Dear Snowater Owners,
Following the release of our letter concerning Short Term Vacation Rentals at Snowater dated July 27, 2020, we received an outpouring of thoughtful and informed concerns. In particular, owners expressed dissenting views to the Letter and brought forward new information, materials, and arguments for consideration.
After considering the responses, the Snowater Board has taken a closer look at certain issues raised and determined that the July 27 Letter requires clarification in the following ways:
1. The July 27 Letter should not have used the term “ban” insofar as it implies active prevention of short term rentals by individual owners. To be clear, Snowater Association will not actively prevent, interfere or in any way become involved with any individual owner renting out their unit. Historically, Snowater has had no role in such rentals, and that will remain the case, provided that Snowater reserves the right to prevent clear violations of law or threats to owner safety from occurring at Snowater, should such circumstances become factually or legally apparent.
2. The July 27 Letter should not have stated that owners “will” be in violation of Local and State directives if they allow short term rentals of less than 30 days. Instead, the Letter should have stated that owners “may” be in violation of Local and State directives. As detailed in the Letter, the Board of Directors became aware of a certain Whatcom County Health Department official stating that short term vacation rentals were in violation of Phase 2 guidance, and on that basis, legal counsel recommended to follow the statement. The official has since clarified that his views are not official guidance and that his previous warning is now outdated as short-term rentals have been allowed in the State in Phase 2.
We appreciate your patience as we work through the numerous issues raised by COVID-19. In the current environment of extreme regulatory and health uncertainty, we are going to make mistakes and unpopular decisions at times, but will always do so in good faith.
We apologize for the angst and uncertainty that the Letter may have caused many of our owners. We appreciate your support as we find a way through this as a community.
Nic Roggeman
President, Snowater Board of Directors
Appreciate the board reflecting further and encouraging a safe solution that works for the majority. This puzzle of a pandemic is quite a challenge. Thanks again for all the hard work, both from management and the volunteer board. Your sacrifices are applauded.