solutions, offering "affordable housing" via just even a room, and often below market
rate for medium length or even long duration/terms.
My Ask... As PUBLIC HEARING/COMMENT
I feel that people do and will need HELP from the City, MSU, local agencies, and/or faith-based or non-
profit organizations to get started and connected... anyone who might have some useful, livable space in
their existing home to share... might rent to those with needs that match the situation/requirements. Extra
income helps those who rent-out, adds to and aids social interactions plus connectedness, & renters get
a place to stay & live at for lower costs and knowing agreed to terms.
Again, FACTS & #'s BEHIND THIS SUGGESTION
R-1 zoning comprises only about 15% of the City of Bozeman (and re: State Legislature it seems these
will become R1/R2).
22,500 houses in the City of Bozeman (stated at a recent meeting)
225 is 1%
1,125 is 5%
So, even if only just 1% of 5% of homeowners living in Bozeman might have a single bedroom or livable
space for rent to share...
This would provide over 200 - 1000 AFFORDABLE HOUSING "units" for folks who need them RIGHT
NOW--no building, no cranes, least impact on neighborhoods and very viable especially where transit is
available, bicycle routes, and/or existing suitable parking in the area.
"The most affordable housing that we have is homes that are already built"+Census 2010 & 2020 show we are an aging Nation, State, and City+Per AARP, older folks tend to like living in their same home as long as they can... and many will or may
have an extra room(s) available.+Others who have a dwelling (any age) may need additional income to make ends meet and might havespace to offer folks to live!
CITY OF BOZEMAN ~ TO DO as ACTIONS ASAP:I offer this comment as strong suggestions for you to take as input and put into actions as soon aspossible:
1) Let people know they can rent out ALL or PART of their home. This is legal and doable. Somepeople have spoken about this.<This is NOT a "short-term rentals" proposition, and it is very likely that ALL rooms-for-rent will be in a
dwelling that is owner occupied.>
2) Help folks find a way and/or connect to resources... to either Ask for a renter, or as a renter to
communicate what their needs are
3) Help create a SIMPLE contract that people can use to legally rent part of their home (helps find,
transition in/out & live well)[It is likely recommendable and would be very useful if there was some brief, simple, legal draft that existsor could be created for folks to consider using to define basic room / rental arrangements and applicableagreements.]
While I try to listen to as many meetings as I can, and also write or speak verbally sometimes, I HAVE NOT HEARD THIS OVERALL SUGGEST FROM ANYONE ELSE OR OTHER SOURCES...
HELP promote use existing homes in a modified way to live in and use their housing, provide space for
others, receive extra income, and aid housing... and make new social interactions or friends, support
diversity/equity/inclusion and belonging plus provide connection with others.
Sincerely,Mary Wictor 1504 Boylan Rd