Short Term Rentals in Clear Creek County
Clear Creek County is again currently undergoing a review of its regulations that govern short term rentals (aka; vacation rentals, Airbnbs, VRBOs, etc.) with the intent of making revisions that would help better ensure a more stable supply of housing for long-term residents and employees who work in the County.
The County Commissioners first adopted regulations for short term rentals in December, 2017. At that time, the number of short term rentals operating in unincorporated Clear Creek County (outside of the municipalities) was estimated to be around 120 to 140. Since 2017, the number of STRs has remained stable, with the exception of 2020 when the number of STRs being advertised dropped to about 100; probably due to COVID stay-at-home restrictions. This year, the number of advertisements has increased back to roughly 120 to 130.
The current regulations allow any legally-constructed residential unit in the County to obtain a Permit as long as certain requirements are met including providing adequate off-street parking, adequate garbage disposal, adequate fire protection measures if outdoor fire pits/grills are used, and a limitation of no more than eight (8) guests per rental (additional guests are allowed on larger parcels of property under certain conditions). A sales tax license must be obtained to assure remittance of sales and lodging taxes to the County.
The County Commissioners have asked County staff and the Planning Commission to review the regulations and draft an Ordinance to assure they are not adversely impacting the County's long term housing stock for residents and workers, and to recommend revisions if necessary.
Currently, the Building Department is having a series of working sessions to study the issue, review current information, hear from the public and stakeholders, and discuss alternatives. Once the Building Department feels they have a good grasp of the issues and direction. A public hearing will be held by the Commissioners to consider the Building Department's recommendation, hear from the public, and make a final decision on the draft revisions.
Public comment and participation is an important part of this process, and the County wants to hear from you to help formulate a good recommendation that takes into consideration the concerns and thoughts of the public and stakeholders. Therefore, we ask if you would take some time to review current information that is on this project page and to give us your thoughts on what the county should do with short term rentals!
DRAFT Ordinance as of 11/19/2024: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/14371/Draft-STR-Ordinance
Current Regulation: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/8564/final-signed-recorded-reso?bidId=
NEW Fee Schedule (as of 12/9/2024): https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/15224/Short-Term-Rental-Fee-Schedule-R-24-92---ADA