HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Budget Study Session 2016-08-30
TOWN BOARD / PLANNING
COMMISSION /
COUNTY COMMISSIONER Tuesday, August 30, 2016
STUDY SESSION 8:00 p.m.
Board Room
AGENDA
1. Vacation Rental Task Force Recommendation Presentation.
(Larimer County Community Development Director Terry Gilbert)
2. Discussion of Recommendations.
3. Direction to Staff.
4. Vacation Rental Task Force Recommendations on Enforcement.
(Ed Peterson, Vacation Rental Task Force Representative)
“Informal discussion among Trustees, Board and Commission concerning agenda items or other matters
may occur before this meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m.”
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TO: Board of County Commissioners
Town of Estes Park Trustees 23 August 2016
FROM: COL Robert “Terry” Gilbert (ret.), AICP
Director
SUBJECT: Vacation Rental Task Force Recommendations on Vacation Rentals for 9 or More Occupants
30 August 2016 Joint Work Session
At the 2 February 2016 Joint Work Session between the Board of County Commissioners, Town Trustees, and
the Estes Valley Planning Commission, I was asked to develop the Scope of Work and Timeline for a Vacation
Rental Task Force. The Task Force was charged with developing recommendations, concerning vacation rentals
that will accommodate 9 or more individuals. The Task Force was not charged with making recommendations
on the Enforcement process, because the enforcement processes were going to be reviewed by the Town staff
separately.
Timeline
Both Boards set mid-November 2016 as the approximate time for the final public hearing to decide on possible
Development Code amendments, for vacation rentals, which accommodated 9 or more occupants. The Scope of
Work and Timeline were developed with the mid-November date as a completion date. The Board of County
Commissioners and the Town Trustees approved the Scope of Work & Timeline on 16 February and 23
February, respectively, with two changes:
1. Add a task force member from the Association of Responsible Development (ARD) and
2. Have a task force member selected by the property managers.
The Task Force was made up of 15 members, not counting myself. The membership is made up of two primary
categories:
1. Individuals (8 members) approved by the Town Trustees and Board of County Commissioners:
a.3 home owners within the town limits, living near or close to a vacation rental;
b. 3 home owners within the unincorporated area of the Estes Valley Planning Area, living near or
close to a vacation rental;
c.1 vacation rental owner, with a vacation rental in the town limits;
d. 1 vacation rental owner, with a vacation rental within the unincorporated area of the Estes Valley
Planning Area.
2. Organizations (7). Each organization was to select a representative to be on the Task Force. The actual
list of organizations and their representative is shown in Tab A.
On 12 April 2016, both the Town Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners met, via a tele-conference,
to select the 8 members of group 1, above.
The first meeting of the Task Force was held on 27 April 2016. The meetings were held every other Wednesday
from 27 April through 3 August 2016, for a total of 8 meetings.
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Between 27 April and 3 August both the Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners were
updated on the process of the Task Force in June and July.
On 3 August 2016, the Task Force completed their assignment to recommend potential changes to the Estes
Valley Land Development Code, should the Board of Trustees and the County Commissioners decide to allow
Vacation Rentals for 9/above occupants.
The current schedule for the potential adoption is as follows:
30 August 2016 - Work session between the Board of Trustees, Board of County Commissioners,
and the Estes Valley Planning Commission.
Should the Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners decide
to move forward with the Public Hearing process, the Town of Estes
Community Development Department will develop appropriate Code
amendments reflecting the Task Force recommendations and any additional
language requested by either of the Boards.
18 October 2016 – Estes Valley Planning Commission Public Hearing
17 November 2016 - Board of Trustees’ and Board of County Commissioners’ joint Public Hearing.
It needs to be noted, an initial assumption in the timeline was the final determination on the amendments to the
vacation rents for 8/below and whether there would be a cap on the total number of vacation rentals in the Estes
Valley Planning Area. As of the date of this report, no action has been taken to resolve the two items.
The Process
As both the Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners know, the issue of vacation rentals is an
extremely volatile issue. Although the members of the Task Force were appointed to work together in
developing a set of recommendations for the two Boards, each representative still had their own opinions about
vacation rentals. This was evident in the first half of the process and resulted in heated arguments.
During the process, three Task Force members resigned, the most recent on the day of the last meeting. Those
resigning were: one owner/occupied representative from within the Town limits (resigned on 6 July) and two
owner/occupied representatives outside of the Town limits (one resigned on 19 July and the other on 3 August).
However, in July and August, the representatives, for the most part, were working to develop recommendations
each member could live with. As a result, 15 out of 17 tasks were completed and are being recommended with a
unanimous vote.
