“Legal non-conforming” and the rules of engagement
Q:
Our Mammoth real estate agent told us that a Town building official recently stated that “grandfathered” condos from the 1960’s and 70’s may soon be challenged, especially for their capacity on nightly rental programs. That is unnerving to us because we own such a unit and depend on the rental income. What is your take?
A:
I was at that well attended meeting and was taking notes. A couple of the public officials were less than tactful (my opinion) in their presentations. But in this era of electoral absurdity this may be the new expectation. The meeting topic was centered around the new inspections derived from the Quality of Life ordinance (QOL) that was passed last fall. And more specifically, the numerous compromised lofts that are so prolific in Mammoth.
The QOL ordinance requires transient rental properties (mostly condos) to be inspected prior to the issuance of a business license. The official form is basically a punch list of health and safety items; from informational postings to fire extinguishers to leaky faucets, etc.
Item 12.M. pertaining to lofts is the big concern for the local real estate community. That item distinctly addresses “code compliant” head clearance, stairs and emergency escape routes or “rescue windows.” Lofts without this compliance are deemed “not intended for sleeping purposes.”
