C mpass Rose MARCH 2021
BICYCLE ETIQUETTE ON SIDEWALKS The subject of riding bikes on sidewalks continues to be a hotly debated topic. Concerns arise from bicyclists riding fast on the sidewalks and forcing pedestrians on to the grass. Although the City of Nassau Bay receives many questions regarding sidewalk ordinances, the City does not prohibit bicycles on our sidewalks. (Please note: The City does prohibit motorized vehicles on our sidewalks. There is also a state law which states that pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks.) To address both the concerns of pedestrians, and those of bicyclists who enjoy the City's sidewalks (especially along Clear Creek), here are the top bicycling etiquette "rules" when riding on the sidewalks. GO SLOW. You should never ride faster than a relaxed jog. Pedaling fast down a sidewalk is a perfect way to get hurt or hurt someone else. GIVE ALERTS WHEN APPROACHING PEDESTRIANS. Consistent with the state law, recognize that pedestrians have the right-ofway. When approaching from the rear, call out “on your left” or ring a bell if you have one. If they don’t move over, yell it again. If they still don’t move or choose to ignore you, slow down to a crawl and ease by them if possible, but only if they give you enough room. However, realize that pedestrians may not be able to hear you for a variety of reasons, including wearing earbuds. This is also a learning opportunity for pedestrians. BE PREPARED TO STOP. People are unpredictable - dogs and kids especially. Anyone can get involved in a conversation or wrapped up in their own thoughts and come to an abrupt halt in front of you, even if they hear you coming. Remember to slow to a walking pace around traffic and keep your hands on your brakes. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY. In any case, be prepared to ride off the sidewalk to avoid pedestrians or walk your bike around pedestrians. Be sure to take special precautions when pedestrians are walking dogs. Your cooperation is appreciated and we hope that everyone can enjoy the scenic beauty of our City, safely.
NEW SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGULATIONS IN THE CITY
The City of Nassau Bay has enacted new regulations for short-term rentals within the City. Short-term rentals are one- or two-family dwellings that are rented for overnight lodging for less than 30 days at a time. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartment unit rentals, or dwellings that are rented for a period longer than 30 days are not considered short-term rentals. Permits and annual life safety inspections are now required for all short-term rental units within the City limits. Any one- or two-family dwelling advertised as a short-term rental on home sharing websites such as AirBnB, VRBO, HomeAway, etc. must be permitted before the advertisement is posted. The following requirements apply to all short-term rental units within City Limits: • A permit must be obtained for all short-term rentals in the City. • Hotel occupancy taxes are required to be paid on a quarterly basis. • Annual life safety inspections are required from the Fire Marshal’s Office. • Maximum occupancy of two (2) adults per sleeping area, plus an additional four (4) adults. • A decal with emergency contact information must be visible at the entry of the short-term rental. This list is not a comprehensive description of all the City's short-term rental regulations. To review all of the regulations for short-term rentals, please view the Short-Term Rental Ordinance O2020-806 found on the City's website. To begin the short-term rental registration process for your home within the City of Nassau Bay, please visit our website at www.nassaubay.com/STR.