During the Task Force process, the method of determining the recommendations from the Task Force was
changed, from a “Informed Consent/Unified Decision” process to a voting (head count) process. This caused
some delay added one additional meeting on 3 August 2016.
The end process of approving recommendations was two-fold:
1. The vote had to be a majority vote of all members
2. The vote had to be an “Equitable Vote”: ie;
a.A minimum of 5 out of the 8 members (that were not representing the Owner/Occupied residential
properties) was needed,
b. A minimum of 4 out of the 7 members (that were representing the Owner/Occupied residential
properties) was needed.
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Even though 3 of the 7 owner/occupied representatives resigned during the process, all 4 of the
remaining members had to vote for a recommendation, in order for it to be considered an “Equitable
Vote”. Tab “A” shows the actual votes on each recommendation.
Any task, not being recommended, would still be brought forward to the Board of Trustees and Board of County
Commissioners with an explanation of why the Task Force was not able to reach a final recommendation on a
particular task.
There were a total of eighteen (18) tasks discussed:
1. Fifteen (15) of the tasks are being recommended with a unanimous decision,
2.The Task Force could not reach a “Equitable Vote” on two of the tasks,
3. One Task (Neighborhood Character) was determined to be an item the Board of Trustees and the Board
of County Commissioners would need to determine during their final approval or denial of an
application.
Throughout the process, a key issue of concern was the lack of enforcement of the current land use regulations
and whether enforcement was going to continue to be an issue. Although Enforcement was not a task assigned
to the Task Force, once the Task Force completed their assigned duties, they did discuss Enforcement of the
land development code and addressed Building Code concerns.
For the Building Codes, the Task Force recommends the Board of Trustees and Board of County
Commissioners modify the Building Codes to be consistent in how vacation rentals, for those that have
occupancy of 9 and above, are regulated.
The Task Force appointed Ed Peterson to speak on their behalf regarding concerns related to current and future
enforcement of the Land Development Code. Mr. Peterson will speak at the end of the joint work session.
Recommendations:
Tab “A” below is a listing of the tasks, the Task Force identified, and the recommendations associated with the
tasks.
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TAB A
Estes Valley Vacation Rental Task Force
9 & Above Occupancy
Recommendations
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Date: 06 July 2016
Task: Process for establishing occupancy count
Vote: Total: 13 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
X Bernie Hollen Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
X Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
Process count should be (2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional occupants)
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Date: 06 July 2016
Task: Traffic limitations in areas adjacent to VR
Vote: Total: 13 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
X Bernie Hollen Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
X Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
Traffic imitations in areas adjacent to Vacation Rentals are to be the same as the existing
requirements for the area.
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Date: 06 July 2016
Task: Speed limits in areas adjacent to VR
Vote: Total: 13 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
X Bernie Hollen Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
X Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
Speed limits in areas adjacent to Vacation Rentals are to be the same as the existing
requirements for the area.
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Date: 06 July 2016
Task: Number of Vacation Rentals in a neighborhood – No Recommendation on Number
Vote: Total: 10 - 3 Non-HO: 7 yes HO: 3 yes & 3 no
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
X Bernie Hollen Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
X Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
The TF recommendation was not approved with an equitable vote. Therefore, this is not a
recommendation of the TF. A vote of 11-2 would be required to be considered equitable.
Concerns were raised, by those not in favor of the motion, about the current lack of enforcement and
that the character of the neighborhood would be changed if there was no restriction.
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Date: 06 July 2016
Task: Review of Assessor’s records vs Building Department records (ie: number of bedrooms)
Vote: Total: 13 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
X Bernie Hollen Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
X Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
The process is already underway and the TF recommends continuing to review the Assessor’s records
against the Building Department to determine the legal number of bedrooms associated with vacation
rentals.
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Date: 06 July 2016 & 03 August 2016
Task: Inspections to be conducted by local government, etc.
Vote: Total: 14 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
X Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
X Bernie Hollen Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
X Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
1.All normal Land Use, Building, Health, Fire, etc. to be utilized
2.Annual inspections are not required
Note: Originally, on 06 July 2016, the vote was 10 – 3 and was an approved with an equitable vote.
On 03 Aug 2016, the individuals who voted no (Jane Livingston, Rainer Schelp, and Linda Moak, plus
Bill Van Horn) requested their votes be changed to “yes”, thus making the final vote 14 – 0.
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Grandfathering of 9/above Vacation Rentals
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
1.Effective 01 July 2016, Grandfather existing 9/above, or capacity for 9/above, Vacation Rentals, only
for VRs that are currently permitted as 8/below and have existing capacity for 9/above.
