Gloria Tucker
Gloria Tucker Paul Dunphy <[email protected]> Wednesday, November 15, 2017 5:59 PM Public comment VRD comments
From: Sent: To: Subject:
Please pardon the late submission of comments before the November 20th meeting of City Council. I understand that the topic of Vacation Rental Dwellings will be discussed during this session, and wish to offer a few comments in the hope that the Council will review the regulations for said dwellings. We have been long term renters in the North Agate Beach / Lighthouse Addition neighborhood for nearly 9 years and have realized the addition of 3 VRD’s in that period. While raising two small children, a significant increase in vehicular traffic has caused us concern as the unfamiliar cars/trucks seem to be numerous and unfamiliar with the area less cognizant of pets, children. Parking of these vehicles at VRD’s has caused several visual and safety obstructions, some of which have been addressed to our code enforcement officers. In some cases, we watched as occupants of one VRD have seemingly no regard for property boundaries while their pets traverse neighboring lots and defecate. Most recently we contacted 911 services (no response after extended holding on non-emergency police phone) after fireworks were discharged on a VRD backyard. Our hopes were that some record of our complaint was filed, however I wasn’t contacted by any authority afterward. -
Please consider reviewing rules and regulations for the City of Newport Vacation Rental Dwelling arrangement, and in doing so, please empathize with us that live with this transient population daily. We didn’t move into a motel or transient dwelling neighborhood in 2009, but we are adaptable. Appreciate some reasonableness by owners and occupants of these structure, though. Thank you,
Paul E. Dunphy, Owner Northwest Reliable, LLC *Grounds Maintenance *Home Repair & Improvement
(541-961-2744) Newport, OR 97365-0106 P0 Box 1363 General Contractor CCB # 194178 Landscape Contractor LCB 4* 9240 web: www.NorthWestReliable.com --
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
Ona McFarlane Wednesday, November 15, 2017 3:51 PM Public comment Vacation Rental Considerations
Attention: Mayor and Council; I live at 526 NW 56th Street on a dead end street, within eye-shot, ear-shot of three (3) Vacation Rentals... Since the VRDs have arrived in my neighborhood, I have had concerns with trash, noise, etc. At times I have reported the incidents only to have a repeat of the various infringements. I do not believe these VRDs belong in my residential zoned neighborhood and do not want more to be allowed. I would like to see the procedure simplified for those of us who do have complaints and notification when the problem has been resolved. I would like to thank the responsible parties that put “NO PARKING” signs at the VRD on the corner of NW 56th and Meander Streets. Hopefully that will take care of the parking violations at that location. I would like to see notification of other VRD applications prior to a license being granted to have some say that legitimate concerns are dealt with. Thank you for your time. Ona McFarlane 526 NW 56th Street P.S. There is a saying: “Too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing”l!
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Sandra Benning 55th Street 546 NW 97365 OR Newport, 13 Nov 2017 Newport City Council, I am writing to express my concern about the number of Vacation Rental Dwellings, VRD’s that have been authorized in my neighborhood. We have all shared in picking up trash, replacing receptacles and collecting debris left by the tenants. Cars are parked haphazardly throughout the neighborhood and on areas not authorized for parking. Fireworks, open burn, and late hours as well as speeding, continuous traffic and little regard for residents are continuous. The issues related to a high volume, transient tourist population are numerous. But I believe the social impact on our community and neighborhood is also very significant. I believe and given our current political climate that we have become a nation divided and a presence of community has never been more important. We need a sense of belonging and a connection with the places we live, spend our lives and raise our families. The approval and number of VRD’s in our community is counterproductive to this objective. I share my lot line with a high volume VRD. The turnover is about every 4 days. That means a different set of strangers approximately two times a week. We have no way of knowing anything about these transient visitors. 1 have questions about the safety of my kids and pets, my property. I think VRD’s should be banned from residential zones and I hope that you will give consideration to the concerns I have expressed. Thank you and respectfully, Sandy Benning
4tL:i7
The Cozy Cottage At Nye Beach 731 NW
2nd
Court
Newport, OR 97365 (Mailing Address: 3319 WAugusta Ct, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815)
City Councilors, Community Planning, and Other Planning Officials,
Please accept my input as a vacation rental owner in Newport for your discussion regarding changes to Short Term Rental regulations and potential moratorium on new vacation rentals. I have owned my home in Newport since fall of 2015 completing a full renovation both inside and outside on the home before renting it to lOOs of guests over the last 1$ months. I am an active member of the A1rBnB community and regularly receive training and “Best Practices” through multiple forums from them. In addition, my husband and I have rented dozens of vacation rentals in cities around the country from Bend to Boston, Mt. Rainier to Idaho. Until recently we also lived in Hood River, OR where in-depth discussions have been ongoing about home sharing. We now live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where there is also a similar discussion about whether and how to best regulate the home sharing movement. —
In my early career, I also served as a small community newspaper reporter covering both City Council and City and County Planning so I am familiar with how on many issues, you receive only the perspective of people who choose to complain often about anything and everything. I’d like to offer you a different perspective than the one I think you’re hearing about home sharing and vacation rentals in Newport. —
Newport’s Current Policy As stated above, I am very familiar with vacation rental policies throughout many areas of the country and when I chose to purchase a home at the beach for the purpose of using it as a second home and a vacation rental, I chose Newport because of its reasonable and responsible guidelines and regulations for short term rentals. I believe Newport’s policy in its current form is one of the best I’ve seen in terms of protecting private property rights and balancing that with the rights of neighbors and maintaining a well-balanced complement of homes in any given area. Your current policy first and foremost allows you to know which homes in the community are vacation homes that means both police and fire have that information available to them should any issue arise. I also am required to notify you each month of the use of my home the amount of rentals and the corresponding taxes that go to city coffers from the use of my home. I had to undergo an inspection which ensures that all vacation rental homes are safe and —
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in good working order. These regulations allow you to keep tabs on vacation rentals in the community without unduly burdening me as a homeowner or infringing on my private property rights to use my property as I see fit. The rules are well-balanced and fair and I believe only should be modified a minimal amount. —
Being a Good Neighbor From day one, I have desired to be a good neighbor in Nye Beach and to ensure the use of my home as a vacation rental does not negatively affect the experience of permanent residents in the area. To that end, I have ensured my home has the following: -
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Off-street parking something I believe is required in the submittal of lot plans in the vacation rental license submission. I believe this should be a continued requirement for any home that is a vacation rental to ensure guests don’t take over all of the on-street parking in an area. Trash Newport, unlike any other city where I’ve rented a vacation home, has a local trash provider that caters to vacation rentals with their “Concierge Service”. For a fee of only $10 per month, Thompson Sanitary comes on my property to pick up my trash can so I do not need to rely on my vacation renters to get the trash can to the street on the appropriate day. This ensures my trash is ALWAYS picked up once a week and never becomes an issue for neighbors. This is an area I believe should be required in any revisions to your vacation rental policy it is so simple and easy and inexpensive and solves a problem that is often a point of contention with neighbors. Distribution of phone number My direct neighbors on each side of me have my phone number and can reach me should any of my renters every become a problem. I believe the City of Newport should include this as a recommendation in their vacation rental licensing process as well as requiring that the homeowner’s phone number and a local contact be provided to police and fire should there ever be a problem with parties, noise, fire outbreak or other community concerns. Regular housekeeping with reports on any damage I retain a local housekeeper who is at the house every few days. She is my set of “local eyes” that ensures any issues with my home are reported, any damages are made known to me and any problematic renters are made know to me as well. Regular landscape maintenance I retain a local landscape maintenance person who ensures the yard and plants around my home are maintained and don’t create an eyesore for neighbors. —
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These are all items that I believe should be recommended or required for any vacation rental to ensure the homes are kept up, owners know what is going on at the property and neighbors are not burdened by trash, parking, noise or other complaints. These are easy remedies to reduce conflict.
Improvements, to the Neighborhood/Contributions to the Local Economy. I believe when looking at the regulation of vacation rentals in a community, any Council or Planning Agency needs to look at the vast benefits short term rentals bring to the area not just the isolated complaints coming from a small few. There are many benefits to Newport for having vacation rentals particularly in the tourist- oriented neighborhoods such as Nye Beach and the Bayfront. —
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When I purchased my home, it was a run-down shack surrounded by homes that could easily have been deemed “problem homes” in the neighborhood. The homes surrounding my home were run down and at least one was being used as a drug-house with about a dozen unemployed people staying in it along with junk cars, trash and drug deals all taking place next door to me. I invested $60,000 in renovations in my home most of which was paid to local laborers and suppliers and renovated it top to bottom. In order to be successful in the homesharing industry, you MUST have a home that is attractive to renters and kept up. The homesharing industry is increasingly competitive so I would venture to say that most vacation rental homes are in good, marketable shape. As I worked on my renovation it was interesting to see what happened on my Nye Beach street. The home to the west of me, which was run down with peeling paint and gutters falling off in the street, received an upgrade of new paint, repaired gutters and regular lawn maintenance. I was told by the neighbor they decided to spruce up their home because mine was looking so nice that they realized theirs needed work. I contacted the owner of the home to the east of me that was being rented to the druggies upon hearing about my experience with their renters, they proceeded to kick them out, clean up the house and re-rent it to a long term renter who is a quiet, elderly woman who creates no issues in the neighborhood. The junk cars are gone, the trash in the street is gone, the cigarette butts and drug deals in the middle of the night are all gone. The home behind me, which was falling down and had a failing roof, received an upgrade of a new roof and repairs. In short, as one neighbor told me, “your vacation rental has become a shining light in the neighborhood that has motivated all of us to improve our homes”. Another neighbor told me that there was no doubt in their mind that the upgrades I made to my home raised the property values for everyone on the street. —
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Another great benefit of vacation rentals is the contributions they make to the local economy. In addition to the $60,000 I initially invested in renovations, I also regularly purchase supplies for my home locally in Newport. I spend approximately $3,000 annually on supplies most of which are purchased at local stores. I also employ two individuals for housekeeping and landscaping contributing to the local job market. In addition to that, my home has seen literally hundreds of guests in the past 18 months. Guests are able to leave reviews both in a guest book in my home and online through the AirBnB stringent review process. In both places, guests have documented where they are visiting from. In the past 18 months alone, my home has attracted guests from all around the world Germany, The Netherlands, British Columbia, Australia, the UK, and more, as well as people from all throughout the United States many of whom are seeing the ocean for the first time in their lives. I provide brochures and flyers as well as give personal recommendations for places to eat, activities to enjoy and places to shop. Nearly every guest in my home has reported shopping and dining at many places in Nye Beach as well as frequenting the Aquarium, the Performing Arts Center, art galleries and shops, local fisheries and many more places in town. Nye Beach, at its core, is a tourist area and the guests at my home spend their money there to help those businesses thrive. Likewise, when I am staying at the home, I know I spend a significant amount of money in the community. —
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There is no doubt that homesharing in general, and specifically in Newport, provides a great boost to the local economy by allowing people to come enjoy all the area has to offer and spend their money at local businesses. Likewise, it is not at all accurate to claim that the money spent renting short term rental properties leaves the community. Quite the contrary. The money I am paid by renters goes right back into my home for upkeep, supplies and allowing me and my family and friends to stay there and also spend money in the community. Further for many people homesharing is a way to allow them to afford their home. With the growth of AirBnb it is easy to rent a portion of your home or rent your home —
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when you happen to be away for your own vacation elsewhere. The income gleaned from this is often the only way some homeowners are able to stay in their homes and afford their own mortgage. I often hear short term rentals being accused of being a detriment to the “affordable housing” market but it is quite the contrary. Many times, using your home as a vacation rental is what allows people to be able to afford their home. —
The HomeSharing Industry
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An already regulated and responsible industry
When looking at short term rental regulations, it would behoove the Council to understand the regulations and systems that already exist with most homesharing platforms. I am an active member of the AirBnB community but have also used VRBO, HomeAway and other vacation rental websites. All of these have their own set of rules and regulations to ensure responsible vacation rental operations. When renting my home through AirBnb, I am required to agree to a non-discrimination policy and to list a series of “House Rules” that focus on safety, noise, trash, parking, etc. I am also encouraged to keep safety signage in the home as well as access to emergency numbers and clear expectations on noise and parking. AirBnb also does a great job throughout their host areas to ensure local taxes are paid on time. In Newport, they collect and pay the taxes themselves to ensure that all AirBnb rentals in Newport are on time with all tax payments. AirBnb also offers an annual conference where hosts such as myself learn new techniques, ways of working with neighbors and ways of working with local authorities to ensure responsible hosting is happening. Further, AirBnb also has a network of local “user groups” in various communities where local hosts can meet up and discuss local issues and concerns. If Newport does not currently have one, I would volunteer to start one as they are a great asset to not only the host community in the city, but also neighbors and businesses. The final thing that is in place for a type of regulation is the review process. AirBnb has a stringent review process where guests review homeowners and homeowners review guests. Each guest gets a star ranking and each homeowner gets the same. If I don’t run my home well, if it is not clean or kept up, or trash not disposed of, etc., I will not receive great reviews and will not receive future rentals. But likewise, if there is a guest out there that is making trouble in the neighborhood causing noise issues, parking issues or otherwise being an irresponsible guest I am able to give them a bad review and ban them from every returning to my home. This ensures that the bulk of the guests that rent through AirBnb are responsible renters who cause few, if any, issues in the communities they choose to visit. —
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Recommendations In summary, I believe Newport’s vacation rental regulations in their current form are excellent and sufficient to ensure responsible renting in the community. I would recommend the few tweaks as listed above to put in place better systems of accountability such as 1) Require the concierge service fortrash pick up; 2) Require phone numbers for both the homeowner and a local contact be provided to police and fire officials in case of trouble and 3) require at least one off-street parking place and enforce both parking and landscaping codes to ensure homes are kept up. I would also recommend that any discussion about changes to the vacation rental regulations include representation from vacation rental homeowners such as myself. This will ensure a balanced
perspective and that decisions aren’t being made based only on the input of a few disgruntled homeowners who have had a bad experience and are painting all vacation rentals with one broad brush. I can confidently say that my home has received zero complaints from neighbors and zero issues that would affect the community negatively. In fact, the use of my home as a vacation rental has only been an asset in Nye Beach and the City of Newport as a whole and I intend for that to be the case as long as I own it.
