Some
Bend homeowners faced with unexpected changes in the use of a neighborhood
property are digging into documents they may have ignored for years
One
issue arousing concern is the proliferation of short term rentals, or STRs, permitted
by the city even though neighborhood convenants, conditions and restictions, or
CCRs, prohibit them.There are now nearly 900 STRs in city records.
The
other issue involves a recently-passed change to the city’s development code
that would allow multi-family duplexes or triplexes to be built in residential
areas zoned for single family homes.
With
both the STR and multi-family building issues, Bend development officials only
take into consideration whether the properties meet specific city requirements.
In effect, that leaves disputes to be decided by property owners based on CCRs—and
the courts if litigation ensues.
Now
property owners with short term or vacation rentals could be getting a wakeup
call with a new court case filed by a neighbor fed up with noise and safety
issues.
A
Canal Crossing resident has filed suit against an adjacent property owner
noting that the short term rental violates the neibhorhood CCRs that limit
rentals to no more than 30 continuous days at any time.
City
regulations require that an STR meet several specific requirements, including
separation for at least 250 feet from another STR property and sufficient
offstreet parking for the number of rooms rented.
On
the issue of allowing multi-family structures in areas zoned for single family
homes, the new city code provision would allow duplexes on 6,000 square foot
lots and triplexes on those of at least 9,000 square feet. Offstreet parking
and other requirements would also have to be met.
Previous post