2.Within 30 days of the final adoption of 9/above VR regulations, all potential grandfathered
9/above VRs are to submit for license/permit. (verification of the use must be provided)
3.Grandfather status for 9/above VR:
a.Location on a lot of less than one (1) acre would be grandfathered
b.Existing setback of less than 25 feet would be grandfathered
c.Use as a grandfathered 9/above vacation rental is dependent on the number of
bedrooms (2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional occupants)
d.Parking, Building, Health, Fire, etc. are not Grandfathered.
Note: As of 01 July 2016, there were a total of 97 vacation rentals, which would potentially be considered
under the Grandfather recommendation:
32 vacation rentals within the Town limits
65 vacation rentals within the unincorporated area of the Estes Valley Planning Area
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Location Requirements
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
1.Allowed in the same zoning districts as the 8/below are allowed
2.Minimum of 1 acre lot (smaller lots could be combined, utilizing the subdivision regulations, to create a
1 acre or larger lot)
3.Minimum of 25’ setbacks for all a yards or the zoning district setbacks, whichever is greater
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Parking
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
Utilize the current language in the Estes Valley Land Development Code:
5.2.B.2.e.6 Limit on Number of Parked or Stored Vehicles, Not Including Recreational Equipment
and Recreational Vehicles, on a Lot.
(a) This Section applies to all vehicles that are not parked or stored in a fully enclosed garage.
(b) As Accessory to Single-Family and Two-Family Principal Uses. No more than a total of four (4)
vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot of two (2) acres or less. No more than a total of five
(5) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot greater than two (2) acres in size, but less than
five (5) acres. No more than a total of six (6) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot equal
to, or greater than five (5) acres, but less than ten (10) acres. No more than a total of eight (8)
vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot equal to, or greater than ten (10) acres.
Note: A variance to the parking requirements would need to be added, to the VR application, to have more
vehicles than listed above.
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Renter Notification Requirements for Posting
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
This is the recommended list to be posted in the home of vacation rentals of 9 or more. It does not include
information that would be in the rental agreement or expanded information that would be included in the
guest information binder/book in the home. However, it is recommended the same list be used for vacation
rentals of 8 and below occupancy.
YOU ARE STAYING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. OUR NEIGHBORS ARE GOING
ABOUT THEIR DAILY LIVES, INCLUDING GETTING UP TO GO TO WORK, POSSIBLY VERY
EARLY (5 AM). SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING, RESPECT THEIR PRIVACY, DO NOT
TRESPASS AND REDUCE THE OUTSIDE NOISE LEVEL AFTER 9:00 PM. THIS WILL GO A
LONG WAY IN ASSURING OUR ABILITY TO RETAIN OUR VACATION RENTAL FOR
FUTURE VISITORS. THANK YOU.
1.Physical address and License or Permit #:
2.Name and contact information for owner/manager:
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3.Important contact information:
Emergency 911
Police Department
Fire Department
Hospital
Doctors Office (walk-in)
4.Maximum occupancy:
5.Visitors/Daily use: A visitor is an occupant in the rental property that is not staying
overnight. The total number of persons permitted in rental property including visitors is
__________. This property is not an event venue.
6.Parking: Number of vehicles allowed: _________________________________________
Vehicles in garage do not count. On street parking is prohibited by ordinance.
7.Location of fire extinguisher/s ______________________________________
8.Trash Disposal: (Information pertinent to each property).
Leaving trash or food outside or in your car has the potential for attracting bears and
other wildlife looking for an easy snack. This causes damage, puts people in danger and
jeopardizes the life and safety of the wildlife involved.
9.Noise: Noise in the Estes Valley travels easily and far in the mountain air, especially in the
evening, night and early morning hours. Tenant shall not make or permit any excessive,
disturbing or annoying
Noise in or on the Rental Property by tenants or guests, nor permit such persons to do
anything that will interfere with the rights of neighbors in the surrounding area,
specifically including, but not limited to, the right of quiet enjoyment. By ordinance, noise
levels are strictly controlled and enforced with mandatory quiet hours between 10 pm
and 9 am. Please read expanded version regarding noise in the house information book.
10.Wildlife Safety/Protection: Do not approach or feed any wild animals
Including birds. Animals of any size are potentially dangerous. Do not allow small children
to be outdoors except with adult supervision. You have a responsibility for the well-being
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of wild animals by not putting yourself in a situation whereby you or your children could
be injured thus requiring that the animal be destroyed.
11.Pet Regulations/Safety: Not relevant if owner does not allow pets.
