The iconic Bay View Hotel in Aptos is one of several properties being considered for conversion to long-term rental units.
County officials are looking into a plan to convert the 149-year-old building at 8041 Soquel Drive, along with eight properties in Aptos, Felton and Boulder Creek.
Still subject to approval by the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission and then the Board of Supervisors, the move would convert obsolete visitor accommodations, assisted living facilities and convalescent homes for residential use.
The issue is far from settled. At its Feb. 13 meeting, the Planning Commission approved a proposal to create a so-called Permanent Room Housing (PRH) zoning district. That matter will now go the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors for further discussion, amendments and possible approval.
If approved, both agencies would then create the framework for the PRH district, deciding on such issues as which properties qualify, and what uses would fall into the category. This could include apartments and vacation rentals.
County officials are targeting the properties to help alleviate the county’s notoriously tight and expensive housing market.
“These properties can serve an important role in addressing the housing crisis because the converted units are affordable by design due to their small size,” the Planning Commission agenda states.
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Properties being considered
• 10110 Soquel Drive, Aptos
• 14630 Two Bar Road, Boulder Creek
• 14650 Two Bar Road, Boulder Creek
• 13320 Highway 9, Boulder Creek
• 4700 Highway 9, Felton
• 165 East St., Aptos
• 222 Santa Cruz Ave., Aptos
