From: Sanchez, Diana
To: Whippy, Isaac
Bcc: ZZZ Elected Officials
Subject: Public Comment 8A
Date: Monday, January 08, 2024 8:56:00 AM
BCC: City Council
From: City of Fort Bragg <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 6:35 PM
To: Godeke, Jason <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Agenda Item 8A on Jan 8, 2024, Epansion of vacation rental area Message submitted from the <Fort Bragg, CA> website.
Site Visitor Name: Mark Taylor
Site Visitor Email: [email protected]
Dear Jason Godeke,
I think it would be a mistake to expand the area where short term vacation rentals can be located. It is somewhat hard to believe that there are only two such rentals now in the CBD and none operating under the radar elsewhere in the City. While admittedly ignorant of the details of what constitutes a vacation rental, a simple vrbo search seems to indicate more than two such rentals in Fort Bragg.
The only reason stated for this agenda item is to increase possible TOT funds. Any expansion, however, would be contrary to the original intent of the ordinance - the preservation of available housing for Fort Bragg residents. Indeed, any expansion of the areas available could potentially open a flood gate of new applications. Could those legally be limited to a set number in these new areas? I suspect the City would be opening itself up to more expensive litigation as that limitation could be challenged.
Also, since this Agenda discussion also includes the issue of difficulties of enforcement, I doubt expansion would bring any already illegal rentals back into compliance, and is liable to encourage other to skirt the law, as well.
I would suggest paying more attention to actual enforcement of the existing ordinance, as well as its intent to preserve resident housing.
Mark Taylor
Diana Sanchez
City Clerk
City of Fort Bragg
416 N. Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
[email protected]
Tel: 707.961.2823 ext. 104