I am writing in response to the Sky-Hi News article, “Winter Park takes first step to regulate STRs,” to commend the town of Winter Park for taking action to address short-term rentals.
STRs are an integral part of the town economy, but managing this mostly unregulated portion of town lodging is overdue. I encourage regulations that define occupancy limits, parking restrictions, quiet hours, trash requirements, and provide steps to address repeat offenders. Adopting town enforced STR regulations may also remove a burden from HOAs who often struggle to write and enforce their own rules.
A letter to the editor from a Granby resident dated July 25, 2018, provides honest testimony highlighting that residents may not realize there is a problem with STRs until there is one next door.
I’m sure some residents love their STR next door, but adding town regulations could provide reprieve for those neighbors unwillingly located next to the “Frat House” or next to the residential home that is assessed as five bedrooms but is now investor-owned and operating as a commercial lodging venue advertising occupancy of 30. As of Jan. 1, Granby is regulating short-term rentals via town ordinance 918, and I encourage Winter Park stakeholders to review and consider similar regulations.
— Suzy Robbins, Winter Park