It was challenging for the commission to conduct a thorough discussion and allow for public participation during such lengthy meetings. The commission, in my opinion, takes debate seriously and shouldn't have been given the duty of covering so many topics in a single session. This report is a good summary of the evening.
I realize this entire article refers to STRs in Joshua Tree, a previously rural community that has progressed to a small town d/t the businesses opened and the popularity for tourists on their way to the Park. However, as an STR owner since 2019, I fear that my rights of ownership and doing with my property as I need and wish, will soon be infringed upon.
I obtained the necessary inspection and license to operate an STR from SBC in 2019; here I had a house I lived in, and an empty 800sqft cabin costing me property taxes and minimum utilities. I wanted to retire by 2021 and dedicate my time to writing. STR seemed the best idea. I could rent it yet have periods when my family could come visit and use the cabin. I was very successful and kept it rented even during the hottest summer months.
I paused the STR project d/t lung surgery for invasive cancer, and subsequent treatments and rented it full time. That has turned into a fiasco. The renter had 2 dogs, then suddenly he got a third one. He paid the first month then stopped paying on time. We finally made a demand for payment, and he'd pay a little every week. Therefore, we invited him to leave ASAP. Although we'll still be friends, he'll vacate by the endo this month. I've already contracted the cleaning service to do a thourough very expensive cleaning and get it ready for winter STR rentals.
I will add, we live very remote in Flamingo Heights, the cabin is within a 5 minute walk from our house, our neighbors help us welcome the guests as soon as they arrive since they're across the street directly. We've never had a complaint of a party or rowdy behavior, particularly since we're so isolated. I have a binder with rules and the regulations posted on the front slider, inside on a bulletin board as well as in a large binder with instructions for all guests. When I greet them I make sure they know it's there and should be read to avoid breaking the regulatory requirements. To date, we haven't had any problems or complaints.
I was disappointed that the Planning Commission chose not to consider issues of density because in their view the 500 STR license cap already acts as its proxy. To say that this should've been considered back when there were only 100 licenses is not a valid argument. By setting goals for the future, while allowing currently active licenses to be grandfathered in, is a more responsible approach to this issue. With guidance, density can effectively be improved over time, as licenses turn over.
Cindy here -- they have to readdress this (on Tuesday?) due to the two commissioners who had conflicts participating in that discussion. And I was also on the STR committee...and I have the adjacency clause that I recommended, which Travis, the Community Development Director at that time, said was viable....and I will come to the meeting on Tuesday and present that.
Good neighbor classes? Seriously?
It was challenging for the commission to conduct a thorough discussion and allow for public participation during such lengthy meetings. The commission, in my opinion, takes debate seriously and shouldn't have been given the duty of covering so many topics in a single session. This report is a good summary of the evening.
I realize this entire article refers to STRs in Joshua Tree, a previously rural community that has progressed to a small town d/t the businesses opened and the popularity for tourists on their way to the Park. However, as an STR owner since 2019, I fear that my rights of ownership and doing with my property as I need and wish, will soon be infringed upon.
I obtained the necessary inspection and license to operate an STR from SBC in 2019; here I had a house I lived in, and an empty 800sqft cabin costing me property taxes and minimum utilities. I wanted to retire by 2021 and dedicate my time to writing. STR seemed the best idea. I could rent it yet have periods when my family could come visit and use the cabin. I was very successful and kept it rented even during the hottest summer months.
I paused the STR project d/t lung surgery for invasive cancer, and subsequent treatments and rented it full time. That has turned into a fiasco. The renter had 2 dogs, then suddenly he got a third one. He paid the first month then stopped paying on time. We finally made a demand for payment, and he'd pay a little every week. Therefore, we invited him to leave ASAP. Although we'll still be friends, he'll vacate by the endo this month. I've already contracted the cleaning service to do a thourough very expensive cleaning and get it ready for winter STR rentals.
I will add, we live very remote in Flamingo Heights, the cabin is within a 5 minute walk from our house, our neighbors help us welcome the guests as soon as they arrive since they're across the street directly. We've never had a complaint of a party or rowdy behavior, particularly since we're so isolated. I have a binder with rules and the regulations posted on the front slider, inside on a bulletin board as well as in a large binder with instructions for all guests. When I greet them I make sure they know it's there and should be read to avoid breaking the regulatory requirements. To date, we haven't had any problems or complaints.
Thanks for your comment -- actually the article is a report on the 29 Palms Planning Commission and refers to STRs and the STR ordinance in 29 Palms.
I was disappointed that the Planning Commission chose not to consider issues of density because in their view the 500 STR license cap already acts as its proxy. To say that this should've been considered back when there were only 100 licenses is not a valid argument. By setting goals for the future, while allowing currently active licenses to be grandfathered in, is a more responsible approach to this issue. With guidance, density can effectively be improved over time, as licenses turn over.
Cindy here -- they have to readdress this (on Tuesday?) due to the two commissioners who had conflicts participating in that discussion. And I was also on the STR committee...and I have the adjacency clause that I recommended, which Travis, the Community Development Director at that time, said was viable....and I will come to the meeting on Tuesday and present that.