Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Commission approves short-term rentals for subdivision

A group of landowners in the Pine Ridge area of the county are interested in renting out their properties to vacationers for short periods – but were unable to do so without the consent of the Crook County Commissioners.

The reason for this is that a subdivision’s covenants can only be changed with commissioner approval. As explained County Attorney Joe Baron, this is done deliberately to make sure that the language of the covenants makes them binding.

“Basically, covenants are worthless in any subdivision if the developer can go in and change them the day after they are recorded,” he said at last week’s regular meeting.

The commissioners have a vested interest in making sure they are binding, he continued, because they include rules for such things as road maintenance, which could potentially become a problem for the county if not properly addressed through the covenants.

Attorney Pat Carpenter had approached the commission at the meeting to request the needed approval, explaining that all the homeowners on the Pine Cone Subdivision are in agreement about changing the covenants. He was able to present signatures from all homeowners and the original developer.

“These folks are doing it right,” commented Baron.

He noted that an attorney was hired to ensure the legalities of changing the covenants, all parties were in agreements and the covenants had been examined to make sure the change would be appropriate.

“I don’t see any down side to it on our end if everyone agrees to it,” Baron concluded.

With that said, the commissioners also saw little reason not to approve the request. After confirming that no other changes would be included and that the wording of the covenants still includes the requirement for commissioner approval, the commission passed a motion to approve the change.

 
 
Rendered 03/09/2024 02:51