Summary In summary, despite the fact that my home in Newport is a vacation rental, I still consider Newport my home. I take pride in the community, contribute to its success and invest in it at every turn. I spend time in Nye Beach and Newport about every six weeks and can confidently say that I am a “local”. This means I want what is best for Newport as much as anybody. I understand there will be agenda items related to this matter on the November 20th City Council agenda. I am making plans to be in Newport at that time so I can attend and offer any other testimony that may be helpful. In the meantime, should you like any other input from a responsible vacation rental owner, you can reach me at (541) 490-5300 or [email protected]. Thank you for your interest and a responsible and balanced approach to managing this issue for Newport.
Sincerely,
April M. Lee Homeowner
Royston H. Filby and Catherine A. Grimm 7381 North Coast Highway Newport, OR 97365 Tel: (541) 265-7781 November 15, 2017 Re: Public Hearing on Vacation Rentals To: Mayor Roumagoux and Members of the Newport City Council We, Roy Filby and Cathy Grimm, wish to provide input to the review of the Newport Vacation Rental Ordinance by the Council on November 20th 2017. Our property currently borders an existing VRD in an R-1 zone. We request that the Council consider the following points. 1. The VRD Ordinance that was passed several years ago has led to uncontrolled growth of VRDs and has had severe negative effects in many residential communities. There are problems with the notification procedure, the identification of non-compliant VRDs and in dealing with complaints by affected residents, among others. We thus urge the Council to conduct a thorough review of the VRD Ordinance as have other communities such as Lincoln City and Yachats. 2. Vacation rentals should not be permitted in R-1 or R-2 zones, as was the case until the passage of the current ordinance, and should be phased out. The negative impacts on residential communities have been documented, most recently at the September 12 Council meeting. Existing VRDs should be grandfathered in but new VRDs should be prohibited. Fundamentally, the VRD Ordinance is discriminatory. I cannot set up a small woodworking business in an R-1 zone, with little community impact, but a very intrusive VRD business is permitted. VRDs are clearly businesses and the majority are purchased in R- 1 zones with the specific intent to run a business, rather than as second homes. 3. The application for a VRD License is flawed. Even if the current notification of neighbors after granting a License is expanded, neighbors still have no input in the granting of a license, even though a VRD can have a very negative effect on their community. Thus affected residents have no say over a major action that affects their community. If we want to build a deck (or an addition to our house) we need to get a Building Permit/Geological Report and affected neighbors can comment and request revisions prior to granting the permit. This process is essential to maintaining residential standards, even though impact may be minimal. The same process should be followed in granting a VRD License which potentially can have a far worse effect on the neighborhood. Advance notification of neighbors also should be required prior to a License renewal since many
problems and complaints may have surfaced during prior operation of the VRD. A complaint registry with identifiers should be set up for all VRDs so that affected neighbors may review problems and actions taken before a renewal is granted.. 4. Much stricter monitoring should be required of VRDs. It seems clear that many VRDs are operating without a license (numbers on VRBO, Airbnb etc are much larger than the number of City issued licenses). These should be identified and required to apply for a permit within a specified time or face shutdown. We appreciate the opportunity to provide input to the Council. Roy Filby and Cathy Grimm
Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
John Vann <[email protected]> Tuesday, November 14, 2017 4:36 PM Public comment VRD Review
Dear City Council, I have sent in some comments previously regarding the VRD Review / Moratorium Proposal that you are considering. I would like to suggest some additional points that should be considered in this process. 1. I think New applications in Residential areas need to be closely scrutinized before any new applications are approved. Especially these large capacity dwellings that are run by offsite management and ownership. People who rent in these areas need to be reminded that they are staying in our neighborhood with families and children near. Not some Motel on main street. 2. Oversized vehicles like RV’s, boat trailers and large trucks need to not be allowed in the residential areas. 3. Newport Residents need to have a complaint contact of some kind that will record and review problem units and areas. 4. Newport residents need to be allowed comment before permits are issued for VRD’s. Especially in areas where there are existing VRD’s to begin with. 5. Someone needs to have rules about Weddings, Corporate Off sites and the other uses besides Family vacations. I believe these events are especially unsuited for Residential zoned neighborhoods. Thank you for your attention John and Shanna Vann 573 NW 54th CT Newport,OR 97365 Cell 805-279-0265
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525 NW 57th Street Newport Oregon 97365
The Mayor and Council City of Newport City Hall Newport Oregon 97365
[email protected] 14 November, 2017
Dear Mayor and Council, Re: Vacation Rentals Prior to your discussion about Vacation Rentals at the meeting on 20 November, we wish to make some comments for your consideration. There has been a growth of vacation rentals in our immediate neighborhood, and it seems appropriate that the potential impacts of further growth should be examined in the very near future, in the interests of the local residents and property owners. However, it is important that the outcome is based on facts, and not just on fears or rumors. We are among the longest residents in our immediate area, having lived her for over 16 years, and we have personally not experienced any adverse effects, as yet, from the growth of month to month or vacation rentals in our immediate area. Indeed, there have been previous problems with owner occupiers who were, for example, selling or manufacturing drug from their homes, although we were not aware of those activities at the time. Better a good renter than a bad owner occupier. We think that part of the solution lies in the existence and proper enforcement of suitable regulations and controls. We also think that there is probably a need to distinguish between residents who choose to rent out their homes for a time and people who purchase a property with the sole intent of renting it out, in order to generate income, and perhaps that could be examined as part of any review. Sincerely,
Bob and Marilyn Ward
MEMORANDUM
To: From: Date:
Subject:
Newport City Council Rod Croteau November 14, 2017 Five Year Review of VRD/B&B Ordinance Implementation
VRDs play an important role in the culture and economy of Newport, and these businesses appear to operate relatively well in the tourist zones of the City. Residents of tourist zones ate more used to tourists and commercial traffic. There is a high proportion of owner-operated VRDs in these zones and, because of their density, a higher level of oversight in general. There is also a greater police presence in these zones. The situation with the presence of VRDs in R1/R2 zones is, however, very different and their presence is incompatible with and disruptive to these neighborhoods which have no tourist attractions, as do C2 tourist zones. VRD houses in R1/R2 zones tend to be quite large and thereby attract large groups with more vehicles and having large parties which can create large problems. One notable VRD example in my neighborhood advertises an occupancy of 18! R1/R2 residents are not accustomed to out-of-town vacation renters and the increased traffic that they bring while “checking in” and “checking out” every few days, with the “cleaning crew” in the house in between. These R1/R2 VRDs are mostly owned by absentee landlords and commonly managed by out-of-town agencies, thereby limiting efficient complaint resolution. I have set out below some issues and measures that I hope the City Council will consider in its deliberations regarding the Review of VRD/B&B Ordinance Implementation. 1. Issue a moratorium on new VRD licenses in order to review the Ordinance so licenses will not be approved under rules that may change. 2. Phase out VRDs in R1/R2 neighborhoods. Prior to the recently enacted VRD ordinance, VRDs were subject to operational restrictions (10 events/year) in R1/R2 neighborhoods for what were considered rational and defensible reasons. VRDs did operate illegally in these zones, but there was negligible enforcement of the law. By allowing VRDs to operate without restriction in R1/R2 zones under the new ordinance, these illegal operations were legalized with some positive benefit for renter safety, neighborhood consideration (e.g. parking requirements), and for generating a revenue stream via the room tax. However, unrestricted license opportunities for VRDs in R1/R2 neighborhoods also allowed absentee landlords to purchase properties for the sole purpose of operating these small motel businesses. Commercial operations of this type are intrusive and they brought many problems to these residential neighborhoods. Understandably, many Newport residents consider VRDs an uncontrollable and very disruptive fit for R1/R2 zones, and wish for an outright ban or at least a reset of policy to the prior time.
