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kielbasa (Matthew Stoddard) says...

Skigirl21- What do you mean? There are plenty of property management companies that rent out private homes in addition to condos and townhomes. I haven't heard of anyone (in particular, at least) trying to close rentals to people.

March 24, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Robin_Craigen (Robin Craigen) says...

Read the story in todays (Sunday) Pilot. If some home-owners get their way rentals could be excluded or significantly reduced in some neighborhoods (even right on the mountain). They seem to be targeting large homes and attempting to limit occupancy - would make it economically difficult for many owners.

There are very few complaints on file - just a vocal group of neighbors. They want the city to do what they should be doing themselves - make up some covenants (don't use the city code). This is not a citywide problem.

Not everyone expects to live in a bubble when they buy on the mountain. If you don't like rentals live in a rental free covenant protected neighborhood.

March 25, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Beancounter (Alan Geye) says...

Can you imagine it? There seems to be a campaign of dis-information going on regarding the concerns about the City's Vacation Home Rental regulations. Should that be surprising in a rather political environment? So, let's look at some of the facts.

I'm a concerned citizen who has owned a home in Steamboat for almost 10 years. Personally, I don't have any problems with VHR rentals, as long as they are reasonably controlled as opposed to uncontrolled.

We are a city which is based on zoning and development regulations designed for the protection of it citizens and to improve the quality of our lives. Does it seem appropriate to allow a commercial enterprise that is not required to comply with existing health, safety and construction codes because of a poorly written VHR regulation? Essentially, that's what we appear to have today.

Is the current situation just a bunch of complaints from some malcontents, or is this a "canary in the coal mine?" May I suggest that to me, this is the leading edge of a growing problem because some commercial interests may be taking advantage of an earlier Council's oversights. It may in fact be appropriate for residents to examine the concerns and recommendations for enhancing the VHR regulations before drawing conclusions.

March 27, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Icare (anonymous) says...

I agree, Beancounter. What is happening in our residential neighborhoods is a shame. Lack of monitoring, in addition to absolutely no enforcement of the VHR code, has led to mini-hotels in our low-density residential neighborhoods. Why bother with complicated legal compliance when it is easier (and cheaper) not to?

I love the "canary in a coal mine". You've hit the nail on the head. We have to "stay the course" and be persistent if we want to save Steamboat's sense of community, our residential neighborhoods.

March 28, 2007 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SangriaMama (anonymous) says...

I'm a 15 year resident of Steamboat and I can honestly say that I have never seen such "storm in a tea-cup" as the whiners on Ridge Road are creating.

It's obvious that the city could do a better job of enforcing the code otherwise you wouldn't have so many unpermitted rentals. What also seems to be missing is a fair way to handle complaints.

As for the "Canary at the Coal Mine" - seems like the "Canary" has verbal diarhoea and simply sqwarks non stop. Kind of like a two year old trying to get mama's attention.

I hear the debate is all about Ridge Road - so why don't they just use Covenants to protect their little enclave?

March 29, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )