Short term rentals an insight into “real” Healdsburg

I request that the city council reconsider their action to prohibit short-term vacation rentals. I understand that there are valid concerns about loss of low cost housing and the impact vacation rentals could have on our residential neighborhoods.
In order to address those concerns, if you decide to revisit this matter, I suggest short-term rentals be subject to the following restrictions:
Short term vacation rentals would only be allowed in guest cottages (no kitchens, so no loss of a dwelling unit) or a spare room in someone’s house; and
Owners must live on the premises to ensure no “party houses” as was happening when entire weekend homes were rented out.
The city decided in the 80s to become a tourist destination based on the recommendations of the RUDAT team. This plan has obviously been successful to the point that it’s “be careful what you wish for.” Housing prices have soared and many homes are being purchased by out-of-towners for weekend homes.
Unfortunately, these owners are not vested in our community. Some streets have several vacant homes on their blocks. Of course, no one can deny that the tourist industry has had a positive effect on city and business revenues.
But. it seems only fair that the residents share in the income the tourists bring in. Allowing short-term rentals would help existing residents to pay their property taxes and make repairs and improvement to their homes, so they don’t have to sell – possibly to weekenders – which could create even more absentee ownership of homes in our neighborhoods.
It would also provide extra income for people with kids in college or for “the extras” we all want our children to have. The city would also benefit with the addition of more Transiency Occupancy Taxes (TOTs) which would be required.
Airbnb and similar sites appeal to people who may not be otherwise able to afford to visit Healdsburg. They still eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and, of course, buy wine.
By offering a variety of rental rates between hotels, motels, B&Bs and short-term vacation rentals, we can avoid being seen as an “elitist” getaway site.
I met so many nice people from around the country as well as Europe who loved seeing the “real” Healdsburg by staying in a residential neighborhood.
I have spoken with my immediate neighbors who advised they never had a problem with any of my guests and barely knew they were there. One guest from London emailed me after the Napa quake to make sure I was OK.
By making personal contacts, our visitors leave Healdsburg with a positive experience that they share with their friends.
The economic development goals in the General Plan state that the city should encourage businesses that generate revenues such as TOTs and provide for the continuation and expansion of Healdsburg’s commercial services to meet the needs of both Healdsburg area residents and visitors.
Betsi Lewitter is a Healdsburg
resident