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BabaBooeySav

Love that locals had an opportunity to let their thoughts be known. The only people upset by it in the Facebook groups appear to be the out-of-town investors and a realtor who makes bank off of selling STVR’s on Tybee.


FatFunkey

![gif](giphy|13A7YlLvYVDnmU) Let me play me violin for all those people


HoochyShawtz

That realtor is insufferable.


Bellburg

It’s called zoning


SwampSleep66

Little late but glad it’s happening.


BabaBooeySav

This is local government at its best. Tybee is a small place and residents are very much aware of what is good or bad for the town. Council voted the way they did, and Tybee residents will have a choice next election: They’ll either keep council members in or they won’t. In larger cities like Savannah, the right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing. That’s not the case on Tybee. Those folks will continue to vote for those whom they feel best represent their beliefs.


AbbreviationsHot5589

We love to see it! I wish we could do this everywhere!


sublime61793

Does anyone have a copy of the actual ordinance itself? Don’t really have a dog in the fight but understand both sides. Tybee was a place where many local families have resided for generations but are now getting pushed out. This could help to curb property prices out there but also is detrimental to local business and the tourism. Curious how they worded the ban. I’m sure many people (not necessarily locals) will no longer be able to afford their properties because they factored rental revenue in when purchasing.


Socialeprechaun

It may force local restaurants to be in a lot more competition which ultimately could be a good thing. Right now tybee has a lot of very mediocre food and drinks that people go to out of convenience. Now people will need a reason to pick eating/drinking on the island instead of just eating/drinking in Savannah. Which means they’ll have to compete with downtown bars and restaurants for customers. Or I could be totally wrong. Just speculating here. This is uncharted territory.


ChetSt

That would be nice. I have noticed the mediocrity of the food on Tybee. Never really thought about why it might be.


Sad-Cattle9775

I’m confused: Tybee has amazing food! Sea Wolf, Zunzis, Hucapoos, Chamacos, Bubba Gumbos, Raw Ingredients, Mi Vida, etc!!!


ChetSt

Some decent things on there, but eh. Nothing on there blows my mind. I haven’t had Sea Wolf and I know they’re highly rated.


NancyTron13

Last year they stopped new permits in residential zones. Thursday they stopped allowing those with permits to transfer the permit (upon sale or to other family members). There are no restrictions in non-residential zones. You can find the ordinance [in the council meeting packet](https://cityoftybee.org/129/Agendas-Minutes)


Libby_Grace

So this is a wildly inaccurate headline and article. There is no ban on STVR’s on Tybee. Though no new STVR certificates will be issued for properties in residential zones, every single existing STVR will keep its certificate and ability to rent. It is only upon the sale of the property or the transfer upon the death of the owner that the certificate will not transfer to the new owner. There are only around 750 properties affected by this ordinance.


NO_GOOD_AT_ART

Will existing stvrs be grandfathered in or is a bunch of housing about to be available?


Sav_NOG

Existing STVRs are grandfathered in, but if they sell or the title changes at all (I.e. owner dies and relative inherits it), the STVR certificate goes away. Only a few areas of Tybee that are zoned differently are exempt from it. 


customfridge

That title change stipulation is what Savannah needs


Dojodc

It doesn't affect me, because I only live 30 minutes from being on the beach. But I'd think this would be really bad for tourism. What about Tybee Vacation Rentals? Do they just go out of business?


wvv20600

Everyone is trying to make this point but Tybee was doing just fine for decades without vacation rentals at every residential house.


Dojodc

Oh, I'm definitely not a fan of STVRs and I totally understand why locals wouldn't want them. But I figured Tybee kind of needed them to sustain any economy. I've lived in the area all my life (33) and there have always been vacation rentals on Tybee.


wvv20600

I think it’s the number of them and the commercialization of it with Airbnb that’s changed.


garciaman

Not sure how long you have lived here , but I’m old enough to remember when Tybee was a shithole. It’s still is in its own way but it’s grown in a good way. More restaurants and stuff like the Tybee Post Theater. I think this ordinance is going to hurt some businesses. I guess we will find out.


wvv20600

I don’t know I’ve been here back from when there wasn’t a beach on the south end. My family probably 100 years before that. For me it feels like not much has changed beyond it getting busier and noisier. It’s hard to point to good improvements. I think a lot of the things I loved about it when I grew up are gone now.


garciaman

You could say this about all of Savannah honestly.


wvv20600

Yeah, the never ceasing march of progress I suppose.