Estes Park has a leash law requiring all pets to be on a leash at all times-enforced with
fines. Do not allow pet to chase wildlife. This puts the wildlife and the pet’s life in danger
and you in danger of a large fine. Do not tie up/tether pet outside as this only makes the
pet available as coyote and mountain lion chow. Pick up your pets poop.
12.Exterior Lighting: Turn off all exterior lighting when not needed or by 10 pm.
13.Map/Plot Plan: - State where it can be found and encourage tenants to look at
it. Mark boundary corners, if possible, so that they are noticeable.
14.Trespassing: Trespassing on private property is illegal in Colorado. Trespassing may
result in the eviction of all guests. As part of your Vacation Rental Agreement you have
agreed that all members in your group will refrain from trespassing on the adjacent
neighbor’s property.
15.Fire Alarms/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The property has fire alarms and
Carbon monoxide detectors installed and they are believed to be functioning properly at
the time of rental. Notify management without delay if a fire alarm or carbon monoxide
detector “chirps” or has a low battery condition.
16.Smoking: Not relevant if smoking is not allowed on property.
If smoking outside, all cigarettes must be extinguished and butts placed in designated
receptacles. Do not toss cigarette butts on ground as fires can quickly start.
17.Miscellaneous:
No weddings or wedding related groups, large groups, parties, functions etc.
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Noise Requirements
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Current Town or County Noise Ordinance, depending on location in or out of Town, would apply. No additional
requirements limiting use or time of use, for outside activities, would be required.
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Minimum age limit for counting an Individual as an Occupant
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
All occupants, regardless of age, would be counted. This is due to health, safety, welfare concerns in case of
fires, etc.
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Proof of Insurance
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
No Proof of Insurance will be required. Insurance is the responsibility of the VR owner.
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Date: 20 July 2016
Task: Liability: Rental agreements to protect liability of neighbors
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Not
Present
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
Not
Present
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
X Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
X Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Bernie Holien (resigned 19 July) Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Not
Present
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
No requirement for liability signoff by renters, for protection of adjacent property owners. The VR is subject to
the same criteria as any other residential home is, within the area. (Note: the VR owner will include the
statement that renters are not to trespass onto adjacent properties. This will be in the list of posted items.)
22
Date: 3 Aug 2016
Task: Local Contact requirements for manager/owner
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
X Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
Not
Present
Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
Not
Present
Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw
(resigned on 3 Aug 2016)
Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
“Local Contact. The permit shall designate a local resident or property manager of the Estes Valley
who can be contacted by phone and is available twenty-four (24) hours per day, with regard to any
violation of the provisions of this Section. The local resident or property manager shall respond to
complaints within thirty (30) minutes.”
Additionally, the Task Force would recommend this same language be used for vacation rentals that have
8/below occupants.
23
Date: 3 Aug 2016
Task: Maximum Occupancy for 9/above Vacation Rentals (Two motions, see below, 1.a. and 1.b.)
(No matter how many bedrooms the vacation rental has)
Vote: Total: Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR
Representative
Representing
1.a 1.b 1.a 1.b
X X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development
(ARD)
X X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
X X Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp
(EDC)
X X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners
Association
X X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
Not Present Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
Not Present Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw
(resigned on 3 Aug 2016)
Home Owner (out of Town)
X X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
After a number of motions, to establish a specific maximum occupancy allowed for a 9/above vacation rental,
no matter how many bedrooms there are, the following was established:
1.There were two motions, which were seconded, however neither motion was approved by the
majority of Owner/occupied representatives. Those motions/votes were:
a.A Motion was made to allow two people per bedroom plus two people with a maximum
occupancy count of 20 people (and/or nine bedrooms plus two people).
Seven members voted in favor the Motion. Three members voted against the Motion.
b.A Motion was made to limit the maximum number of occupants to 8 occupants for any vacation
rental located in a zoning district which had minimum lots sizes of anything less than one acre in
size. Any vacation rental located within a zoning district that allowed lots of one acre or more in
size (E-1, RE, RE-1, A and A-1) could have a maximum of 20 occupants.
7 members voting in favor of the Motion, and 3 members voted against the Motion.
The reason for the no votes was:
24
The lack of enforcement of all the current code and ordinance requirements (not just the
noise ordnance)
At what occupancy does a short term rental in a residential zone become an actual
commercial lodging business;
At what occupancy is the use of a dwelling as a short term rental in conflict with
residential zoning regulations/definitions;
What is the mechanism for preventing neighborhoods, or developments, of 2 and 3
bedroom homes from being purchased and converted to 9+ VRs by the addition of
bedroom wings or second floors;
How many high occupancy (9+) vacation rentals could, or should, be allowed in
close proximity before neighborhood character is detrimentally impacted or lost
completely and the resultant residential area turned into a de facto
accommodations zone?
