Dear Editor:
We are writing with regard to the recent emergence of vacation rentals in our Glen Ellen neighborhood. Currently, on one square block composed of narrow country roads, at least five formerly residential properties have been converted to exclusive use as vacation rentals within the last four years. Two more properties are being built out or rehabbed with (we suspect) the intention of turning them into vacation rentals. One literally looks like a motel.
Our specific complaints, for which we have documentation, include a dangerous increase in traffic. In addition to the cars associated with the renters themselves, we see additional traffic from renters’ guests, limos and busses transporting them to events, and people scouting the rentals.
The number of guests frequently exceeds the advertised guest limit Extra cars park in front of or in the driveways of neighboring properties. Renters frequently host parties, with music/outdoor speakers etc. extending past 10 p.m. The noise is extremely disruptive.
Fire safety is a huge issue. We have witnessed renters leave fire pits burning and unattended, burning on Spare the Air days, and renters parked such that a fire truck could not access properties.
There needs to be a system whereby neighbors are informed of the intent to convert a dwelling into a vacation rental, and can appeal or protest such a conversion. A limit should be imposed on the number of vacation rentals allowed in existing residential neighborhoods.
The $3,000 application fee for a vacation rental permit is peanuts. These properties rent for up to $1,000 per night, so that fee can be recouped in a single weekend. It is not a hardship. Many of these homes were vacation rentals prior to application for permits. We’d like to see the county collect transient tax retroactively, and fines imposed for the illegal use.
Finally, we would ask that the county impose an immediate moratorium on vacation rental permits to allow study of impacts, to map of existing rentals, and to facilitate formalization of rules and regulations.
This is not Grandma renting a room to make ends meet — these are mini-resorts designed specifically as business enterprises. This is a profoundly new situation, and has radically changed the nature of our community.
We, the long-standing residents of this once-quiet, peaceful place, appeal to our elected representatives to uphold our rights and help us maintain our safety, property values, and quality of life.
Stephanie Ozer and David Schoenbach and Family
Tracy Salcedo and Family
Angelo and Cathy Nogara and Family
Jennifer and Tom Decker and Family
Dana and Marty Wagner
Laura Stanfield and Family
William and Marsha Selhorn
Jennifer Anderson and Family
James and Sarah Walker
good points
Helen
I also live in Glen Ellen – and am now surrounded by these party houses. Our neighbors are gone. Our peace and sense of safety are gone. Glen Ellen’s population has declined by more than 40% since the 2000 U.S. Census. To join others across the county who want these businesses removed from our neighborhoods, go to “Preserve Sonoma County Neighborhoods” on Facebook. Our numbers are growing. We can save our communities!
Deborah,
If you report the illegal rentals by address and VRBO or other places that they are advertised, in writing to the Code Enforces listed on the PRMD vacation rental website. Collect any and all documentation. You can check for permit status on the website as well. Type in the addresses. The rentals have to be reported to the County in order for officials to investigate. Copy all the Supervisors on all correspondences. Email addresses of County officials are all found on the website. They will respond if you write them, sometimes repeatedly may be necessary. Encourage a group of neighbors to jointly sign letters/emails. This takes work and time but we are getting results.
Preach it. Even worse is that there appears to be more vacation rentals than actual affordable rentals for LIVING in Sonoma Valley. I can’t find a place to live and I currently live in Napa, despite my friends, family, and LIFE being in Sonoma. It’s just stupid.
It’s not just happening in Glen Ellen, it’s all over Sonoma and neighboring communities. In one block of my neighborhood there are three vacation rentals, and another single room rental up the street. Parties, tour busses, risky fire pit use, late night noise etc. Renters have no respect for the existing community.
Kathy,
I hear you. I encourage you to look up the addresses and check for permit status on the PRMD sonoma county website – it’s not hard to find. Email those addresses to the Code Enforcers (emails on the same site) and copy the 5 Supervisors. If you haven’t done it, take time stamped photos of suspected violations. Copy the Transportation officials. Residents need to report these findings to the County or they will not voluntarily investigate – they have too many complaints. They want documentation and addresses. Enlist supportive neighbors – write a joint letter. It’s worth the time and effort. We are getting results. Best of luck
My home is surrounded every weekend by loud music, strangers, traffic & loud yelling. (Sonoma) When I bought my home, it was a quite residential neighborhood, we watched out for one another & respected each other’s privacy . Now is a revolving door of who knows what? We should have zoned areas (only) with vacation rentals where are the city officials?
The officials will respond and take action, but only if you email them the street addresses of the rentals that are in violations and disruptive. All addresses are on the PRMD website. Good luck
Stephanie,
You appear to be well-informed. Yet you seem unaware that PRMD has not been adequately funded by the BOS. They do not have the staffing needed to actually investigate these cases. I have reported one property FIVE times this summer (many more times since they began operating in 2012), all reports in writing, online, to PRMD, with documentation. No change, no contact from PRMD. I can attest to how this obscene program is affecting local law enforcement, as well as community vitality – it’s not good. Want more? Visit the Facebook page established on behalf of the few, the tired, the frustrated who want our neighborhoods restored to the use for which taxpayers intended – to actual residential, versus commercial, places where our children can safely play, where actual permanent residents can live, etc. Go to Facebook, then search for “Preserve Sonoma County Neighborhoods. This must end!