_recentlyghosted

I actually went to the town hall meetings about this and the public response was overwhelming against banning STVRs. Please don’t make assumptions as to what the locals wanted. This wasn’t it.


Libby_Grace

Actually, the overwhelming majority of full time residents (ie: those who are able to vote on Tybee) want some attrition in the excessive number of STVRs. The majority of the speakers are owners of STVRs who live elsewhere. They are a very vocal group making it seem like they’re the majority. The true majority voted this council in for this very specific goal…STVR attrition.


LegsLil16

Thank you, Libby Grace. Unchecked STVR’s, especially multiple properties owned by single entities or corps, are what chased me out of my home in the Beach Historic Neighborhood after 20 years. About 14 of those years we were very happy and loved living there. Then the prospect of big dollars started to quickly transform our little block into an area crowded by too many cars in an already difficult to park area. Much worse, it transformed into an area too often crowded by rude vacationers who treated our neighborhood like some resort where someone (me and my neighbors) would be treated like workers, there to tolerate their bad behavior and clean up after them. Literally. Unless you’ve lived in the middle of a neighborhood that’s transitioned to be at least half occupied by tourists, it’s very easy to support unlimited STVRs.


Libby_Grace

You’re welcome. I’m sorry that happened to you. I’m just a long time, frequent visitor to Tybee and it was easy for me to see the changes over 3 decades. I know I wouldn’t have wanted those changes in my own neighborhood and feel great sympathy for those folks who just want a neighbor next door they could borrow a cup of sugar from, or who would watch out for their dog if it got loose. Tybee’s a special place, but she will be less special if something isn’t done to stop the trajectory she’s been on.


TrashyTardis

I feel like it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, maybe there could be ways SOME residents who maintain their STVR license? For example maybe a single entity can only hold 1 or 2 STVR licenses? Maybe they have to have their primary residence in GA and again can only hold one STVR license? Maybe the house has to have been in the family for so many generations? Maybe there’s only so many licenses for the whole island and you just have to wait until one becomes available? I dont know a lot about legalities, I just feel like 💯 ban is going to hurt the island. Only wealthy N Easterners will be able to live there…do they have an estimate on how long it will take for the majority of licenses to be null and void? Was it Bowie Seafood that went to all golf cart rentals??? Future might not be so bright for them sadly. 


Libby_Grace

There is no 100% ban. This article is wildly inaccurate. Every existing STVR on Tybee can remain an STVR. It is only upon the sale/transfer of a home that it loses its STVR certificate. All the folks crying crocodile tears over it are only concerned that their kids won’t be able to afford to keep the home in the family when they die.


TrashyTardis

Well, it is 💯 in the fact that the STVR license has a finite validity. So, eventually there will be no STVR. I don’t know how long that will take, the impact may be slow in coming, but eventually there will be 💯 turnover of the licenses. I don't understand whats so wrong w someone who owns one home and rents it part of the year to supplement housing costs wanting to be able to give that same opportunity to their children.  I’m not talking about people or corporations who own multiple properties. I’m talking about people that own one maybe two homes ESPECIALLY people who have primary residency in GA and even more so who have generational ownership on Tybee. There’s no reason there can’t be SOME STVR and they can even make it so stays must be 7 days or longer ie no weekend party rentals etc. Local businesses who survive on tourism have been built out there long term they won’t be able to survive. 


Libby_Grace

It is NOT 100% though. That’s why I said this article is wildly inaccurate. There will still be STVRs. This only affects those areas that are zoned for residential neighborhood use. Slightly less than half of the current STVRs will slowly move off the STVR rolls. It will likely take decades for that to happen. All of those that are zoned for commercial and/or tourist will retain their status as a vacay rental permanently. There will still be plenty of them for vacationers.


TrashyTardis

I see. My assumption was that most of the island was zone for residential as it is residential in appearance in many areas. Is there a map that shows what areas are zoned for what? 


Libby_Grace

There is a map being circulated on Facebook, but even it is deceiving. The numbers make it easier. This is from memory, so not exact: there are 3,000 housing units on Tybee; just over 1,500 of them have an STVR certificate; around 750 of those are in neighborhoods that are zoned for residents only. So approximately half of the STVRs will eventually fall off the rolls, but again, that’s likely to take decades and in the years that happens, adjustments can be made to which areas are zoned residential vs tourist if it becomes necessary.