(Please note) It was to be further noted that all the Task Force members came together and
have 100% consensus on the enforcement concern.
2.Through the multiple motions and discussion, the highest maximum limit discussed was 20 occupants
and the lowest maximum was 10.
3.The Task Force believes there should be a maximum occupancy but was not able to establish a
specific occupation limit or establish criteria on how to establish the occupation limit.
25
Date: 3 Aug 2016
Task: Approval Process for 9/above Vacation Rentals (Current Special Review Process)
Vote: Total: 10 - 0 Non-HO: HO:
Yes No Name of VR Representative Representing
X Art Blume Association of Responsible Development (ARD)
X Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
X Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
X Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
X Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners Association
X Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
Not
Present
Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
X Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
Not
Present
Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
X Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Vacant Home Owner (out of Town)
Jo Anne Ollerenshaw
(resigned on 3 Aug 2016)
Home Owner (out of Town)
X Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
X Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
Recommendation:
1.Initially utilize the current Special Review process.
2.Staff needs to develop a more streamlined (shorter) process, which results in an approval by the Board
of Trustees, for applications within the Town and approval by the Board of County Commissioners for
applications within the unincorporated area of the Estes Valley Planning Area.
There was a lengthy discussion, on the approval process. All members agreed the Board of Trustees or the
Board of County Commissioners (depending on whether within the Town limits or in the unincorporated area)
should be the final approval authority through a Special Review process. There was discussion about
administrative approvals, however the Task Force “did not have confidence in the town board or staff, based
on past experience with the Town Board’s actions”.
The members of the Task Force, who own and live in their homes, strongly oppose any change to the current
Special Review process, which would allow for a staff approval of such an application. The Task Force firmly
believe “there is need for a public hearing to allow the elected officials to hear, first hand, the pros and cons
of such a change, contemplate the impact to neighbors, and to minimize any possible staff misinterpretation
of the code”.
The Task Force members, who represent vacation rentals, agree the Special Review process should be utilized,
with a Board of Trustees’ or Board of County Commissioners’ final approval. However, they feel the current
Special Review process is too cumbersome and lengthy a process.
26
(9 Occupants and Above)
1
2 February 2016
Initial Joint Work Session
16 & 23 February 2016
Boards’ Approved Scope of Work
12 April 2016
Boards’ Final Selection of Task Force Members
27 April 2016 – 3 August 2016
Vacation Rental Task Force Meetings
30 August 2016
Joint Work Session
18 October 2016
Estes Valley Planning Commission (PH)
17 November 2016
Joint Boards’ Public Hearing
2
Next Steps
1.Provide Estes Park Community Development staff direction on
whether to develop Code language.
2.Whether to move forward with public hearings:
18 October 2016
Estes Valley Planning Commission (PH)
17 November 2016
Joint Boards’ Public Hearing
3
Name of VR Representative Representing
Art Blume Association of Responsible Development
(ARD)
Jane Livingston Estes Area Lodging Association
Judy Anderson Estes Park Board of Realtors
Bill van Horn Estes Park Economic Development Corp (EDC)
Ed Peterson Estes Park Vacation Rentals Owners
Association
Rainer Schelp Property Management Representative
Lindsey Lamson Visit Estes Park
Fred R Mares Home Owner (in Town)
Millicent Cozzie Home Owner (in Town)
Richard (Dick) Spielman Home Owner (in Town)
Resigned 19 July Home Owner (out of Town)
Resigned 6 July Home Owner (out of Town)
Resigned 3 August Home Owner (out of Town)
Mick Scarpella Vacation Rental Owner (in Town)
Linda Moak Vacation Rental Owner (out of Town)
4
The Process Of Reaching Recommendations
During the Task Force process, the method of
determining the recommendations from the Task Force
was changed, from a “Informed Consent/Unified
Decision” process to a voting (head count) process. This
caused some delay and added one additional meeting on
3 August 2016
There were a total of eighteen (18) tasks discussed:
Fifteen (15) of the tasks are being recommended with a
unanimous decision,
The Task Force could not reach a recommendation on
two (2) of the tasks,
One Task (Neighborhood Character) was determined to
be an item the Board of Trustees and the Board of
County Commissioners would need to determine during
their final approval or denial of an application. 5
The Process Of Reaching Recommendations
Throughout the process, a key issue of concern was the
lack of enforcement of the current land use regulations
and whether enforcement was going to continue to be an
issue. Although Enforcement was not a task assigned to
the Task Force, once the Task Force completed their
assigned duties, they did discuss Enforcement of the land
development code and addressed Building Code
concerns.