Phase out of such VRDs over some time period of a few years will likely raise the “just compensation” issue relating to Measure 49. It is clear that phasing out of VRDs will eliminate business income from these operations and this is clearly a legitimate concern. The concerns of neighborhood residents about VRD operations are also legitimate but not so easy to “value by appraisal”, yet they should not be easily discounted. Very few people would choose to purchase a home surrounded by VRDs. Homeowners who bought into a neighborhood with no VRDs but are now forced by ordinance to accept unrestricted VRDs should justifiably be compensated for the loss of value to their property. A balance of commercial and community interests may be difficult to achieve, but resolution through zoning reform with enforceable rules seems the simplest solution to implement. Of the issues put forward here, this is likely to be the most contentious, but if the current trend continues, there will be no significant difference between C2 tourist and R1/R2 single family zones as VRD operations expand without limit. 3. Cap the number of VRDs and set density limits. Currently there are no restrictions on the number or density of VRDs, and the number of these businesses will only increase as homes become available on the real estate market. The City must establish greater control of VRDs if it hopes to maintain some reasonable level of livability in all Newport neighborhoods. 4. Enforce VRD rules. Enforcement, particularly of those rules relating to over occupancy and renter behavior, has always been a significant problem to deal with. Gross violations relating to noise, parking, vandalism, stray animals, etc., can be well handled by the local Police or Sherriff’s office but these issues do not generally reach landlords or managers unless neighborhood residents make the effort to inform them; unfortunately, many landlords/property managers do not respond when they are informed. Other VRD related issues are less straightforward to deal with and are more “tolerance” dependent. How much traffic, noise, trespassing, smoke, garbage, dog feces, beer cans, broken tree limbs and noxious weeds is too much? Most of these complaints never receive a response and even if they do, the problem often reappears with the next set of renters. Permanent residents should not have to spend time calling in complaints and constantly monitoring their property. The above described policies may not be fully enforceable (or desirable) in all zones but they will bring at least some level of control to the currently unrestricted motel businesses now operating in Newport neighborhoods. 5. Establish a Complaint Repository. Accurate statistics regarding complaints and their resolution are difficult to obtain because complaints can get directed to seven different destination sites (police, fire department, 911 hot line, sheriff’s office, community services and VRD owners and managers). There is no crosstalk between these groups and no integration of information. Owners and managers have an understandable wish to not make complaint
problems public and the current system for reporting complaints to Community Services is difficult to find and is both cumbersome and not user friendly. Furthermore, it only provides an automated receipt without any indication of follow up. If VRD problem enforcement is to remain “complaint driven”, then the current system needs functional improvements. A centralized VRD complaint repository should be added to the City website where the public can file complaints documented by physical or documentary evidence. This repository should be openly accessible to the public and searchable by VRD address. A complaint count should be responsibly archived and reviewed by Community Services, such that VRD owners can be notified and held accountable for cumulative offenses, for example, by fine or loss of license. It is appreciated that increased resources will need to be provided to Community Services to enable realistic response capability. To increase support for enforcement, increased license fees, increased fees for repeated failed inspections, and substantial fines for VRD rule infraction should be considered along with the use of room tax revenues for this purpose. 6. Improve Notification. The written notification zone for VRDs should be expanded from 200 feet to 500 feet. Notices should be given before license issuance, not after, and should include owner contact information, manager contact information (with LOCAL contact), and the website address for the complaint repository mentioned above. 7. Require reliable refuse removal. VDR waste removal is often not attended to. Professional disposal companies will retrieve, empty and return containers, thereby eliminating the problems of containers that are set at curbside long before or long after pick up day, or those that are simply left in the backyard as animal attractions. Our local waste disposal company provides such valet service, and subscription to this service should be mandatory. A simple appeal process should be available to exempt on-site owner/operators who perform this service themselves. Finally, one large rubbish container for all refuse should be required as most renters do not separate rubbish, compost or recyclables. 8. Require yard maintenance. Many absentee landlord-owned VRD properties receive negligible landscape care, much to the detriment of adjacent properties. At minimum, monthly professional landscape care should be mandated, as with refuse removal, and include a similar “opt out” appeal process. In summary, the 2012 VRD Ordinance did bring positive change but with it also came some unanticipated negative consequences. Most current problems with VRDs are the result of irresponsible human behavior, for which there is no simple solution. Yet, it is fundamentally unfair when landlords profit in spite of these behaviors, while permanent residents’ quality of life suffers from them. The current system is not working adequately and some fundamental changes, by modification of the VRD ordinance, are needed. I hope that you will decide to task the Planning Commission with a comprehensive review of this ordinance.
Gloria Tucker Sandra Roumagoux Tuesday, November 14, 2017 12:40 PM [email protected]; Gloria Tucker Re: Contact Us Web Form
From: Sent: To: Subject:
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Good Afternoon Steven, I will include your email in the council packet for Monday’s (11/20) meeting. We are in the process of reviewing our VRD policies and your input is most helpful. Sincerely, Sandy Roumagoux Mayor of Newport
From: [email protected] Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 5:45:07 PM To: Sandra Roumagoux Subject: Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR:: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/13/20 17 at 5:45:07 PM
To: Sandra Roumagoux Name: Steve a lane Email: KerpasalJsbcglobal.net Phone: 541 264-8647 Subject: Vrd
Message: My wife and I recently retired and decided to relocate to Newporti dreamed of owning a home with ocean view.Thankfully we found our home.unfortunatly after living here a few months we discovered we are living next to and across from VRDs.seams to me this should of been disclosed to new property owners.when buying but was not.did not see this coming.Now we have to police are neighborhood because the people that rent these properties do not respect the people that live here year round.VRD should not be allowed in residential neighborhoods and where they are allowed should ave rules enforced.we are tired of picking up cigarette butts and trash.There is a lot more traffic and vehicles parked in are neighborhood and we are seeing a lot of where and tare on are streets around the neighborhood.We have been here six months and have witnesssed three weddings and two party’s.They need to have limitations on the number of people and vehicles that stay at these VRDs.If I can be of any assistance to reguards of this situation please feel free to contact me.kind reguards Steven A Lane and Deborah A kerpa,615 nw 54 th ct Newport oregon.541 264-8647
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Comments on issues highlighted by the Planning Commission To Mayor Roumagoux and City Council members; As owners of a VDR and part-time residents in Newport’s Nye Beach Neighborhood we would like to respond to the City’s September 18th report. This has been a topic of discussion for City Council since September 18th but no notice of a hearing was provided until early October. It would have been beneficial for all stakeholders to be involved. In response to the discussion and proposals laid out by the Planning Commission we offer the following: 1.
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6. 7. 8.
It may be beneficial for a temporary moratorium on new VDRs. We support this, but believe it is not justified to penalize current VDR owners who are in compliance. Our property is located in C2 zone and was purchased with the intent of running a vacation rental until we are able to retire and live in Newport full time. We agree with considering phasing out VDRs in R1/R2 zones; especially east of Hwy 101. We have no issue with capping the number of VDR5. Enforcement- Before new regulations are put in place Newport should enforce current rules. There are a number of areas where regulations are not followed and have a lack of enforcement. For example, there are residential and businesses areas with significant yard maintenance and/or construction debris/trash issues. All community members should be held accountable to existing rules to benefit the entire City. We agree with an improved complaint repository. However, this only makes sense if the city can really enforce and follow up on the complaints. Also, make sure the contact info is correct and current. (The Vacasa info has 3 employees listed that are no longer with the company.) Improved notification makes sense and we have no issue with it. We agree on reliable refuse removal. We pay the extra charge for concierge service so our trash can is not left out on the street. We have no issue with required yard maintenance. We visit our vacation rental on a regular basis to ensure our yard is well maintained.
In conclusion, we concur with many of the suggestions but believe you cannot and should not penalize current VDR owners who are in compliance. We make time to be active participants in the community, volunteering for beach clean-ups, Seafood and Wine Festival, surf competitions and other local events. We want to see Newport become a vibrant and successful community and be part of the process. It would be unjust for Newport to remove a license from VDR owners who are following regulations and have no violations. In addition, if VDRs are removed has the City investigated potential impacts to the local economy? It seems that our City needs responsible vacation rental management and that it can be an important part of the local economy. The potential loss of tourism, tax dollars and the possibility of an increased number of vacant homes on the market could be detrimental to our community. Respectfully,
9h4) Greg and Rane Stempson 540 NW Alpine Newport, OR Business License #5495
Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
Steve Palmer <[email protected]> Monday, November 13, 2017 8:26 AM Public comment Consideration of changes to vacation rental and bed & breakfast.
City Council Newport, Oregon Dear City Council, Hello everyone. I went to one of the City Council meetings in Sept. 2017 and was shocked to hear there are a few bad vacation rentals in Newport. The stories are not something I heard of or was expecting, and I feel bad for the people that experienced the bad renters. I hope that a few bad apples don’t make it hard on the majority of good vacation rentals and bed & breakfast operators.
I have a bed & breakfast and have never had neighbors complain, the police called, or any problems at all. My success is probably due to the fact that I am on premise. At this point, it is operating through the Airbnb platform. It could be any other platform, but Airbnb is what works for me as everyone that comes are already vetted and I can look at their past reviews. Should someone not look positive, I can deny their stay. I love what I do and how the system works, and I have been licensed through the city from the beginning.
Some of the positive aspects of my bed & breakfast and things I noticed are: Happy tourist! Everyone seems to be in a good mood. They spend a lot of money in Newport! I send them to restaurants, the Aquarium, the Marine Science Center, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. I’ve sent many tourist to a lot of small businesses in town including art galleries, gift stores, book stores, and antique stores. They stay at my place for touring Newport in general, fishing/crabbing, the city running marathons, Newport Wine and Seafood, and conferences. Several artist have stayed and set up at Newport Visual Art Center and other art related events. During tourist season, most if not all of the hotels have No Vacancy, and with the hotel burning down in Aug 2016, that left a lot less rooms. I feel strongly that I (and the other good ones) are very needed as a lot of tourist would have no place to stay and just keep going through Newport.
I ask that you look at this whole situation with a different view. Instead of cracking down on the whole group, concentrate on the bad operators, possibly with a three strike rule. An example could be one strike is a warning, two strikes is license suspended for one month, three strikes is license suspended for one year. Require an on site owner or manager. That in itself would cut down the loud party guests. 1
Maybe create a task force from the city, or with the current Vacation Rentals / Bed and Breakfast owners to talk to the abusers. This is a tourist town, let’s keep them coming and spending money. I will be glad to talk to anyone to help with the situation. I would like to come to the Nov. 20 meeting, but I will be out of town. Thanks so much, Steve Palmer 927 SW 11th Newport, OR 97365 (541) 351-5751
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
[email protected] Sunday, November 12, 2017 12:38 PM City Council Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR:: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/12/2017 at 12:38:11 PM
To: City Council Name: William and Ruth Hutmacher Email: [email protected] Phone: 5412652426 Subject: VRD’s
Message: I am concerned about the increase in VRD’s in my neighborhood (Agate Beach north of Yaquina Head). I do not think that a VRD should be approved without an opportunity for neighbors to comment). The current process is to just notify nearby residents after the fact. There needs to be a mechanism for enforcement of VRD license conditions and significant penalties for violators. The number of VRD’s in a residential area should be limited to 10% or less of the total homes. If the current VRD ordinance is reviewed, there should be a moratorium on new VRD licenses until a proper review, including comment by the public, is completed. Thank you for your consideration.
