Corrected Growth Numbers for Baileys Harbor Board Meeting Monday June 12.
We found an error in our calculations for STR growth in Baileys Harbor. This data was in yesterday’s email within the talking points.
The information has been corrected within the talking points and is below:
STR Growth less than perceived: Comparing 2018 to 2022, there were only 8 additional licensed STRs in total (new permits are issued but old permits also discontinue) in Baileys Harbor over the last 4 years. This represents ONLY a 6.6% increase since 2018, or an average of 1.6% per year.
In 2018 there were a total of 121 STR homes/condos that were STRs and in 2022 that number was 129 STR home/condo units (data from Door County Tourism Zone Commission (DCTZC) bi-annual growth report labels each listing a “unit”).
Now that we are aware of this very small actual volume change in the total # of STRs, what problem are we trying to solve? If it’s to cap growth of STRs where they are now for neighborhood balance, wouldn’t it make sense when a home is sold to allow STR licenses to be passed on to the new owner?
If the problem is inconsiderate behavior of neighbors, then enacting the previous version of the ordinance addresses that along with advocating for the DCTZC Problem Resolution and Enforcement Center.
Baileys Harbor Board Meeting Monday, June 12 at 6 PM
Two significant changes to the STR ordinance will be voted on this Monday night.
- New licenses issued after July 15: require one stay per 6 nights or the property must be owner occupied.
- Existing STR owners are grandfathered but if they sell their property as a an STR, they lose their license and new owner will have 6 night minimum. If the property is passed on to family, the property stays grandfathered.
The amended draft has conflicting clauses about these items but we’ve verified this is what was intended.
The amended draft also has changes to occupancy requirements and other matters however, due to the discrepancies in the previously posted latest draft, it has now been pulled from the Baileys Harbor website. We suggest you contact the Village Administrator for a copy of what is going to the Board on Monday evening. Phone: (920) 839-9509, admin@baileysharborwi.org
The Village Board will meet on Monday, June 12 to discuss and most likely will vote on the changes. We need all hands on deck to respectfully voice your concerns and ensure STRs are treated fairly.
There is a lot of misinformation on the growth of STRs and their impact on affordable housing. See talking points for more details.
However, we need to keep in mind, the alternative to only NEW licenses having restrictions (#1 above) is that existing STRs could have these restrictions as well. The state statute allows this. So let’s be sure we emphasize the good along with what needs to be improved.
We are disappointed the Plan Commission deleted from the original draft grandfathering when a property is sold.
We hope you will express appreciation that existing STRs will be grandfathered regarding the 6 night restriction and request reconsideration for the property passing on when sold if it is not passed on within the family.
Given families desire to stay in STRs, it will be in Baileys Harbor’s best interest to have at least the current volume of STRs available to visitors. If they don’t allow a home sold to retain it’s grandfathered STR license, that doesn’t have a 6 night restriction, over time this will negatively impact Baileys Harbor businesses and local residents who now have two sets of guests in a 7 day period and will now only have one set of guests for the typical stay of 3-4 nights if it’s a property licensed after July 15, 2023.
Those impacted include: restaurants, cleaning services, coffee shops, gas stations, arts groups, boutiques, brew pubs and taverns.
The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person. We need anyone who can attend to represent STRs and report back what is discussed.
Details on Meeting:
Date: Monday, June 12th
Time: 6pm
Where: Auditorium at the Town Hall, 2392 County Road F
Here are talking points that were compiled after the plan commission meeting that took place on Monday, June 5. If you are unable to attend June 12th and would like to write a letter to the Board, the email addresses are included with the talking points. As a reminder, people are more likely and willing to listen when spoken to in a respectful manner. Please keep this in mind when voicing your concerns.
BIG thank you to everyone who wrote letters, made calls, and showed up at last Monday’s plan commission meeting to share your opinions and concerns with the proposed ordinance. Things could have been much worse without your input.
Action Items:
- Join our Baileys Harbor Action Team by contacting Michael Servais at Michael Servais We have 4 municipalities considering more restrictive STR rules. We don’t have enough volunteers. Now is the time to step up! Don’t regret later you should have gotten involved.
- Please plan to attend the Board meeting on Monday, June 12 in-person. STR owners were not as well represented as people who were against STRs at the plan commission meeting this past Monday. We need you to help change this on Monday. AGENDA
- Here are some talking points that may be helpful in structuring your comments.
- Learn more about what Home Hosts is doing to represent STR owner’s with local governments. Become a member of Home Hosts.