For the Building Codes, the Task Force recommends the
Board of Trustees and Board of County Commissioners
modify the Building Codes to be consistent in how
vacation rentals, for those that have occupancy of 9 and
above, are regulated.
The Task Force appointed Ed Peterson to speak on their
behalf regarding concerns related to current and future
enforcement of the Land Development Code. Mr.
Peterson will speak at the end of the joint work session.6
Recommendations
It needs to be noted, an initial assumption in the
timeline was the final determination on the
amendments to the vacation rentals for 8/below and
whether there would be a cap on the total number of
vacation rentals in the Estes Valley Planning Area.
7
Recommendations
Process For Establishing Occupancy Count
o 2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional occupants
Traffic Limitations In Areas Adjacent To Vacation Rental
o No additional traffic requirements
Speed Limits In Areas Adjacent To Vacation Rental
o No additional speed limit requirements
Review of Assessor’s Records Vs Building Dept records
o Process already is underway, no change needed
Inspections To Be Conducted By Local Government, etc.
o All normal Land Use, Building, Health, Fire, etc. to be utilized
o Annual inspections are not required
8
Recommendation
1.Effective 01 July 2016, Grandfather existing 9/above, or capacity
for 9/above, Vacation Rentals, only for VRs that are currently
permitted as 8/below and have existing capacity for 9/above.
2.Within 30 days of the final adoption of 9/above VR regulations,
all potential grandfathered 9/above VRs are to submit for
license/permit. (verification of the use must be provided)
Grandfathering Of 9/Above Vacation Rentals
9
Recommendation
3. Grandfather status for 9/above VR:
a.Location on a lot of less than one (1) acre would be grandfathered
b.Existing setback of less than 25 feet would be grandfathered
c.Use as a grandfathered 9/above vacation rental is dependent on
the number of bedrooms (2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional
occupants)
d.Parking, Building, Health, Fire, etc. are not Grandfathered.
Note: As of 01 July 2016, there were a total of 97 vacation rentals, which
would potentially be considered under the Grandfather recommendation:
32 vacation rentals within the Town limits
65 vacation rentals within the unincorporated area of the Estes
Valley Planning Area
Grandfathering Of 9/Above Vacation Rentals
(Continued)
10
Recommendation
Location Requirements
1.Allowed in the same zoning districts as the 8/below are allowed
2.Minimum of 1 acre lot (smaller lots could be combined, utilizing
the subdivision regulations, to create a 1 acre or larger lot)
3.Minimum of 25’ setbacks for all a yards or the zoning district
setbacks, whichever is greater
11
Recommendation
Parking
Utilize the current language in the Estes Valley Land Development Code:
5.2.B.2.e.6 Limit on Number of Parked or Stored Vehicles, Not Including
Recreational Equipment and Recreational Vehicles, on a Lot.
(a) This Section applies to all vehicles that are not parked or stored in a
fully enclosed garage.
(b) As Accessory to Single-Family and Two-Family Principal Uses. No more
than a total of four (4) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot of two (2)
acres or less. No more than a total of five (5) vehicles shall be parked or
stored on a lot greater than two (2) acres in size, but less than five (5)
acres. No more than a total of six (6) vehicles shall be parked or stored on
a lot equal to, or greater than five (5) acres, but less than ten (10) acres. No
more than a total of eight (8) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot
equal to, or greater than ten (10) acres.
Note: A variance to the parking requirements would need to be added, to the VR
application, to have more vehicles than listed above.12
Recommendation
Renter Notification Requirements for Posting in the VR
In the Task Force Report, pages 14 – 16, is the recommended list to be
posted in the home of vacation rentals of 9 or more occupants.
It is also recommended the same list be used for vacation rentals of 8 and
below occupancy.
13
Recommendation
Noise Requirements
The current Town or County Noise, depending on whether the location is
in or out of Town, would apply.
No additional requirements limiting use or time of use, for outside
activities, would be required.
14
Recommendation
Minimum Age Limit for Counting an Individual as an
Occupant
All occupants, regardless of age, would be counted. This is
due to health, safety, welfare concerns in case of fires, etc.
15
Recommendations
Proof of Insurance
No Proof of Insurance will be required. Insurance is the responsibility of
the VR owner.
Liability: Rental Agreements to Protect Liability of
Neighbors
No requirement for liability signoff by renters, for protection of adjacent
property owners.