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
[email protected] Sunday, November 12, 2017 10:51 AM City Council Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR :: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/12/2017 at 10:50:36 AM
To: City Council Name: Sandra Benning Email: [email protected] Phone: 541 961 8500 Subject: VRD’s
Message: Newport City Council, I am writing to express my concern about the number of Vacation Rental Dwellings, VRD’s that have been authorized in my neighborhood. We have all shared in picking up trash, replacing receptacles and collecting debris left by the tenants. Cars are parked haphazardly throughout the neighborhood and on areas not authorized for parking. Fireworks, open burn, and late hours as well as speeding, continuous traffic and little regard for residents are continuous. The issues related to a high volume, transient tourist population are numerous. But I believe the social impact on our community and neighborhood is also very significant. I believe and given our current political climate that we have become a nation divided and a presence of community has never been more important. We need a sense of belonging and a connection with the places we live, spend our lives and raise our families. The approval and number of VRD’s in our community is counterproductive to this objective. I share my lot line with a high volume VRD. The turnover is about every 4 days. That means a different set of strangers approximately two times a week. We have no way of knowing anything about these transient visitors. I have questions about the safety of my kids and pets, my property. I think VRD’s should be banned from residential zones and I hope that you will give consideration to the concerns I have expressed. Thank you and respectfully, Sandy Benning
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:
Colleen Harris Thursday, November 09, 2017 8:57 AM Public comment Eric Nicholson ([email protected]); Chantelle Charpentier ([email protected]); Rose Lupton Vacation Rental Hearing
Good Day, I am the Secretary/Treasurer of the Play Del Sur HOA in South Beach. I am writing to you today since I am unable to be present in person for the upcoming hearing on November 20th regarding vacation rentals. As a proud and responsible vacation rental property owner, I am NOT IN FAVOR of any changes or a moratorium being established. I use Vacasa to manage my two properties, and they employ MANY people in Newport and add to the entire coasts economy. They hold their renters accountable and care about the homeowners and Newport community very much. There are thirteen townhomes in my community at South Beach, and nine of them are vacation rentals. We take great pride in sharing our property and views with visitors, with many of my tenants being repeats over the last three years. These renters bring revenue to all businesses in town. If we are no longer allowed to rent our homes, many of us will have to sell, or may even lose our homes. I plan on retiring to my home in six years and I would be devastated to lose something I hold so dear. I understand the full time residents concerns, but our townhome community supports the continuance of vacation rentals, and the economic support it provides us and the Newport Comminity. Please consider my request, and those of the other home owners in my community at South Beach. Kindest Regards,
Colleen Harris President Harris WorkSystems I Furniture That Fits! T: 503.643.3018 I D:503.924.6300 I C:503.209.9816 Address: 11530 SW Tiedeman Tigard, OR, 97223 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hafflsworksystems.com
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Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the issues around rules for vacation rental and bed and breakfast establishments in Newport. We testified at the Council meeting at which the Council decided to further examine this issue. Based on our experience as a licensed vacation rental and the information provided at that council meeting, we have a number of points we would like to make. 1. We were a little surprised, given the vehemence of the comments to the council by members of the Planning Commission testifying as individuals, that the council referred the issue to the commission. I realize, under normal circumstances, this is the appropriate referral, but wonder whether that body, given the obvious predisposition of several of its members, can objectively evaluate the issue. It is a fundamental responsibility of public service to put the good of the community above personal interests when assessing an issue. 2. Based on testimony to the council, enforcement of existing rules is conspicuous in its absence. This could reflect a matter of priorities, a lack of resources. or something else altogether. Whatever the situation, it would seem that looking at enforcement of existing rules ought to be a key consideration. 3. Again based on information presented at the council meeting, it is apparent that the vast number of licensed VRBBs in Newport are in Nye Beach. It also appears that the focal point of complaints regarding VRBBs is also Nye Beach. We feel that this geographic concentration of VRBBs and possible means of mitigating the outcomes of such concentration is a key issue. 4. Another apparent locus of concern is VRBBs with a higher guest capacity. Again it seems that the vast majority of the problems cited were associated with VRBBs with large numbers of guests. At what point a VRBB becomes, in reality, a hostel or hotel is a question that should be addressed. 5. Should the city institute a moratorium on new units? Two issues come to mind. How long would such a moratorium stay in effect and/or under what conditions would it be lifted? A moratorium may be a reasonable idea, if the evidence suggests the status quo represents a serious community-wide concern which will worsen absent a moratorium. We might support the idea of a time-limited moratorium, but note that a moratorium could be interpreted advantageous for existing licensed VRBBs. 6. Whichever direction the Council chooses to take on this issue, we ask that you be cognizant of the investment many local residents have made in developing VRBBs. It would be patently unfair to retroactively restrict or eliminate the livelihood of VRBB owners who played by the rules in place at the time they started their businesses. Its worth recalling that VRBBs bring travelers to Newport who contribute to the economy in many ways, so restrictions limiting VRBBs will ripple out to the broader local economy. 7. Finally, we feel wish to repeat the testimony we gave at the previous council meeting. We are conscientious, tax-paying VR owners. We rent only to people that are pre-screened, accept only 1-2 guests at a time, do not allow parties or events or unapproved visitors, and have never had a complaint regarding any of our guests. We live in the same structure that houses our VR, so we know what is going on at all times. We live in a residential neighborhood (that includes a second home and another VR) and we respect our neighbors’ rights and expect our guests to do the same. We feel confident that the large majority of other VRBB owners also strive to be good neighbors. Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Richard Rainery Kay Klose 1144 SW Mark Street Newport OR 97365
Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
Public comment Monday, November 06, 2017 3:31 PM Gloria Tucker FW: Regarding the proposal of a Vacation Rental Moratorium in Newport, OR Peggy Hawker
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Attn.
From: Glenn Stockton [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 2:57 PM To: Public comment Cc: Lan Stockton Subject: Regarding the proposal of a Vacation Rental Moratorium in Newport, OR Attn. Peggy Hawker -
Greetings Ms Hawker: As our main residence is in Bremerton, WA and we are very busy with our lives here, I will be unable to attend the coming meeting that seeks input on the idea of placing a moratorium on adding new licensed vacation rental homes in the City of Newport. Even so, please consider my comments below as the city considers this matter: My wife and I have maintained what was initially a grand-fathered-in and now is a licensed vacation rental home in Newport, OR since 2003. We have greatly enjoyed our several annual visits to Newport and also sharing our home with many visitors to the Oregon Coast over the years. As we understand only about 3% of Newport homes are currently available for visitors to rent, we believe it would be shortsighted to place a moratorium on the licensing of additional homes for this use at this time. Were the percentage significantly larger, such a restriction might be warranted, but with only 3 in 100 homes in the category, it hardly seems necessary. Rather than placing such a moratorium currently, I suggest a broader look to the future. The needed research should begin now to determine what makes sense for the highest upper percentage of homes in this category. Surely there are other cities that have had gone before Newport in determining this optimum percentage. While Newport is unique, information gathered from these other cities which have faced this question could be accessed, analyzed, and adapted to Newport’s unique setting and situation. Determining the correct action in this way would enable the decision to be made, not based on the interests of pressure groups that are in seeming competition, such as hotels and vacation rental owners but instead in the true interests of all aspects of the City of Newport. The city would thus avoid the necessity of making any sudden changes, providing homeowners in the process of making a decision about entering (or not) the vacation rentalmarket needed information for making a truly informed decision. —
It is my understanding that Newport vacation rental licensing is not currently passed from home seller to home buyer. If this is indeed the case, placing a moratorium on issuing “new” vacationrental licenses would have the impact of greatly reducing the value of the homes of current vacation rental licensees, as well as reducing the number of reasons for buyers to purchase these same homes. That would be patently unfair to vacation rental homeowners who, in many cases, have spent thousands of dollars upgrading their homes to required vacation rental standards and thereby rely on the value they have added to them to be recovered when they sell. If, against my and others advice on this, a moratorium is put in place, it will be important to current vacationrental licensees that the code is simultaneously altered to enable the renewal of licenses based on previous continuous licensing of the home and not on the continuous same ownership of that home. Placing current restrictions on the number of any of the growing variety of rental and logging options for visitors to our beautiful city, sends the wrong message, and longterm would likely have a negative impact on the local Newport economy. Best Regards, Glenn Stockton Home location: 1156 SW Mark St, Newport, OR 97365 My cell #: 360.621.8653
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Gloria Tucker Public comment Monday, November 06, 2017 3:31 PM Gloria Tucker FW: Hearing Nov 20, 2017 Vacation Rental/Bed & Breakfast topic
From: Sent: To: Subject:
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From: Stephanie Sayler [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 9:04 AM To: Public comment Subject: Hearing Nov 20, 2017 Vacation Rental/Bed & Breakfast topic -
Please accept this email as a “public comment” for your upcoming hearing. My husband and I own a beachhouse in Nye Beach that we have licensed as a vacation rental. We count on this income to pay the property tax and improvements. I just checked our accounting and we had paying guests every single month of 2017 to date. The visitors to our home frequent the local restaurants and gifl shops. We also bring revenue directly to the city via the tax and licensing. We love Nye Beach and support the community there. On every visit (without fail): • • • • •
I get a facial at Earthbound Beauty Day Spa and purchase products; We spend hundreds of dollars at Fred Meyers/Wal Mart, Jovi, and various artists and local suppliers (really miss 9th Street Gallery); We purchase big ticket furniture and appliances at Roby’s (thousands of dollars literally); We employ carpenters, Groth-Gates, electricians, plumbers, window washers, etc. on a very regular basis We dine out regularly while in Nye Beach tuna melts at Georgies, meatloaf at Nana’s, omelets at Nye Beach Café, burgers at Taphouse, fresh oysters Oregon Oyster Farm, and of course Panini for pastries and coffee. -
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We have many repeat guests to our home because they love the Oregon Coast and the community there as we do. Those visits elevate the quality and aesthetics of our home as we put the money back into the house (new decks, stainless cable deck railing, new windows, etc.). Income from vacationers help improve dilapidated houses, which in turn beautifies our neighborhoods. Our communities benefit from vibrant businesses that our supported by tourism. We hope to continue to improve the house (which was a wreck when we purchased it) and we hope that we and our guests may continue to support the community of Nye Beach and the City of Newport. Not every house can be a vacation rental, as it must have the draw of a good view and/or within walking distance of tourist attractions. I hope the houses in these areas continue to support the vacation rental marketplace of the City for everyone’s benefit. Kind regards, Stephanie Sayler & Merritt Bruce
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
[email protected] Monday, November 06, 2017 9:45 AM City Council Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR:: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/6/2017 at 9:45:04 AM
To: City Council Name: Greg L Stem pson Email: [email protected] Phone: 4254572837 Subject: VRD Public Meeting
Message: Dear Mayor Roumagoux and City Council members, I received your postcard regarding potential changes to the Vacation Rental rules in Newport. We were alarmed and totally caught off guard by this public meeting. As a licensed vacation rental operator that has paid thousands in city occupancy tax, we would like to provide some more input to the appropriate parties and are willing to invest the time and effort to do so. What is the best way to request a phone meeting with the Mayor and council? We will also attempt to provide written input prior to the November15 deadline and possibly attend the meeting in person on November 20th, if we don’t have other conflicts. As I stated above, we were caught off guard by this meeting as it didn’t seem as though this was an issue in our neighborhood which is Nye Beach. We have been operating a vacation rental for more than 2 years and have never received a complaint from any of our neighbors in any form. We lived in our vacation rental in Newport all summer (from July through September 2017) and never heard anything from our neighbors or the community at large regarding this issue or saw anything in the local papers that would indicate this was a rising concern. In addition, we took the time to research and purchase a home in a commercially zoned area to run our vacation rental business and thought this would not be an issue we would have to deal with. We have followed all vacation rental rules and guidelines and purchased all necessary licenses. We feel it is unfair to change rules for people who have followed all the policies the city has put in place. Has the city thought through the possible implications if vacation rentals are eliminated and the loss of tax revenues, and the reduction of tourism dollars? We are interested to see any information (hard data, i.e. written complaints, etc.) from the City that demonstrates that this is in fact an issue-- other than anecdotal information from a few residents. At this point, unless we receive more info to change our mind, the only course of action that we see fit is to place a temporary moratorium on any new vacation rentals and to allow existing operators such as ourselves- that have been following the rules and have not had
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any complaints- to continue to operate our business that contributes to the local tax base. A quick review of the tax base shows that hotels and vacation rentals contribute around 3.5 million dollars annually to the City. As I stated, we live part time in Newport and have been through this process in Bend, Oregon where our other home is located. It seems Bend did quite a bit more fact finding before rushing to the point of conducting the time and expense of a public meeting and running the risk of coming to a hasty conclusion. I look forward to discussing this issue with you. Sincerely, 425-457-2837 Greg Stempson 540 NW Alpine
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From: Sent: To: Subject:
Please pardon the late submission of comments before the November 20th meeting of City Council. I understand that the topic of Vacation Rental Dwellings will be discussed during this session, and wish to offer a few comments in the hope that the Council will review the regulations for said dwellings. We have been long term renters in the North Agate Beach / Lighthouse Addition neighborhood for nearly 9 years and have realized the addition of 3 VRD’s in that period. While raising two small children, a significant increase in vehicular traffic has caused us concern as the unfamiliar cars/trucks seem to be numerous and unfamiliar with the area less cognizant of pets, children. Parking of these vehicles at VRD’s has caused several visual and safety obstructions, some of which have been addressed to our code enforcement officers. In some cases, we watched as occupants of one VRD have seemingly no regard for property boundaries while their pets traverse neighboring lots and defecate. Most recently we contacted 911 services (no response after extended holding on non-emergency police phone) after fireworks were discharged on a VRD backyard. Our hopes were that some record of our complaint was filed, however I wasn’t contacted by any authority afterward. -
Please consider reviewing rules and regulations for the City of Newport Vacation Rental Dwelling arrangement, and in doing so, please empathize with us that live with this transient population daily. We didn’t move into a motel or transient dwelling neighborhood in 2009, but we are adaptable. Appreciate some reasonableness by owners and occupants of these structure, though. Thank you,
Paul E. Dunphy, Owner Northwest Reliable, LLC *Grounds Maintenance *Home Repair & Improvement
(541-961-2744) Newport, OR 97365-0106 P0 Box 1363 General Contractor CCB # 194178 Landscape Contractor LCB 4* 9240 web: www.NorthWestReliable.com --
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
Ona McFarlane Wednesday, November 15, 2017 3:51 PM Public comment Vacation Rental Considerations
Attention: Mayor and Council; I live at 526 NW 56th Street on a dead end street, within eye-shot, ear-shot of three (3) Vacation Rentals... Since the VRDs have arrived in my neighborhood, I have had concerns with trash, noise, etc. At times I have reported the incidents only to have a repeat of the various infringements. I do not believe these VRDs belong in my residential zoned neighborhood and do not want more to be allowed. I would like to see the procedure simplified for those of us who do have complaints and notification when the problem has been resolved. I would like to thank the responsible parties that put “NO PARKING” signs at the VRD on the corner of NW 56th and Meander Streets. Hopefully that will take care of the parking violations at that location. I would like to see notification of other VRD applications prior to a license being granted to have some say that legitimate concerns are dealt with. Thank you for your time. Ona McFarlane 526 NW 56th Street P.S. There is a saying: “Too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing”l!
