— from Joe Symons —
I attach here a transcript of some remarks made at the 3/31/20 council meeting. Transcript by Michael Johnson:
Bill Watson— “I’m aware that DCD, our permit department is generating a mail blast to go out to all the vacation rental permit holders. Do you know the status of that Kyle?”
Kyle Dodd— “Yes I do. I talked to Erika yesterday she has sent out an email to all of the folks that we have email addresses for… and so that has gone out, and I believe they’re working on a mail one as well, but the email blast did go out.”
Bill Watson— “Great. I just wanted to make sure that was confirmed on the record.”
Rick Hughes— “And Bill I’ve seen an actual copy delivered so it was good enough.
Comment:
I operate a short term rental and have had a VR permit since 1999. I have submitted annual compliance reports since they were first required. I am confident that DCD has my email address on file. (Note: VR Permit data available to the public does not show email addresses.)
I have not received by email or USPS any notice from SJC or DCD regarding any rules or regulations regarding my VR Permit, rules which were created to deal with COVID.
I have heard from other VR Permit owners who have not received any notice from DCD.
My information directly contradicts the information described in the public council meeting above.
Personally, I have blocked all reservations at my STR for April and May; I have requested all guests who were booked for those months to cancel.
Please send VR Permit related notices regarding COVID actions taken by SJC officials to all VR Permit holders ASAP.
There are approximately 7700 individuals in SJC who are 60 or older; these folks are at risk for serious complications including death: the risk goes up exponentially by age.
Consequently, I strongly encourage SJC officials to immediately, strictly, and properly enforce rules and regulations regarding illegal use of STRs either by Permit holders or by non-permit holders. It is clear that SJC’s COVID cases are due to people, including some locals, coming here from the mainland.
This should be stopped immediately.
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Thanks for asking this question, Joe. I don’t have a vacation rental but I’d be interested in the directive also. In spite of recommendations to voluntarily suspend having people come here from off-island, there are vacation rentals in my neighborhood who have continued to rent all along.
Here is the order from the Health Officer. The letter from the County is a courtesy. This order is the rule.
https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/20042/San-Juan-County-Health-Officer-Order-2020-1
I haven’t gotten any email from the county. However, I’d already cancelled my March and April reservations on my own, and I’m following the state and county guidelines and cancelled all of May. I believe all the big house rentals in my neighborhood are standing empty right now, and I’m glad of that.
But yeah, nothing from the county, and I’m sure they have my contact info as I am a permit holder.
Vacasa informed all permit holders in of the rules, and closed all in their program in addition to the County email notice.
My email for my long-dormant rental arrrived today, 4/9
The governor’s proclamation has been extended to May 4th.
Dr. Frank James– “We can be more restrictive than the health officer of the governor, but not less restrictive”.
As the governor’s proclamation is state law where does that leave SJC vacation rental operators?
Thanks Bill Bangs — yep that’s the document I shared with renters to show them the county health department’s ruling.
Compounding this problem is the fact that Airbnb continues to offer transient lodging listings for April on Orcas, San Juan and Lopez.
Compounding this problem is the fact that Airbnb continues to offer transient lodging listings for April on Orcas, San Juan,
and Lopez.
To anyone concerned about STR being made available, why not inquire on a rental. Any response to your inquiry will show whether rentals are available.
Unless you do you know nothing.
Great idea, Evelyn!
If the rental party allowed the rental without ascertaining it was for essential business, they would be in direct violation of the County Health Officer’s, order, cited above by Bill Bangs.
Wouldn’t that be sufficient grounds for revoking their VR permit, Rick, Jamie and Bill?
And this would be good work for the compliance officer during this pandemic.
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
I really appreciate everyone’s comments, and the exchange of information going on here. I have really been inspired by the islanders, non-profit organizations and the businesses of the islands. Unfortunate, ”we the people” are replacing the leadership needed to be shown by the county council, as well as the proper policing to be done by the sheriffs office. Both offices have really dragged their feet on both regulation and enforcement of tourists visiting the islands. This leaves the most irresponsible of the vacation renters to do as they please and reap economic reward for it. Speaking of overstaying ones welcome, I’m glad it’s an election year.
I received the email this morning for my inactive VR.
I have noticed violations in spirit, if not technically, in my neighborhood, where off-island owners’ adult children came up (after the County’s no-travel advisory), and proceeded to hold gatherings of more than family members, sans masks and social distancing. Other STR owners subsequently renting to off-island renters, but using the > 30 day loophole.
Not sure what can be done about off-island visitors ignoring the County’s directives, however.
Evelyn, here’s somebody that did just that– from “What’s Up Friday Harbor!” 4/11/20 (note, I couldn’t get the copy (the photo) of the reservation to paste)–
TOP POSTS
Dena Royal
13 hrs
This is PROOF that an Airbnb reported to the sheriff and county council two days ago is accepting instant book reservations. It cost me to book it, but I’m tired of not being taken seriously AND law enforcement covering up for a FH town council member.