03-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 13. #15-3754 CITY OF ORONO TEXT AMENDMENT: SHORT-TERM (VACATION) RENTALS ORDINANCE (continued) Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted but are open to any suggestions the City Council feel are necessary. Don Knutson, 3225 Lafayette Ridge Court, stated he is absolutely opposed to restrictions on people being able to rent their home and that they have the right to do that. Knutson indicated he is, however, opposed to the term short-term and that he is not sure what that term means. Knutson noted Staff talked about how the City reached out to those people who were renting as well as their neighbors but that he does not believe the general community has had the opportunity to express their concerns about the draft ordinance. Knutson indicated he is here to do that because it does affect the neighbors and who is coming and going into the community. Knutson stated he would like the City Council to think about when they bought their homes and ask themselves if they would have bought the home if they knew there was a motel next to it. Knutson questioned what happens to someone's property values when there are people coming and going at different hours of the night in a quiet neighborhood. Knutson stated in his view people should be able to rent their homes but that there should be a time limit. Knutson stated instead of two or three days, it should be at least 30 days. That will help stabilize the neighborhood and help the adjoining property owners. Knutson stated he is asking the Council to consider the adjoining homeowners and how they are affected when discussing this ordinance. Knutson stated the Planning Commission has done an excellent job of considering the draft ordinance and that they addressed noise concerns, the need for a 24-hour notification, and how the home cannot be used for parties or weddings. Knutson noted they did not address birthday parties and other celebrations. Knutson stated they have had some birthday parties at Lafayette Club that have shot off fireworks at 10:00 at night. Knutson stated parking is also an issue and that he has a neighbor who has rented and that there was a parking problem. Knutson stated the ordinance also does not consider the security of the neighborhood. Knutson indicated he has grandchildren that visit him periodically and that there are different people coming and going at the rental house. Knutson stated in his view short-term is 30 days and that he is also a little confused because he has seen in a couple of places two days, three days, and in some places it used language regarding any person who rents their property for a period of less than 30 days. Knutson stated he also is confused as to the age concept and that he would not be comfortable if the City says the person can be 18 years old and rent a house out for three or four days. Knutson stated he would ask the City Council to reconsider the length of time and the age of the renter. Knutson stated he would ask the Council to reconsider the 30 days. Knutson read an article from the Star Tribune regarding the City of Eagan and the issues some of the residents have been facing. Knutson stated if two or three day rentals are allowed, they could easily have three different people or families living there. Page 26 of 37