P&Z seeking input on vacation rentals
On Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 5:30 p.m., the Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission is holding an informational meeting at City Hall to gather information from local residents on whether transient rental units (tourist homes or vacation rentals) should be allowed in Sandpoint's residential communities. The actions they take can be influenced by what we do, how much we care, and our willingness to take a couple hours to let them know what our position is.
Do you think that the home next to you should be allowed to be rented out on a nightly, weekend, or weekly basis to people just passing through town or do you think that is a commercial enterprise incompatible with a residential area? My position is that it is nothing more than a motel/hotel that happens to look like a house and is in violation of current zoning laws. It is no longer a home but really short stay transient accommodations. Note these are different from homes rented out on a long-term basis that have always been allowed in residential areas. It is the short-term nature of these rentals that make them qualitatively different.
Besides being illegal under current residential zoning laws in my opinion, transient rental units affect the quality of neighborhood life and the vibrancy of community. Do you think these weekend visitors will become involved in supporting our local schools, local sports teams, the Panida, the local food bank, our library, or other local service organizations? Will they be willing to look after your house when you are on vacation? Will they be adult friends to your kids or do a host of things that neighbors do for each other?
There are areas in the city that are zoned commercial in which these transient accommodations should be encouraged and supported because they are important to our tourist industry. But they should not be allowed to seep into residential areas thereby changing forever the quality of our neighborhoods.
Every one of us who cares about the quality of our community ought to take a couple hours out of our busy lives to let the planning commission know how we feel. See you there!
GRETCHEN HELLAR
Sandpoint