The point of this communication is to let you know what is going on in the Tahoe basin with regard to short term rentals, and request any ideas you may have while we still have time to affect change.
A proposal for new rules related to short term rentals in Washoe County is soon going before the Board of Commissioners for approval.
You can see the entire proposal here: https://mcusercontent.com/9df8ebf49beb8964d24d80046/files/121e1a2b-3f54-4895-bd70-9e21ee5af459/Marsh...
However, the two most damaging rules are:
LIMIT ON RENTAL NIGHTS PER YEAR: A unit can be used as a STR a maximum of 9 months out of each year. During the remaining 3 months, the unit must be (a) occupied by the owner, (b) occupied rent free by the owner’s family (defined according to the IGVID picture pass), or (c), left empty for 3 months. These 3 months of non-STR use can be consecutive or in separate blocks of at least 1 month each. The 3-month non-STR rental period(s) will be tracked by the County and made known to neighbors.
LIMIT ON LENGTH OF STR STAY: All residential units must be rented for a minimum of 6 consecutive days.
I have contacted the commissioners with the following:
I just read the recommendations for STRs that I think are the latest ones. There are two of them that are especially disconcerting.
The first one is the six-day limit. If your intent is to almost end STRs in the Tahoe Basin, this one should do it. The problem is that this will affect all the small, family-run, responsible ones more than the big party houses. I have been renting my own (two) STRs for ten years with not one complaint. They are small- four people and six people. My guests are typically little families looking for a weekend getaway. I would say about 90% of the rentals are for 3 days or less. Please reconsider this one.
Secondly, the three month vacancy requirement is difficult. Two months would make my income drop, but three would take out a really big chunk. You realize that owners will all select the same three months and this will not help during the really busy season. We know the low, high, and shoulder seasons. I’m not sure how this would solve any problems.
Good luck in dealing with this sometimes contentious policy decision, and thank you for your consideration.
Warm Regards,
Belinda
Perhaps you can send out a communication to the hosts and recommend that they
1. contact the Washoe County Commissioners
2.A group of IV/CB residents have been actively engaged on this issue. If you are interested in obtaining more background information and staying informed on their activities, email iv.str.advisory.group@gmail.com.
3. Post concerns on Next Door (respectfully)