The VR is subject to the same criteria as any other residential home is,
within the area. (Note: the VR owner will include the statement that
renters are not to trespass onto adjacent properties. This will be in the list
of posted items.)
16
Recommendation
Local Contact Requirements for Manager/Owner
Recommended Language:
“Local Contact. The permit shall designate a local resident or property
manager of the Estes Valley who can be contacted by phone and is
available twenty-four (24) hours per day, with regard to any violation
of the provisions of this Section. The local resident or property
manager shall respond to complaints within thirty (30) minutes.”
Additionally, the Task Force would recommend this same language be used
for vacation rentals that have 8/below occupants.
17
Recommendation
Approval Process for 9/above Vacation Rentals (Current
Special Review Process)
1. Initially utilize the current Special Review process.
2.Staff needs to develop a more streamlined (shorter) process, which
results in an approval by the Board of Trustees, for applications within
the Town and approval by the Board of County Commissioners for
applications within the unincorporated area of the Estes Valley
Planning Area.
There was discussion about administrative approvals, however the Task Force “did
not have confidence in the town board or staff, based on past experience with the
Town Board’s actions”.
The members of the Task Force, who own and live in their homes, strongly oppose
any change to the current Special Review process, which would allow for a staff
approval of such an application. The Task Force firmly believe “there is need for a
public hearing to allow the elected officials to hear, first hand, the pros and cons of
such a change, contemplate the impact to neighbors, and to minimize any possible
staff misinterpretation of the code”.
18
Recommendation
Number of Vacation Rentals in a Neighborhood
No Recommendation
The only motion made was to not have a limit on the number of vacation
rentals, in a neighborhood.
The TF recommendation was not approved with an equitable vote.
Therefore, this is not a recommendation of the TF. A vote of 11-2 would
be required to be considered equitable.
Concerns were raised, by those not in favor of the motion, about the
current lack of enforcement and that the character of the neighborhood
would be changed if there was no restriction .
19
Recommendation
Through the multiple motions and discussion, the highest maximum limit discussed
was 20 occupants and the lowest maximum was 10. (See voting chart, page 24)
The Task Force believes there should be a maximum occupancy but was not able to
establish a specific occupation limit or establish criteria on how to establish the
occupation limit.
The reason for the no votes was:
∙The lack of enforcement of all the current code and ordinance requirements (not just the
noise ordnance)
∙At what occupancy does a short term rental in a residential zone become an actual
commercial lodging business;
∙At what occupancy is the use of a dwelling as a short term rental in conflict with residential
zoning regulations/definitions;
∙What is the mechanism for preventing neighborhoods, or developments, of 2 and 3 bedroom
homes from being purchased and converted to 9+ VRs by the addition of bedroom wings or
second floors; NOTE: If the process for adoption is approved, a Special Use would be
required
∙How many high occupancy (9+) vacation rentals could, or should, be allowed in close
proximity before neighborhood character is detrimentally impacted or lost completely and
the resultant residential area turned into a de facto accommodations zone?
(Please note) It was to be further noted that all the Task Force members
came together and have 100% consensus on the enforcement concern.
Maximum Occupancy for 9/above Vacation Rentals
20
21
Next Steps
1.Provide Estes Park Community Development staff direction
on whether to develop Code language.
2.Whether to move forward with public hearings:
18 October 2016
Estes Valley Planning Commission (PH)
17 November 2016
Joint Boards’ Public Hearing
Code Enforcement
Task Force Concerns and
Recommendations
Ed Peterson
22
27
August 25, 2016
Larimer County Board of County Commissioners
Estes Park Town Board
Vacation Rental Task Force
c/o Estes Park Town Clerk
To Task Force members, Board members and Commissioners:
The Estes Area Lodging Association (EALA) has contracted with Ascent Planning Solutions to evaluate
proposed Vacation Home regulations and provide comments to the Vacation Rental Task Force, the Estes
Park Town Board and the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners.
Ascent and EALA would like to thank the Task Force for their months of deliberative efforts to take on
this difficult and largely debated social emergence. Vacation homes are a nationwide trend that the
traveling public has embraced as a preferred alternative for multi-day visits and have become a necessity
for destinations such as Estes Park that embrace a family brand.
Ascent and EALA support the proposal to amend the Estes Valley Development Code regarding vacation
homes. We believe vacation homes are a vital market force that cannot nor should not be eliminated or
restricted. History has shown time and again that denying market forces and imposing prohibitions tend to
drive that economy into a ‘black market’ instead of ending the behavior. This tends to incentivize illegal
activities rather than eliminating the activities.
