Wednesday, June 27, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon RENTALS: Planners wrestle with spacing versus cap Continued from page 1 additional changes to the short-term rental (STR) regulations being pro- posed for adoption as part of a larger package of text amendments. At the June 21 Planning Commission meeting, staff sought input from the com- missioners on two changes Council would like to see. Staff was directed to include spacing/buffering require- ments for STRs and to review “transferability” of STR land-use approvals and operator’s licenses. Council was concerned that without spacing requirements, con- centration of STRs in any one area would create nega- tive impacts on residential neighborhoods. Staff presented to the Planning Commission sev- eral scenarios regarding 150- foot and 250-foot buffers between STRs and the pos- sible ramifications regard- ing the number of additional STRs. Chairman Tim Klem indi- cated, “If we have to have spacing, I don’t want the eight percent cap.” Commissioners Jeff Seymour and Roger Detweiler don’t favor spac- ing requirements and Jack Nagel does. Nagel pointed to the impact of a concen- tration of STRs in a single neighborhood. In counterpoint, Detweiler asserted, “The town is too small to use spacing requirements.” The apparent frustra- tion on the part of some of the commissioners seemed to come from the fact that they have spent a number of months addressing the issues involved with STRs before making their recom- mendation to the Council. Several voiced that perhaps City Council was consider- ing changes to what commis- sioners had recommended without being fully informed of all the information the Planning Commission had considered. A decision was made to seek a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and the City Council to discuss all the factors involved when considering STRs. With a steady influx of applications for STRs to the City, the Planning Commission is concerned that a delay in approving STR regulations will result in a continuing increase in the number and concentration of STRs. BreAnne McConkie, senior planner, reported that of 20 current land-use applications, 10 are for STRs. In other business, the commissioners considered prioritization of proposed new text amendments they will be considering. They will be looking at regulations for cutting trees, amenities requirements in master plans for subdivisions, annexa- tion requirements related to affordable housing, tiny homes, mobile food units, and several factors involving planned unit developments. The upcoming treescape design for Adams Avenue, funded by a Transportation Growth Management grant, will require a review of the code for multiuse development and require- ments regarding curbs, sidewalks, and parking on Adams. The Nugget Newspaper Crossword By Jacqueline E. Mathews, Tribune News Service — Last Week’s Puzzle Solved — This Week’s Crossword Sponsors It must be summer... Greg Wieland L.Ac. Practicing since 1989 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. E Sisters Acupuncture Center 541-549-1523 When the going gets tough, even the tough call us. Banr Enterprises, llc Consult | Construct | Complete Earthwork • Utilities • Grading • Rock Walls • Snow Removal Residential and Commercial Contractor CCB: 165122 www.banr.net | 541-549-6977 PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK Paddleboarders celebrated the advent of summer at Suttle Lake last weekend. Next weekend is shaping up sunny and mild. 25