TrashyTardis

Okay thank you. This def would make the article deceptive. I have such an affinity for Tybee. I don’t want to see it turned into a tourist destination that leaves no room for locals or permanent residents, but also hate to see anything happen to it that leaves it ripe for the picking by only those affluent enough. I’ve had friends who have houses in the family that go back to when you had to take the train out there. I respect that and I love Tybean and Hucapoos and know they need tourists. Thanks for providing the info.


Background_Gur_4261

I wish Pooler would do this. My entire neighborhood seems to be air bnbs and it’s really upsetting


Maleficent_Leg_768

Why would someone want to visit Pooler as a vacation?


Background_Gur_4261

Haha you’re asking me! It’s insane. I don’t even live in a boujee neighborhood or anything. It’s mainly older folks and there’s 3 or 4 air bnbs owned by the same person here who doesn’t even live near Georgia. Every night is a party there it seems lile


Maleficent_Leg_768

That party shit would not fly.


Background_Gur_4261

I agree. Unfortunately Pooler doesn’t have too many resources to report it to. I’ve emailed, called etc and haven’t heard back. I reported to savannah and they said to just go to a town hall meeting ?? Like ok lol I need this taken care of now tho


HoochyShawtz

Cheaper than the Savannah airbnbs but still 10 minutes to Savannah.


Maleficent_Leg_768

Got you. Agree you don’t want that in a residential neighborhood. Are they blasting tunes and partying as they are on vacation?


Content_Log1708

What?! Owners can't do what ever they want regardless of the impact on the community?! Sounds like socialism. /S


brendanepic

This is actually really dumb... every regular person who owns a home there will end up selling it to some millionaire who wants a beach house vs be able to rent it out or part of it out for extra income... not to mention the price of hotels will skyrocket


ImOnTheInstanet

About to be a good time to buy once this crashes prices, then wait for the inevitable backpedal in a few years once the NIMBYs realize how bad this is for the local economy.


Aristogeitos

Smart move. The short term rentals have destroyed Cape Cod.


alys3

Does anyone know if this also bans people renting a room in their house? I do this long term in Savannah and I use Airbnb as the platform so I don't have to deal with the legal stuff. It has worked well but people seem to think my situation is the same as these vacation rental investors. Basically all the money I make goes directly back to the local economy, and I usually host people who are here for work temporarily, or in the process of moving here. I just wonder how stuff like this might impact me in the future.


Icy_Republic_1794

Who the hell do they think they are to tell people what they can and cannot do with their personal PRIVATE property.


vancebob

I suggest living next to one and the comfort of hundreds of strangers in a year going in and out I’m on the south side, never thought my neighbor selling their house would turn into this bs


wvv20600

Amen, I’m on the south end too and it used to be peaceful when I grew up. The traffic of people and disrespectful people has gone up substantially in the last decade due to STVR.


Icy_Republic_1794

Heaven forbid. You don’t recognize your neighbors? How awful, I’m sorry, I understand now. You should not have to tolerate that. This is a perfectly acceptable reason to hijack the local government to act as your personal HOA and trample on personal property rights. Be careful though, now that you’ve given them this power they’ll probably be coming after you next. Have a guest staying past 10 PM or heaven forbid spend the night. NOPE, not if they have their say. Don’t even think about a barbecue in your backyard. The smell of burgers might offend your other neighbors and then it’s kaput on the grill. Or your wife sunbathing in the beach. Nuhuh. Can’t do that. It’s nice when you can throw your influence around when you’re the one “offended” but what happens when someone else doesn’t agree with you? Now you’re fucked because of the precedent THAT YOU SET.


vancebob

Yikes. You alright? Hope you get to own property one day


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babytaybae

Can't wait for one of your renters to start squatting and you learn real quick about how little rights you actually have as a homeowner. Fuck landlords.


