ROCHESTER ZONING ALIGNMENT PROJECT (ZAP)

The ZAP should not ban Short Term Rentals (STR) in Low/Medium density districts

1. 1. STRs provide great economic development for the region

   2. STR owners pay their property taxes

   3. STR guests go to local restaurants and support local businesses

   4. STR properties tend to be in great condition & high standards due to the review processes imposed by the platforms

   5. STR owners often renovate otherwise vacant/blighted properties, reducing crime in the area

   6. STR properties are not causing a housing shortage, the city has 1200 vacant residential properties, activating these properties is a much better strategy to add supply. The Coalition has proposals to address activating this pool of properties here. 

Multifamily properties should retain their zoning status if they're vacant

2. 1. Currently the ZAP is proposing this rule, meaning if a multifamily property goes vacant it will retain it’s multifamily zoning status

   2. We support this change as it supports more housing units and helps maintain housing supply

Small Residential Development Projects should have a streamlined approval process & less design regulation

1. Small development projects help to add housing stock to the city, which helps to alleviate price increases. 

2. Cumbersome approval processes & highly restrictive design regulations prevent small developers from adding housing supply to the city, which drives prices up for residents.