Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 23, 2018)
Wednesday, May 23, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Tighterbrentalbregsbonbtable By Sue Stafford Correspondent Despite protest from the real estate community, the Sisters Planning Commission is recommending tighter reg- ulation of short-term rentals in Sisters. Commissioners voted unanimously on May 17 to recommend the Sisters City Council approve Text Amendment #18-01, which covers a variety of topics within the Development Code. The amendment requiring the most time and receiving the most public attention dealt with Chapter 2.15.2700 Special P r o v i s i o n s – Va c a t i o n Rental Housing Units, revis- ing VR/short-term rental regulations. Strong opposition came from local Realtors who mounted an email campaign against stricter regulations regarding short-term rentals (STR). They were particu- larly opposed to the lack of transferability of a property’s approval as a STR when it changes ownership. They claim the lack of transferabil- ity could be a deal-breaker for buyers who are purchas- ing residences in Sisters as second homes. Realtors also questioned the methodology for deter- mining the percentage increase in STR allowed each year. They also requested clearer language regarding grandfathering of existing STR. On the other side of the aisle, local neighborhood residents expressed con- cerns about dilution of their neighborhoods with increas- ing numbers of STR, not having full-time neighbors, noise and trash from renters, and negative impact on their property values. The Planning Commission and staff tackled the issue of STR at the direction of the City Council, which has had as a goal for four years the regulation of STR. They are attempting to be proac- tive rather than reactive in addressing vacation rent- als, which are impacting all Central Oregon cities. At issue are questions of livability and character of the community versus the rights of private property owners. There are currently 67 STR properties in the city approved or being reviewed. With approval of the text amendment by the council, the cap would start at 104 properties and be increased by four residential units each year to account for growth. Currently the STR owner must have land-use approval and acquire a City business license each year and pay transient room tax. Under the new regulations, each STR owner would have to acquire an operator ’s license. For new properties, an operator’s license would be required in order to get a land-use approval. The land- use approval doesn’t run with the land but rather with the owner. For properties that are grandfathered in, if they sell, the new property own- ers would be required to get an operator’s license and would receive prior- ity as far as the annual cap is concerned, moving to the front of any waiting list. However, it would have to be accomplished within 60 days from the time of the title transfer. Properties that receive approval after adoption of the text amendment is approved by City Council will not be eligible to transfer their STR permit. Current STR owners will be given until July 1, 2019 to secure an operator’s license. The City Council will be reviewing the STR amend- ment at their May 23 work- shop, and at their June 27 regular meeting will hold a public hearing before vot- ing on the full #18-01 Text Amendment. Spring Fling $300 Discount CIVILbWAR:bEncampment covered meadow for three days Continued from page 6 was General Lee’s favorite cannon. And was widely used by both sides,” Whattez said. During the reenactment all the members wear authenti- cally reproduced clothing, handle blackpowder weapons, cook over open fires and sleep in canvas tents. 21 Life during the Civil War in 1863 wasn’t easy, and the reenactment members pre- sented their activities and struggles during the war. Visitors were welcome to walk around and mingle with the reenactors viewing life as it was back in 1863 during the war. They got the chance to watch everyday lives of the men, women, and children of that time period. “People are encouraged to go around and ask questions,” Banks said. PHOTO BY JODI SCHNEIDER MCNAMEE Sisters resident Holly Foster possesses several letters from the Civil War. Kiwanis Club of Sisters Presents the Third Annual FOR THE MONTH OF MAY when you start a comprehensive treatment program. New patients only. Flexible fi nancing available. Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation Smile by Lauren & The Brace Place! 541-382-0410 410 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters CentralOregonBracePlace.com You could save up to $1350 on a Carrier Unit with Cool Cash! The Cool Cash program through Carrier comes along every year April through June. Call for details. OR TRY OUR NEW 5K RACE THE BASE Half Marathon or 5k Run/Walk Saturday, July 28 at 8 a.m. As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, we can help you access cash incentives to make it easier to improve your home’s energy effi ciency. Proudly serving Central Oregon since 1953 For more information call 541-382-1231 www.BendHeating.com “BE WARM, BE COOL, BE HAPPY” (5K at 10:30 am) Registration: Sign up online at tinyurl.com/HoodooChallenge2018 For more information contact Matt Kirchoff at 541-647-7586.