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Sandra Benning 55th Street 546 NW 97365 OR Newport, 13 Nov 2017 Newport City Council, I am writing to express my concern about the number of Vacation Rental Dwellings, VRD’s that have been authorized in my neighborhood. We have all shared in picking up trash, replacing receptacles and collecting debris left by the tenants. Cars are parked haphazardly throughout the neighborhood and on areas not authorized for parking. Fireworks, open burn, and late hours as well as speeding, continuous traffic and little regard for residents are continuous. The issues related to a high volume, transient tourist population are numerous. But I believe the social impact on our community and neighborhood is also very significant. I believe and given our current political climate that we have become a nation divided and a presence of community has never been more important. We need a sense of belonging and a connection with the places we live, spend our lives and raise our families. The approval and number of VRD’s in our community is counterproductive to this objective. I share my lot line with a high volume VRD. The turnover is about every 4 days. That means a different set of strangers approximately two times a week. We have no way of knowing anything about these transient visitors. 1 have questions about the safety of my kids and pets, my property. I think VRD’s should be banned from residential zones and I hope that you will give consideration to the concerns I have expressed. Thank you and respectfully, Sandy Benning
4tL:i7
The Cozy Cottage At Nye Beach 731 NW
2nd
Court
Newport, OR 97365 (Mailing Address: 3319 WAugusta Ct, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815)
City Councilors, Community Planning, and Other Planning Officials,
Please accept my input as a vacation rental owner in Newport for your discussion regarding changes to Short Term Rental regulations and potential moratorium on new vacation rentals. I have owned my home in Newport since fall of 2015 completing a full renovation both inside and outside on the home before renting it to lOOs of guests over the last 1$ months. I am an active member of the A1rBnB community and regularly receive training and “Best Practices” through multiple forums from them. In addition, my husband and I have rented dozens of vacation rentals in cities around the country from Bend to Boston, Mt. Rainier to Idaho. Until recently we also lived in Hood River, OR where in-depth discussions have been ongoing about home sharing. We now live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where there is also a similar discussion about whether and how to best regulate the home sharing movement. —
In my early career, I also served as a small community newspaper reporter covering both City Council and City and County Planning so I am familiar with how on many issues, you receive only the perspective of people who choose to complain often about anything and everything. I’d like to offer you a different perspective than the one I think you’re hearing about home sharing and vacation rentals in Newport. —
Newport’s Current Policy As stated above, I am very familiar with vacation rental policies throughout many areas of the country and when I chose to purchase a home at the beach for the purpose of using it as a second home and a vacation rental, I chose Newport because of its reasonable and responsible guidelines and regulations for short term rentals. I believe Newport’s policy in its current form is one of the best I’ve seen in terms of protecting private property rights and balancing that with the rights of neighbors and maintaining a well-balanced complement of homes in any given area. Your current policy first and foremost allows you to know which homes in the community are vacation homes that means both police and fire have that information available to them should any issue arise. I also am required to notify you each month of the use of my home the amount of rentals and the corresponding taxes that go to city coffers from the use of my home. I had to undergo an inspection which ensures that all vacation rental homes are safe and —
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in good working order. These regulations allow you to keep tabs on vacation rentals in the community without unduly burdening me as a homeowner or infringing on my private property rights to use my property as I see fit. The rules are well-balanced and fair and I believe only should be modified a minimal amount. —
Being a Good Neighbor From day one, I have desired to be a good neighbor in Nye Beach and to ensure the use of my home as a vacation rental does not negatively affect the experience of permanent residents in the area. To that end, I have ensured my home has the following: -
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Off-street parking something I believe is required in the submittal of lot plans in the vacation rental license submission. I believe this should be a continued requirement for any home that is a vacation rental to ensure guests don’t take over all of the on-street parking in an area. Trash Newport, unlike any other city where I’ve rented a vacation home, has a local trash provider that caters to vacation rentals with their “Concierge Service”. For a fee of only $10 per month, Thompson Sanitary comes on my property to pick up my trash can so I do not need to rely on my vacation renters to get the trash can to the street on the appropriate day. This ensures my trash is ALWAYS picked up once a week and never becomes an issue for neighbors. This is an area I believe should be required in any revisions to your vacation rental policy it is so simple and easy and inexpensive and solves a problem that is often a point of contention with neighbors. Distribution of phone number My direct neighbors on each side of me have my phone number and can reach me should any of my renters every become a problem. I believe the City of Newport should include this as a recommendation in their vacation rental licensing process as well as requiring that the homeowner’s phone number and a local contact be provided to police and fire should there ever be a problem with parties, noise, fire outbreak or other community concerns. Regular housekeeping with reports on any damage I retain a local housekeeper who is at the house every few days. She is my set of “local eyes” that ensures any issues with my home are reported, any damages are made known to me and any problematic renters are made know to me as well. Regular landscape maintenance I retain a local landscape maintenance person who ensures the yard and plants around my home are maintained and don’t create an eyesore for neighbors. —
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These are all items that I believe should be recommended or required for any vacation rental to ensure the homes are kept up, owners know what is going on at the property and neighbors are not burdened by trash, parking, noise or other complaints. These are easy remedies to reduce conflict.
Improvements, to the Neighborhood/Contributions to the Local Economy. I believe when looking at the regulation of vacation rentals in a community, any Council or Planning Agency needs to look at the vast benefits short term rentals bring to the area not just the isolated complaints coming from a small few. There are many benefits to Newport for having vacation rentals particularly in the tourist- oriented neighborhoods such as Nye Beach and the Bayfront. —
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When I purchased my home, it was a run-down shack surrounded by homes that could easily have been deemed “problem homes” in the neighborhood. The homes surrounding my home were run down and at least one was being used as a drug-house with about a dozen unemployed people staying in it along with junk cars, trash and drug deals all taking place next door to me. I invested $60,000 in renovations in my home most of which was paid to local laborers and suppliers and renovated it top to bottom. In order to be successful in the homesharing industry, you MUST have a home that is attractive to renters and kept up. The homesharing industry is increasingly competitive so I would venture to say that most vacation rental homes are in good, marketable shape. As I worked on my renovation it was interesting to see what happened on my Nye Beach street. The home to the west of me, which was run down with peeling paint and gutters falling off in the street, received an upgrade of new paint, repaired gutters and regular lawn maintenance. I was told by the neighbor they decided to spruce up their home because mine was looking so nice that they realized theirs needed work. I contacted the owner of the home to the east of me that was being rented to the druggies upon hearing about my experience with their renters, they proceeded to kick them out, clean up the house and re-rent it to a long term renter who is a quiet, elderly woman who creates no issues in the neighborhood. The junk cars are gone, the trash in the street is gone, the cigarette butts and drug deals in the middle of the night are all gone. The home behind me, which was falling down and had a failing roof, received an upgrade of a new roof and repairs. In short, as one neighbor told me, “your vacation rental has become a shining light in the neighborhood that has motivated all of us to improve our homes”. Another neighbor told me that there was no doubt in their mind that the upgrades I made to my home raised the property values for everyone on the street. —
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Another great benefit of vacation rentals is the contributions they make to the local economy. In addition to the $60,000 I initially invested in renovations, I also regularly purchase supplies for my home locally in Newport. I spend approximately $3,000 annually on supplies most of which are purchased at local stores. I also employ two individuals for housekeeping and landscaping contributing to the local job market. In addition to that, my home has seen literally hundreds of guests in the past 18 months. Guests are able to leave reviews both in a guest book in my home and online through the AirBnB stringent review process. In both places, guests have documented where they are visiting from. In the past 18 months alone, my home has attracted guests from all around the world Germany, The Netherlands, British Columbia, Australia, the UK, and more, as well as people from all throughout the United States many of whom are seeing the ocean for the first time in their lives. I provide brochures and flyers as well as give personal recommendations for places to eat, activities to enjoy and places to shop. Nearly every guest in my home has reported shopping and dining at many places in Nye Beach as well as frequenting the Aquarium, the Performing Arts Center, art galleries and shops, local fisheries and many more places in town. Nye Beach, at its core, is a tourist area and the guests at my home spend their money there to help those businesses thrive. Likewise, when I am staying at the home, I know I spend a significant amount of money in the community. —
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There is no doubt that homesharing in general, and specifically in Newport, provides a great boost to the local economy by allowing people to come enjoy all the area has to offer and spend their money at local businesses. Likewise, it is not at all accurate to claim that the money spent renting short term rental properties leaves the community. Quite the contrary. The money I am paid by renters goes right back into my home for upkeep, supplies and allowing me and my family and friends to stay there and also spend money in the community. Further for many people homesharing is a way to allow them to afford their home. With the growth of AirBnb it is easy to rent a portion of your home or rent your home —
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when you happen to be away for your own vacation elsewhere. The income gleaned from this is often the only way some homeowners are able to stay in their homes and afford their own mortgage. I often hear short term rentals being accused of being a detriment to the “affordable housing” market but it is quite the contrary. Many times, using your home as a vacation rental is what allows people to be able to afford their home. —
The HomeSharing Industry
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An already regulated and responsible industry
When looking at short term rental regulations, it would behoove the Council to understand the regulations and systems that already exist with most homesharing platforms. I am an active member of the AirBnB community but have also used VRBO, HomeAway and other vacation rental websites. All of these have their own set of rules and regulations to ensure responsible vacation rental operations. When renting my home through AirBnb, I am required to agree to a non-discrimination policy and to list a series of “House Rules” that focus on safety, noise, trash, parking, etc. I am also encouraged to keep safety signage in the home as well as access to emergency numbers and clear expectations on noise and parking. AirBnb also does a great job throughout their host areas to ensure local taxes are paid on time. In Newport, they collect and pay the taxes themselves to ensure that all AirBnb rentals in Newport are on time with all tax payments. AirBnb also offers an annual conference where hosts such as myself learn new techniques, ways of working with neighbors and ways of working with local authorities to ensure responsible hosting is happening. Further, AirBnb also has a network of local “user groups” in various communities where local hosts can meet up and discuss local issues and concerns. If Newport does not currently have one, I would volunteer to start one as they are a great asset to not only the host community in the city, but also neighbors and businesses. The final thing that is in place for a type of regulation is the review process. AirBnb has a stringent review process where guests review homeowners and homeowners review guests. Each guest gets a star ranking and each homeowner gets the same. If I don’t run my home well, if it is not clean or kept up, or trash not disposed of, etc., I will not receive great reviews and will not receive future rentals. But likewise, if there is a guest out there that is making trouble in the neighborhood causing noise issues, parking issues or otherwise being an irresponsible guest I am able to give them a bad review and ban them from every returning to my home. This ensures that the bulk of the guests that rent through AirBnb are responsible renters who cause few, if any, issues in the communities they choose to visit. —
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Recommendations In summary, I believe Newport’s vacation rental regulations in their current form are excellent and sufficient to ensure responsible renting in the community. I would recommend the few tweaks as listed above to put in place better systems of accountability such as 1) Require the concierge service fortrash pick up; 2) Require phone numbers for both the homeowner and a local contact be provided to police and fire officials in case of trouble and 3) require at least one off-street parking place and enforce both parking and landscaping codes to ensure homes are kept up. I would also recommend that any discussion about changes to the vacation rental regulations include representation from vacation rental homeowners such as myself. This will ensure a balanced
perspective and that decisions aren’t being made based only on the input of a few disgruntled homeowners who have had a bad experience and are painting all vacation rentals with one broad brush. I can confidently say that my home has received zero complaints from neighbors and zero issues that would affect the community negatively. In fact, the use of my home as a vacation rental has only been an asset in Nye Beach and the City of Newport as a whole and I intend for that to be the case as long as I own it.
Summary In summary, despite the fact that my home in Newport is a vacation rental, I still consider Newport my home. I take pride in the community, contribute to its success and invest in it at every turn. I spend time in Nye Beach and Newport about every six weeks and can confidently say that I am a “local”. This means I want what is best for Newport as much as anybody. I understand there will be agenda items related to this matter on the November 20th City Council agenda. I am making plans to be in Newport at that time so I can attend and offer any other testimony that may be helpful. In the meantime, should you like any other input from a responsible vacation rental owner, you can reach me at (541) 490-5300 or [email protected]. Thank you for your interest and a responsible and balanced approach to managing this issue for Newport.
Sincerely,
April M. Lee Homeowner
Royston H. Filby and Catherine A. Grimm 7381 North Coast Highway Newport, OR 97365 Tel: (541) 265-7781 November 15, 2017 Re: Public Hearing on Vacation Rentals To: Mayor Roumagoux and Members of the Newport City Council We, Roy Filby and Cathy Grimm, wish to provide input to the review of the Newport Vacation Rental Ordinance by the Council on November 20th 2017. Our property currently borders an existing VRD in an R-1 zone. We request that the Council consider the following points. 1. The VRD Ordinance that was passed several years ago has led to uncontrolled growth of VRDs and has had severe negative effects in many residential communities. There are problems with the notification procedure, the identification of non-compliant VRDs and in dealing with complaints by affected residents, among others. We thus urge the Council to conduct a thorough review of the VRD Ordinance as have other communities such as Lincoln City and Yachats. 2. Vacation rentals should not be permitted in R-1 or R-2 zones, as was the case until the passage of the current ordinance, and should be phased out. The negative impacts on residential communities have been documented, most recently at the September 12 Council meeting. Existing VRDs should be grandfathered in but new VRDs should be prohibited. Fundamentally, the VRD Ordinance is discriminatory. I cannot set up a small woodworking business in an R-1 zone, with little community impact, but a very intrusive VRD business is permitted. VRDs are clearly businesses and the majority are purchased in R- 1 zones with the specific intent to run a business, rather than as second homes. 3. The application for a VRD License is flawed. Even if the current notification of neighbors after granting a License is expanded, neighbors still have no input in the granting of a license, even though a VRD can have a very negative effect on their community. Thus affected residents have no say over a major action that affects their community. If we want to build a deck (or an addition to our house) we need to get a Building Permit/Geological Report and affected neighbors can comment and request revisions prior to granting the permit. This process is essential to maintaining residential standards, even though impact may be minimal. The same process should be followed in granting a VRD License which potentially can have a far worse effect on the neighborhood. Advance notification of neighbors also should be required prior to a License renewal since many
problems and complaints may have surfaced during prior operation of the VRD. A complaint registry with identifiers should be set up for all VRDs so that affected neighbors may review problems and actions taken before a renewal is granted.. 4. Much stricter monitoring should be required of VRDs. It seems clear that many VRDs are operating without a license (numbers on VRBO, Airbnb etc are much larger than the number of City issued licenses). These should be identified and required to apply for a permit within a specified time or face shutdown. We appreciate the opportunity to provide input to the Council. Roy Filby and Cathy Grimm
Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
John Vann <[email protected]> Tuesday, November 14, 2017 4:36 PM Public comment VRD Review
Dear City Council, I have sent in some comments previously regarding the VRD Review / Moratorium Proposal that you are considering. I would like to suggest some additional points that should be considered in this process. 1. I think New applications in Residential areas need to be closely scrutinized before any new applications are approved. Especially these large capacity dwellings that are run by offsite management and ownership. People who rent in these areas need to be reminded that they are staying in our neighborhood with families and children near. Not some Motel on main street. 2. Oversized vehicles like RV’s, boat trailers and large trucks need to not be allowed in the residential areas. 3. Newport Residents need to have a complaint contact of some kind that will record and review problem units and areas. 4. Newport residents need to be allowed comment before permits are issued for VRD’s. Especially in areas where there are existing VRD’s to begin with. 5. Someone needs to have rules about Weddings, Corporate Off sites and the other uses besides Family vacations. I believe these events are especially unsuited for Residential zoned neighborhoods. Thank you for your attention John and Shanna Vann 573 NW 54th CT Newport,OR 97365 Cell 805-279-0265
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525 NW 57th Street Newport Oregon 97365
The Mayor and Council City of Newport City Hall Newport Oregon 97365
[email protected] 14 November, 2017
Dear Mayor and Council, Re: Vacation Rentals Prior to your discussion about Vacation Rentals at the meeting on 20 November, we wish to make some comments for your consideration. There has been a growth of vacation rentals in our immediate neighborhood, and it seems appropriate that the potential impacts of further growth should be examined in the very near future, in the interests of the local residents and property owners. However, it is important that the outcome is based on facts, and not just on fears or rumors. We are among the longest residents in our immediate area, having lived her for over 16 years, and we have personally not experienced any adverse effects, as yet, from the growth of month to month or vacation rentals in our immediate area. Indeed, there have been previous problems with owner occupiers who were, for example, selling or manufacturing drug from their homes, although we were not aware of those activities at the time. Better a good renter than a bad owner occupier. We think that part of the solution lies in the existence and proper enforcement of suitable regulations and controls. We also think that there is probably a need to distinguish between residents who choose to rent out their homes for a time and people who purchase a property with the sole intent of renting it out, in order to generate income, and perhaps that could be examined as part of any review. Sincerely,
Bob and Marilyn Ward
MEMORANDUM
To: From: Date:
Subject:
Newport City Council Rod Croteau November 14, 2017 Five Year Review of VRD/B&B Ordinance Implementation
VRDs play an important role in the culture and economy of Newport, and these businesses appear to operate relatively well in the tourist zones of the City. Residents of tourist zones ate more used to tourists and commercial traffic. There is a high proportion of owner-operated VRDs in these zones and, because of their density, a higher level of oversight in general. There is also a greater police presence in these zones. The situation with the presence of VRDs in R1/R2 zones is, however, very different and their presence is incompatible with and disruptive to these neighborhoods which have no tourist attractions, as do C2 tourist zones. VRD houses in R1/R2 zones tend to be quite large and thereby attract large groups with more vehicles and having large parties which can create large problems. One notable VRD example in my neighborhood advertises an occupancy of 18! R1/R2 residents are not accustomed to out-of-town vacation renters and the increased traffic that they bring while “checking in” and “checking out” every few days, with the “cleaning crew” in the house in between. These R1/R2 VRDs are mostly owned by absentee landlords and commonly managed by out-of-town agencies, thereby limiting efficient complaint resolution. I have set out below some issues and measures that I hope the City Council will consider in its deliberations regarding the Review of VRD/B&B Ordinance Implementation. 1. Issue a moratorium on new VRD licenses in order to review the Ordinance so licenses will not be approved under rules that may change. 2. Phase out VRDs in R1/R2 neighborhoods. Prior to the recently enacted VRD ordinance, VRDs were subject to operational restrictions (10 events/year) in R1/R2 neighborhoods for what were considered rational and defensible reasons. VRDs did operate illegally in these zones, but there was negligible enforcement of the law. By allowing VRDs to operate without restriction in R1/R2 zones under the new ordinance, these illegal operations were legalized with some positive benefit for renter safety, neighborhood consideration (e.g. parking requirements), and for generating a revenue stream via the room tax. However, unrestricted license opportunities for VRDs in R1/R2 neighborhoods also allowed absentee landlords to purchase properties for the sole purpose of operating these small motel businesses. Commercial operations of this type are intrusive and they brought many problems to these residential neighborhoods. Understandably, many Newport residents consider VRDs an uncontrollable and very disruptive fit for R1/R2 zones, and wish for an outright ban or at least a reset of policy to the prior time.