Estes Park has been a vacation destination for over 150 years with vacation homes having a long-standing
tradition throughout the Valley. Traditionally these have been ‘summer cabins’ occasionally rented or lent
to friends and family. This traditional land use pattern has expanded in recent years due market forces
such as population increase and introduction of internet marketing and social media.
It is important to remember that vacation homes are by definition single-family dwellings. They are not
hotels. They are not resorts. And they do not generate that intensity of use. When vacation homes are
occupied for their 12-15 weeks a year they are typically occupied by families or small groups.
The other times of occupancy are by the property owner. Owners invest in these dwellings as second
homes for themselves and use them when possible throughout the year. These are their personal property
and tend to be well-cared for. A recent EALA survey of vacation homes owners finds that 90% of
vacation home owners would not rent their properties year-round. By making their home available for
short-term rental property owners are able to generate some cost recovery without the burden and impact
of a long-term renter.
28
By their nature second-homes tend to remain vacant for the majority of the year. This has both financial
and social consequences.
From a fiscal perspective vacation homes generate property and sales taxes but require minimal
expenditure: they reduce impact on roads and other infrastructure and they do not send kids to school in
Estes Park. In other words, they provide the revenue benefits of a commercial property but draw on fewer
services than a typical residential property. This provides a net financial benefit to communities.
Social impacts from short-term guests tend toward common human social activities and are largely
confined to the summer months. This means for the majority of the year these dwellings have no impact
on a neighborhood.
The recent increase in vacation homes has led to a natural increase in conflicts between ‘locals’ and
‘others’. Because of the potential for conflicts, Ascent and EALA recommend adoption of pragmatic
regulations that seek to minimize neighborhood impact through permitting, education and enforcement.
These can be summarized as:
There should not be an artificial cap on the number of vacation homes. Economic forces will best
determine a natural limit.
A yearly operating permit should be required. Regulations should allow for the denial or
revocation of permits if the property owner demonstrates contempt for the neighborhood through
repeated flagrant violations.
Enforcement of violations should be focused on the offending party, not the property owner.
Consider impact of building and fire codes on vacation homes.
The Town of Estes Park and the Estes Valley are unique within Larimer County. Tourism is the primary
economic driver and source of revenue. Vacation homes are an essential component in the modern
lodging industry and necessary to attract overnight visitors to Estes Park.
From the time William James opened the Elkhorn Lodge in 1873 to F.O. Stanley bringing electricity west
of the Mississippi, Estes Park has long history of lodging our visitors. Considering the presence of Rocky
Mountain National Park and the projected growth along the Front Range and throughout the inter-
mountain west, we believe that tourism will remain Estes Park’s primary economic engine through the
21st Century regardless and accelerated social, environmental and technological changes.
We thank you for your careful deliberation of this sensitive subject and hope you find the community
wide benefits of vacation homes outweigh specific seasonal nuisances.
Respectfully,
David W. Shirk
David W. Shirk, MUP, AICP
Principal, Ascent Planning Solutions
29
City Trustees --
My family has owned the home at 1315 Devils Gulch outside of Estes Park for over
40 years. It has been an blissful sanctuary for us for decades, enjoyed by multiple
generations.
In the recent past, we have been tremendously dismayed by the amount of activity
and traffic at the 'home' across the street from us -- 1380 Devils Gulch.
We were horrified to recently learn from neighbors that the 1380 property is
being considered by you for an 'event center'. (Please note -- since sending this
email initially on or about 7/27, I have learned that the property is applying for
VRBO status, not that of an event center. It is my understanding that as of this
writing -- 8/3/16 -- that application is "on hold" by the Town Clerk's office. PF)
Please do not approve the process for this nightmare to occur!
The noise (LOUD music at all hours), the traffic (causing congestion on the road, at
the gate, at the blind corner), the lack of respect for wildlife (ATV's harassing
deer and elk), the illegalities (we have only witnessed fireworks -- I hate to think
what else may be occurring) have ruined our decades-long sense of quiet, calm,
privacy and solitude.
Historically this area has been appreciated by the families living there in single
family homes. When we purchased our house in the 70's, my folks carefully
examined the legal ownerships of properties near us, appreciating the 'location,
location, location' approach for such a major decision. There was of course
absolutely no HINT that an 'event center' would ever be approved so
nearby. Please respect our right to continue to enjoy the appropriate level of
occupancy in a really unique corner of the area, and deny any and all requests to
utilize 1380 as an event center.
Thank you in advance.
Patti Freudenburg
pfreudenburg@gmail.com
719.510.5301
30
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