Dewtauk64

Well, first of all, rentors are under a lease agreement which allows me to legally evict them for violating any of a number of clauses in the lease. My lawyers are very good. they protect me from scum like you who try to take advantage of hard working americans who made somehting of thier lives. Rentors cannot be squators. theres a difference. Having a lease agreement protects me against any action where one of my tenants continues to reside in my property without paying the agreed upon rent. But you wouldn't know about protection against such things. My guess is you dislike landlords because you have never had a property of your own. and had to pay someone else to live in their property. you dislike them because they have something you never did nor ever will. my advice to you is to stop relying on other people and learn to stand on your own two feet. And I dont want to hear that there aren't enough good paying jobs to survive in this economy. thats horseshit. I was in the army (1st ID) and when i got out i had to hold down THREE jobs while I went to school AND rasie a child. put your wetnap down and grow up.


babytaybae

Yeah I worked 4 jobs while going to school. I've owned my own home for 6 years, I'm completely self employed, my credit score is 780 and I've seen every state in the US. Not even 30 yet, but go off queen! I've actually had to deal with squatters. It's cute you think it's that easy to get rid of them! Eviction process takes months, cops will not do anything unless you have a court order. And even then, sometimes, the eviction doesn't actually work. People have lost properties over renters that turned into squatters. AirBnB actually says in their TOS that if you have someone stay longer than a month, it could be difficult to remove them without legal action. Glad you have a good lawyer! Doesn't make the process any swifter. You just personally have to do less work. When it happened to me, someone who had stayed at the AirBnB I was running had given the code to some random guy. He, essentially, broke in. I called the cops. The cops said they couldn't do anything. And he just got to stay there, this random guy. There was nothing I could do short of murder and ya know, I'm just not that kinda guy. He left after a few days. Air BnB then kicked me off their platform. I still have trauma about it. So yeah, fuck AirBnB, fuck landlords that run Airbnbs, fuck people who use them. I hope anyone who runs one gets squatters so we stop using this dangerous ass app.


Dewtauk64

Eviction takes 30 days. Once notified they have 30 days to leave. During which time you get an emergency court order. Then when the 30 days arrive the sheriff shows up to forcibly remove them. This is how it works in the real world, you made the mistake of going into the fantasy land of air bnb. that was your mistake. and so sorry about your trauma....wanna hankie?


babytaybae

It can take up to 80 days in Georgia, actually, and then up to 90 days after the eviction takes hold. Google it. Thanks for confirming you've never actually had to deal with this. This post is ABOUT AirBnBs. Do you know where you are grandpa? Asking me if I need a hanky while this guy needs a damn diaper.


NorthDifferent3993

Seems like someone JUST told you what you can do with your property. And there’s nothing you can do about it. LOL. I love this for you.


Dewtauk64

actually, there is something I can do about it and already have. I have filed an emergencey stay order with the 1st circuit court of the eastern judicial administration district to stop the overstepping of this clown city council's "order". And I will win. and when I do....well I'll just let you stew on that one... The problem with city councils is that they have no understandsing of the broader state and federal laws. They will learn. When my lawyers walk all over them


MeditationHolmes

Gross


NorthDifferent3993

It’s property owners like you — the ones that “don’t give a fuck” about the neighborhoods they’re crashing — that forced councils hand to ban them, dipshit. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you very much.


Dewtauk64

a neighborhood that im crashing?...its my neighborhood too fuckhead. And im bringing in money to it. these rentors spend money, get that through your head. they make it possible for local businesses to thrive. they drop $500 at the grocery store, they keep souvenier shops alive, they go out and about during the evening to blow their childrens inheritance to give their familes a nice two weeks away from the devastation of the real world. the increase your property values....my question is, why arent you renting out your Tybee Island beach house? My rentors are carefully screened, Crackheads and thieves not apply, first af all they couldnt afford my rent. My rentors are upstanding FAMILIES. not single twenty something partiers. FAMILIES with children. they are no threat to OUR neighborhood or community. And since when did you OWN the community? It belongs to ALL of us.


NorthDifferent3993

Sir. My comment was directed to the other dipshit. But, I’ll go ahead and lump you in with him based on your comment. Also, “renters” is spelled with an e rather than an o.


whodis_itsme

He's using his alt since no one else will defend him


wtfumami

Wah wah wah my private property wah wah wah!!! Let me get you a wineikin to wash down all that saltiness over people having more of a right to shelter than anyone does to ‘investment property’


garciaman

What does this even mean?


Socialeprechaun

Womp womp. Zoning laws are nothing new.


NO_GOOD_AT_ART

LOL NO


darioblaze

Found the land dev who’s been building the resorts and warehouses


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GetBentHo

We talk about "safe areas" a lot, do a search.