Phase out of such VRDs over some time period of a few years will likely raise the “just compensation” issue relating to Measure 49. It is clear that phasing out of VRDs will eliminate business income from these operations and this is clearly a legitimate concern. The concerns of neighborhood residents about VRD operations are also legitimate but not so easy to “value by appraisal”, yet they should not be easily discounted. Very few people would choose to purchase a home surrounded by VRDs. Homeowners who bought into a neighborhood with no VRDs but are now forced by ordinance to accept unrestricted VRDs should justifiably be compensated for the loss of value to their property. A balance of commercial and community interests may be difficult to achieve, but resolution through zoning reform with enforceable rules seems the simplest solution to implement. Of the issues put forward here, this is likely to be the most contentious, but if the current trend continues, there will be no significant difference between C2 tourist and R1/R2 single family zones as VRD operations expand without limit. 3. Cap the number of VRDs and set density limits. Currently there are no restrictions on the number or density of VRDs, and the number of these businesses will only increase as homes become available on the real estate market. The City must establish greater control of VRDs if it hopes to maintain some reasonable level of livability in all Newport neighborhoods. 4. Enforce VRD rules. Enforcement, particularly of those rules relating to over occupancy and renter behavior, has always been a significant problem to deal with. Gross violations relating to noise, parking, vandalism, stray animals, etc., can be well handled by the local Police or Sherriff’s office but these issues do not generally reach landlords or managers unless neighborhood residents make the effort to inform them; unfortunately, many landlords/property managers do not respond when they are informed. Other VRD related issues are less straightforward to deal with and are more “tolerance” dependent. How much traffic, noise, trespassing, smoke, garbage, dog feces, beer cans, broken tree limbs and noxious weeds is too much? Most of these complaints never receive a response and even if they do, the problem often reappears with the next set of renters. Permanent residents should not have to spend time calling in complaints and constantly monitoring their property. The above described policies may not be fully enforceable (or desirable) in all zones but they will bring at least some level of control to the currently unrestricted motel businesses now operating in Newport neighborhoods. 5. Establish a Complaint Repository. Accurate statistics regarding complaints and their resolution are difficult to obtain because complaints can get directed to seven different destination sites (police, fire department, 911 hot line, sheriff’s office, community services and VRD owners and managers). There is no crosstalk between these groups and no integration of information. Owners and managers have an understandable wish to not make complaint
problems public and the current system for reporting complaints to Community Services is difficult to find and is both cumbersome and not user friendly. Furthermore, it only provides an automated receipt without any indication of follow up. If VRD problem enforcement is to remain “complaint driven”, then the current system needs functional improvements. A centralized VRD complaint repository should be added to the City website where the public can file complaints documented by physical or documentary evidence. This repository should be openly accessible to the public and searchable by VRD address. A complaint count should be responsibly archived and reviewed by Community Services, such that VRD owners can be notified and held accountable for cumulative offenses, for example, by fine or loss of license. It is appreciated that increased resources will need to be provided to Community Services to enable realistic response capability. To increase support for enforcement, increased license fees, increased fees for repeated failed inspections, and substantial fines for VRD rule infraction should be considered along with the use of room tax revenues for this purpose. 6. Improve Notification. The written notification zone for VRDs should be expanded from 200 feet to 500 feet. Notices should be given before license issuance, not after, and should include owner contact information, manager contact information (with LOCAL contact), and the website address for the complaint repository mentioned above. 7. Require reliable refuse removal. VDR waste removal is often not attended to. Professional disposal companies will retrieve, empty and return containers, thereby eliminating the problems of containers that are set at curbside long before or long after pick up day, or those that are simply left in the backyard as animal attractions. Our local waste disposal company provides such valet service, and subscription to this service should be mandatory. A simple appeal process should be available to exempt on-site owner/operators who perform this service themselves. Finally, one large rubbish container for all refuse should be required as most renters do not separate rubbish, compost or recyclables. 8. Require yard maintenance. Many absentee landlord-owned VRD properties receive negligible landscape care, much to the detriment of adjacent properties. At minimum, monthly professional landscape care should be mandated, as with refuse removal, and include a similar “opt out” appeal process. In summary, the 2012 VRD Ordinance did bring positive change but with it also came some unanticipated negative consequences. Most current problems with VRDs are the result of irresponsible human behavior, for which there is no simple solution. Yet, it is fundamentally unfair when landlords profit in spite of these behaviors, while permanent residents’ quality of life suffers from them. The current system is not working adequately and some fundamental changes, by modification of the VRD ordinance, are needed. I hope that you will decide to task the Planning Commission with a comprehensive review of this ordinance.
Gloria Tucker Sandra Roumagoux Tuesday, November 14, 2017 12:40 PM [email protected]; Gloria Tucker Re: Contact Us Web Form
From: Sent: To: Subject:
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Good Afternoon Steven, I will include your email in the council packet for Monday’s (11/20) meeting. We are in the process of reviewing our VRD policies and your input is most helpful. Sincerely, Sandy Roumagoux Mayor of Newport
From: [email protected] Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 5:45:07 PM To: Sandra Roumagoux Subject: Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR:: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/13/20 17 at 5:45:07 PM
To: Sandra Roumagoux Name: Steve a lane Email: KerpasalJsbcglobal.net Phone: 541 264-8647 Subject: Vrd
Message: My wife and I recently retired and decided to relocate to Newporti dreamed of owning a home with ocean view.Thankfully we found our home.unfortunatly after living here a few months we discovered we are living next to and across from VRDs.seams to me this should of been disclosed to new property owners.when buying but was not.did not see this coming.Now we have to police are neighborhood because the people that rent these properties do not respect the people that live here year round.VRD should not be allowed in residential neighborhoods and where they are allowed should ave rules enforced.we are tired of picking up cigarette butts and trash.There is a lot more traffic and vehicles parked in are neighborhood and we are seeing a lot of where and tare on are streets around the neighborhood.We have been here six months and have witnesssed three weddings and two party’s.They need to have limitations on the number of people and vehicles that stay at these VRDs.If I can be of any assistance to reguards of this situation please feel free to contact me.kind reguards Steven A Lane and Deborah A kerpa,615 nw 54 th ct Newport oregon.541 264-8647
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Comments on issues highlighted by the Planning Commission To Mayor Roumagoux and City Council members; As owners of a VDR and part-time residents in Newport’s Nye Beach Neighborhood we would like to respond to the City’s September 18th report. This has been a topic of discussion for City Council since September 18th but no notice of a hearing was provided until early October. It would have been beneficial for all stakeholders to be involved. In response to the discussion and proposals laid out by the Planning Commission we offer the following: 1.
2. 3. 4.
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6. 7. 8.
It may be beneficial for a temporary moratorium on new VDRs. We support this, but believe it is not justified to penalize current VDR owners who are in compliance. Our property is located in C2 zone and was purchased with the intent of running a vacation rental until we are able to retire and live in Newport full time. We agree with considering phasing out VDRs in R1/R2 zones; especially east of Hwy 101. We have no issue with capping the number of VDR5. Enforcement- Before new regulations are put in place Newport should enforce current rules. There are a number of areas where regulations are not followed and have a lack of enforcement. For example, there are residential and businesses areas with significant yard maintenance and/or construction debris/trash issues. All community members should be held accountable to existing rules to benefit the entire City. We agree with an improved complaint repository. However, this only makes sense if the city can really enforce and follow up on the complaints. Also, make sure the contact info is correct and current. (The Vacasa info has 3 employees listed that are no longer with the company.) Improved notification makes sense and we have no issue with it. We agree on reliable refuse removal. We pay the extra charge for concierge service so our trash can is not left out on the street. We have no issue with required yard maintenance. We visit our vacation rental on a regular basis to ensure our yard is well maintained.
In conclusion, we concur with many of the suggestions but believe you cannot and should not penalize current VDR owners who are in compliance. We make time to be active participants in the community, volunteering for beach clean-ups, Seafood and Wine Festival, surf competitions and other local events. We want to see Newport become a vibrant and successful community and be part of the process. It would be unjust for Newport to remove a license from VDR owners who are following regulations and have no violations. In addition, if VDRs are removed has the City investigated potential impacts to the local economy? It seems that our City needs responsible vacation rental management and that it can be an important part of the local economy. The potential loss of tourism, tax dollars and the possibility of an increased number of vacant homes on the market could be detrimental to our community. Respectfully,
9h4) Greg and Rane Stempson 540 NW Alpine Newport, OR Business License #5495
Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
Steve Palmer <[email protected]> Monday, November 13, 2017 8:26 AM Public comment Consideration of changes to vacation rental and bed & breakfast.
City Council Newport, Oregon Dear City Council, Hello everyone. I went to one of the City Council meetings in Sept. 2017 and was shocked to hear there are a few bad vacation rentals in Newport. The stories are not something I heard of or was expecting, and I feel bad for the people that experienced the bad renters. I hope that a few bad apples don’t make it hard on the majority of good vacation rentals and bed & breakfast operators.
I have a bed & breakfast and have never had neighbors complain, the police called, or any problems at all. My success is probably due to the fact that I am on premise. At this point, it is operating through the Airbnb platform. It could be any other platform, but Airbnb is what works for me as everyone that comes are already vetted and I can look at their past reviews. Should someone not look positive, I can deny their stay. I love what I do and how the system works, and I have been licensed through the city from the beginning.
Some of the positive aspects of my bed & breakfast and things I noticed are: Happy tourist! Everyone seems to be in a good mood. They spend a lot of money in Newport! I send them to restaurants, the Aquarium, the Marine Science Center, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. I’ve sent many tourist to a lot of small businesses in town including art galleries, gift stores, book stores, and antique stores. They stay at my place for touring Newport in general, fishing/crabbing, the city running marathons, Newport Wine and Seafood, and conferences. Several artist have stayed and set up at Newport Visual Art Center and other art related events. During tourist season, most if not all of the hotels have No Vacancy, and with the hotel burning down in Aug 2016, that left a lot less rooms. I feel strongly that I (and the other good ones) are very needed as a lot of tourist would have no place to stay and just keep going through Newport.
I ask that you look at this whole situation with a different view. Instead of cracking down on the whole group, concentrate on the bad operators, possibly with a three strike rule. An example could be one strike is a warning, two strikes is license suspended for one month, three strikes is license suspended for one year. Require an on site owner or manager. That in itself would cut down the loud party guests. 1
Maybe create a task force from the city, or with the current Vacation Rentals / Bed and Breakfast owners to talk to the abusers. This is a tourist town, let’s keep them coming and spending money. I will be glad to talk to anyone to help with the situation. I would like to come to the Nov. 20 meeting, but I will be out of town. Thanks so much, Steve Palmer 927 SW 11th Newport, OR 97365 (541) 351-5751
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
[email protected] Sunday, November 12, 2017 12:38 PM City Council Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR:: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/12/2017 at 12:38:11 PM
To: City Council Name: William and Ruth Hutmacher Email: [email protected] Phone: 5412652426 Subject: VRD’s
Message: I am concerned about the increase in VRD’s in my neighborhood (Agate Beach north of Yaquina Head). I do not think that a VRD should be approved without an opportunity for neighbors to comment). The current process is to just notify nearby residents after the fact. There needs to be a mechanism for enforcement of VRD license conditions and significant penalties for violators. The number of VRD’s in a residential area should be limited to 10% or less of the total homes. If the current VRD ordinance is reviewed, there should be a moratorium on new VRD licenses until a proper review, including comment by the public, is completed. Thank you for your consideration.
