I am writing today as a resident of Hamilton County to express opposition to the “new” regulations that have been proposed by the Hamilton County Commissioners for Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVR). While I agree 100 percent with regulating, the proposed regulations as written seem to favor the absent/rental homeowners, not the homeowners living in Hamilton County.
I am concerned that the changes were proposed last week and will be voted on this coming week. The process does not allow time for discussion and opposition. This quickness does not serve the citizens it will affect most. I have to ask why the big hurry? The quickness of this process should make every permanent homeowner in Hamilton County curious and concerned.
This action takes away the homeowners’ right to oppose the permit, thus eliminating the democratic process. As a tax paying, permanent resident, there would be no say in what goes on in the neighborhood where one lives.
The second concern is the proposed quiet time, 10 p.m.-7 a.m. A person’s home has often been referred to as their sanctuary, especially after a hard day or night of work. A 10 p.m. “quiet time” would allow interruptions to the sanctity of another person’s home. People have moved from the city to the county for the peace and quiet by choice. That is now being threatened.
The third concern is making these regulations apply to all zones except manufacturing, including R1 and R2, which are currently zoned as single-family dwelling. Therefore, it makes every area of the county subject to the short term vacation rentals, which are considered a nuisance to some homeowners. Why not allow these out-of-town investors and capital venture partners, specific areas to develop this type of housing? Other cities have done this, why not Hamilton County? Why does R1 and R2 have to be included in these changes, rather than excluded.
If we had areas of exclusion, a homeowner would then have a choice of living next to a STVR, when they purchase their home. They would know ahead of purchasing if an area was truly residential or if it was commercial mixed use with rentals. To include all zoned areas, forces citizens to accept the commissioners’ ruling, and takes away the freedom of choice. In a matter this important, why is it up to the commissioners to propose the rules and vote? Why not allow the citizens who actually live in the county to determine their fate?
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments we make. Most homeowners who actually live in their home do not want STVR in their neighborhood. STVRs have a place in the entertainment district and commercial areas, but not in family neighborhoods. I believe the new rules being proposed should be tabled until further community discussions can be held and the commissioners can hear from the citizens of the communities they represent and not the out-of-town investment owners only.
We do need regulation. However, regulations should serve all citizens, not a select few. What is being proposed is taking away some citizens’ right to choose how they live in their own neighborhood.
Cathy Faulkner