Dear Twin Lakes Property Owners:

Re: Adding an amendment to the Twin Lakes Subdivision’s CC&Rs to stop short-term rentals and to restrict business or commercial ventures

The first Codes, Covenants & Restrictions for the Twin Lakes Subdivision that govern our individual use of the area were recorded in Mono County in November 1955. The first item of listed restrictions was “No lot shall be used except for residential purposes.” The last item in the listed restrictions reads in part: “The intention of the subdividers in making these restrictions is to keep this virgin area of the Twin Lakes Subdivision a natural and beautiful mountain home-site resort, and, as far as possible, protect the investment of all home-site buyers.” It was noted, and is still the case, that these restrictions and requirements are similar to those the Forest Service requires for its lease home-sites.

Recent developments in the larger world have brought this original restriction to our attention again. With the development of the internet and the associated proliferation of short-term rental opportunities provided by the likes of Vrbo and Airbnb, we have started seeing such activity here at Twin Lakes. The opportunity to easily find renters for one’s unoccupied home — especially during the Covid epidemic — has tempted some of our residents to begin thinking of their empty cabin as an economic opportunity. Although the temptation may be great to gain a profit, to actually do so has the potential to seriously degrade the social and restorative calm that have always been the main draw of our cabins and homes at Twin Lakes.

As a multigenerational community and a place to escape from the hectic pace of daily life, our little bit of paradise has a relaxed, respectful, and quiet culture. We have shared this ambience with our families, guests and friends who also love the fishing, the access to wilderness and the daily visits of animals. Across generations, we pass along this gentle and generous culture. It would be a definite change should we see a rapidly turning over population of short-term guests with little or no appreciation of the thoughtfulness we have traditionally extended to one another.

In a few recent instances in which property owners have rented their home, there has been a fair share of problems. We are personally aware of parking that trespassed inconveniently on neighboring property, parties that were loud and late into the night, uncontrolled vicious dogs, the dumping of live barbecue coals in the road, untended fires outdoors, rowdy bachelor/bachelorette parties, fast driving where children were playing, and property theft. A brief review of the problems faced by communities such as Lake Tahoe, where short-term rentals are the norm, is reason to pause for reflection on our future.

Other important concerns: These short-term visitors are unaware of the extremely precarious situation with fire in this environment. And it’s unlikely that the owners of these rental properties are notifying their insurance company that they’re renting short-term — and unoccupied by owners — in a fire hazard zone, which puts the entire community at risk and can cause an increase in everyone’s cabin insurance because we are in a high-risk fire hazard zone.

Perhaps the inclination to rent also occurs in the absence of knowledge about what is actually involved: permits/licensure/inspection by Mono County, 24-hour telephone access to responsible owners or their representatives, distance-delayed response for police support if needed, room taxes to be paid, occupancy limits, trash disposal, fire prevention, detailed instructions to renters concerning all appliances, evacuation routes, and more. And, as in all things, a well-vetted renting doesn’t always go as planned.

Our hope is that this letter will prompt a careful consideration of the attached proposed amendment. The amendment would prevent short-term rentals in our little community. The adoption of the amendment requires 50% plus one of the owners of land (one vote per owner) and, if passed, “acknowledgement” of 75% of the owners of lots in the subdivision. We are a small community of property owners. Your vote is valuable and may determine the future of our community. Please help Twin Lakes continue to be the wonderful place it has always been. Vote YES for the amendment to restrict short-term rentals. The existing allowance for longer-term rentals, always in effect, will remain in effect.

Thank you.

We have 30 days from September 13, 2021 to decide. 

Thank You

ROCKEY REED

TLPOA President
Cell     818-266-8785
Email  coachrockey@aol.com