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
[email protected] Sunday, November 12, 2017 10:51 AM City Council Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR :: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/12/2017 at 10:50:36 AM
To: City Council Name: Sandra Benning Email: [email protected] Phone: 541 961 8500 Subject: VRD’s
Message: Newport City Council, I am writing to express my concern about the number of Vacation Rental Dwellings, VRD’s that have been authorized in my neighborhood. We have all shared in picking up trash, replacing receptacles and collecting debris left by the tenants. Cars are parked haphazardly throughout the neighborhood and on areas not authorized for parking. Fireworks, open burn, and late hours as well as speeding, continuous traffic and little regard for residents are continuous. The issues related to a high volume, transient tourist population are numerous. But I believe the social impact on our community and neighborhood is also very significant. I believe and given our current political climate that we have become a nation divided and a presence of community has never been more important. We need a sense of belonging and a connection with the places we live, spend our lives and raise our families. The approval and number of VRD’s in our community is counterproductive to this objective. I share my lot line with a high volume VRD. The turnover is about every 4 days. That means a different set of strangers approximately two times a week. We have no way of knowing anything about these transient visitors. I have questions about the safety of my kids and pets, my property. I think VRD’s should be banned from residential zones and I hope that you will give consideration to the concerns I have expressed. Thank you and respectfully, Sandy Benning
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:
Colleen Harris Thursday, November 09, 2017 8:57 AM Public comment Eric Nicholson ([email protected]); Chantelle Charpentier ([email protected]); Rose Lupton Vacation Rental Hearing
Good Day, I am the Secretary/Treasurer of the Play Del Sur HOA in South Beach. I am writing to you today since I am unable to be present in person for the upcoming hearing on November 20th regarding vacation rentals. As a proud and responsible vacation rental property owner, I am NOT IN FAVOR of any changes or a moratorium being established. I use Vacasa to manage my two properties, and they employ MANY people in Newport and add to the entire coasts economy. They hold their renters accountable and care about the homeowners and Newport community very much. There are thirteen townhomes in my community at South Beach, and nine of them are vacation rentals. We take great pride in sharing our property and views with visitors, with many of my tenants being repeats over the last three years. These renters bring revenue to all businesses in town. If we are no longer allowed to rent our homes, many of us will have to sell, or may even lose our homes. I plan on retiring to my home in six years and I would be devastated to lose something I hold so dear. I understand the full time residents concerns, but our townhome community supports the continuance of vacation rentals, and the economic support it provides us and the Newport Comminity. Please consider my request, and those of the other home owners in my community at South Beach. Kindest Regards,
Colleen Harris President Harris WorkSystems I Furniture That Fits! T: 503.643.3018 I D:503.924.6300 I C:503.209.9816 Address: 11530 SW Tiedeman Tigard, OR, 97223 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hafflsworksystems.com
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Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the issues around rules for vacation rental and bed and breakfast establishments in Newport. We testified at the Council meeting at which the Council decided to further examine this issue. Based on our experience as a licensed vacation rental and the information provided at that council meeting, we have a number of points we would like to make. 1. We were a little surprised, given the vehemence of the comments to the council by members of the Planning Commission testifying as individuals, that the council referred the issue to the commission. I realize, under normal circumstances, this is the appropriate referral, but wonder whether that body, given the obvious predisposition of several of its members, can objectively evaluate the issue. It is a fundamental responsibility of public service to put the good of the community above personal interests when assessing an issue. 2. Based on testimony to the council, enforcement of existing rules is conspicuous in its absence. This could reflect a matter of priorities, a lack of resources. or something else altogether. Whatever the situation, it would seem that looking at enforcement of existing rules ought to be a key consideration. 3. Again based on information presented at the council meeting, it is apparent that the vast number of licensed VRBBs in Newport are in Nye Beach. It also appears that the focal point of complaints regarding VRBBs is also Nye Beach. We feel that this geographic concentration of VRBBs and possible means of mitigating the outcomes of such concentration is a key issue. 4. Another apparent locus of concern is VRBBs with a higher guest capacity. Again it seems that the vast majority of the problems cited were associated with VRBBs with large numbers of guests. At what point a VRBB becomes, in reality, a hostel or hotel is a question that should be addressed. 5. Should the city institute a moratorium on new units? Two issues come to mind. How long would such a moratorium stay in effect and/or under what conditions would it be lifted? A moratorium may be a reasonable idea, if the evidence suggests the status quo represents a serious community-wide concern which will worsen absent a moratorium. We might support the idea of a time-limited moratorium, but note that a moratorium could be interpreted advantageous for existing licensed VRBBs. 6. Whichever direction the Council chooses to take on this issue, we ask that you be cognizant of the investment many local residents have made in developing VRBBs. It would be patently unfair to retroactively restrict or eliminate the livelihood of VRBB owners who played by the rules in place at the time they started their businesses. Its worth recalling that VRBBs bring travelers to Newport who contribute to the economy in many ways, so restrictions limiting VRBBs will ripple out to the broader local economy. 7. Finally, we feel wish to repeat the testimony we gave at the previous council meeting. We are conscientious, tax-paying VR owners. We rent only to people that are pre-screened, accept only 1-2 guests at a time, do not allow parties or events or unapproved visitors, and have never had a complaint regarding any of our guests. We live in the same structure that houses our VR, so we know what is going on at all times. We live in a residential neighborhood (that includes a second home and another VR) and we respect our neighbors’ rights and expect our guests to do the same. We feel confident that the large majority of other VRBB owners also strive to be good neighbors. Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Richard Rainery Kay Klose 1144 SW Mark Street Newport OR 97365
Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
Public comment Monday, November 06, 2017 3:31 PM Gloria Tucker FW: Regarding the proposal of a Vacation Rental Moratorium in Newport, OR Peggy Hawker
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From: Glenn Stockton [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 2:57 PM To: Public comment Cc: Lan Stockton Subject: Regarding the proposal of a Vacation Rental Moratorium in Newport, OR Attn. Peggy Hawker -
Greetings Ms Hawker: As our main residence is in Bremerton, WA and we are very busy with our lives here, I will be unable to attend the coming meeting that seeks input on the idea of placing a moratorium on adding new licensed vacation rental homes in the City of Newport. Even so, please consider my comments below as the city considers this matter: My wife and I have maintained what was initially a grand-fathered-in and now is a licensed vacation rental home in Newport, OR since 2003. We have greatly enjoyed our several annual visits to Newport and also sharing our home with many visitors to the Oregon Coast over the years. As we understand only about 3% of Newport homes are currently available for visitors to rent, we believe it would be shortsighted to place a moratorium on the licensing of additional homes for this use at this time. Were the percentage significantly larger, such a restriction might be warranted, but with only 3 in 100 homes in the category, it hardly seems necessary. Rather than placing such a moratorium currently, I suggest a broader look to the future. The needed research should begin now to determine what makes sense for the highest upper percentage of homes in this category. Surely there are other cities that have had gone before Newport in determining this optimum percentage. While Newport is unique, information gathered from these other cities which have faced this question could be accessed, analyzed, and adapted to Newport’s unique setting and situation. Determining the correct action in this way would enable the decision to be made, not based on the interests of pressure groups that are in seeming competition, such as hotels and vacation rental owners but instead in the true interests of all aspects of the City of Newport. The city would thus avoid the necessity of making any sudden changes, providing homeowners in the process of making a decision about entering (or not) the vacation rentalmarket needed information for making a truly informed decision. —
It is my understanding that Newport vacation rental licensing is not currently passed from home seller to home buyer. If this is indeed the case, placing a moratorium on issuing “new” vacationrental licenses would have the impact of greatly reducing the value of the homes of current vacation rental licensees, as well as reducing the number of reasons for buyers to purchase these same homes. That would be patently unfair to vacation rental homeowners who, in many cases, have spent thousands of dollars upgrading their homes to required vacation rental standards and thereby rely on the value they have added to them to be recovered when they sell. If, against my and others advice on this, a moratorium is put in place, it will be important to current vacationrental licensees that the code is simultaneously altered to enable the renewal of licenses based on previous continuous licensing of the home and not on the continuous same ownership of that home. Placing current restrictions on the number of any of the growing variety of rental and logging options for visitors to our beautiful city, sends the wrong message, and longterm would likely have a negative impact on the local Newport economy. Best Regards, Glenn Stockton Home location: 1156 SW Mark St, Newport, OR 97365 My cell #: 360.621.8653
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Gloria Tucker Public comment Monday, November 06, 2017 3:31 PM Gloria Tucker FW: Hearing Nov 20, 2017 Vacation Rental/Bed & Breakfast topic
From: Sent: To: Subject:
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From: Stephanie Sayler [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 9:04 AM To: Public comment Subject: Hearing Nov 20, 2017 Vacation Rental/Bed & Breakfast topic -
Please accept this email as a “public comment” for your upcoming hearing. My husband and I own a beachhouse in Nye Beach that we have licensed as a vacation rental. We count on this income to pay the property tax and improvements. I just checked our accounting and we had paying guests every single month of 2017 to date. The visitors to our home frequent the local restaurants and gifl shops. We also bring revenue directly to the city via the tax and licensing. We love Nye Beach and support the community there. On every visit (without fail): • • • • •
I get a facial at Earthbound Beauty Day Spa and purchase products; We spend hundreds of dollars at Fred Meyers/Wal Mart, Jovi, and various artists and local suppliers (really miss 9th Street Gallery); We purchase big ticket furniture and appliances at Roby’s (thousands of dollars literally); We employ carpenters, Groth-Gates, electricians, plumbers, window washers, etc. on a very regular basis We dine out regularly while in Nye Beach tuna melts at Georgies, meatloaf at Nana’s, omelets at Nye Beach Café, burgers at Taphouse, fresh oysters Oregon Oyster Farm, and of course Panini for pastries and coffee. -
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We have many repeat guests to our home because they love the Oregon Coast and the community there as we do. Those visits elevate the quality and aesthetics of our home as we put the money back into the house (new decks, stainless cable deck railing, new windows, etc.). Income from vacationers help improve dilapidated houses, which in turn beautifies our neighborhoods. Our communities benefit from vibrant businesses that our supported by tourism. We hope to continue to improve the house (which was a wreck when we purchased it) and we hope that we and our guests may continue to support the community of Nye Beach and the City of Newport. Not every house can be a vacation rental, as it must have the draw of a good view and/or within walking distance of tourist attractions. I hope the houses in these areas continue to support the vacation rental marketplace of the City for everyone’s benefit. Kind regards, Stephanie Sayler & Merritt Bruce
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Gloria Tucker From: Sent: To: Subject:
[email protected] Monday, November 06, 2017 9:45 AM City Council Contact Us Web Form -
City of Newport, OR:: Contact Us Web Form -
The following information was submitted on 11/6/2017 at 9:45:04 AM
To: City Council Name: Greg L Stem pson Email: [email protected] Phone: 4254572837 Subject: VRD Public Meeting
Message: Dear Mayor Roumagoux and City Council members, I received your postcard regarding potential changes to the Vacation Rental rules in Newport. We were alarmed and totally caught off guard by this public meeting. As a licensed vacation rental operator that has paid thousands in city occupancy tax, we would like to provide some more input to the appropriate parties and are willing to invest the time and effort to do so. What is the best way to request a phone meeting with the Mayor and council? We will also attempt to provide written input prior to the November15 deadline and possibly attend the meeting in person on November 20th, if we don’t have other conflicts. As I stated above, we were caught off guard by this meeting as it didn’t seem as though this was an issue in our neighborhood which is Nye Beach. We have been operating a vacation rental for more than 2 years and have never received a complaint from any of our neighbors in any form. We lived in our vacation rental in Newport all summer (from July through September 2017) and never heard anything from our neighbors or the community at large regarding this issue or saw anything in the local papers that would indicate this was a rising concern. In addition, we took the time to research and purchase a home in a commercially zoned area to run our vacation rental business and thought this would not be an issue we would have to deal with. We have followed all vacation rental rules and guidelines and purchased all necessary licenses. We feel it is unfair to change rules for people who have followed all the policies the city has put in place. Has the city thought through the possible implications if vacation rentals are eliminated and the loss of tax revenues, and the reduction of tourism dollars? We are interested to see any information (hard data, i.e. written complaints, etc.) from the City that demonstrates that this is in fact an issue-- other than anecdotal information from a few residents. At this point, unless we receive more info to change our mind, the only course of action that we see fit is to place a temporary moratorium on any new vacation rentals and to allow existing operators such as ourselves- that have been following the rules and have not had
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any complaints- to continue to operate our business that contributes to the local tax base. A quick review of the tax base shows that hotels and vacation rentals contribute around 3.5 million dollars annually to the City. As I stated, we live part time in Newport and have been through this process in Bend, Oregon where our other home is located. It seems Bend did quite a bit more fact finding before rushing to the point of conducting the time and expense of a public meeting and running the risk of coming to a hasty conclusion. I look forward to discussing this issue with you. Sincerely, 425-457-2837 Greg Stempson 540 NW Alpine
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