The Future of Short Term Rentals in Clear Creek County

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UPDATE 3/18/24:

The updated draft STR Ordinance is available for public review: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/14371/draft-STR-Ordinance

The draft Ordinance is a result of comprehensive discussions and community feedback. It aims to ensure that STRs operate harmoniously within the county, balancing the needs of property owners with community welfare and safety.

We strongly encourage all residents and stakeholders to review and provide your valuable feedback. This is your opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of short-term rentals in our county. Your input is crucial in creating regulations that reflect our community's values and needs.

The BoCC Working Session to review STR regulation revisions will still be held on Tuesday, March 19th 2024: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=2366

***Working Session MEMO: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/14370/BOCC-Memo-Working-Session-to-discuss-a-draft-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance


UPDATE 2/27/24:

Please note that the working session for the STR ordinance has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 19th, due to necessary additional revisions and a further review requested by the County Attorney’s office. We appreciate your understanding and encourage your continued involvement in shaping the future of STR regulations in Clear Creek County. For more information, to provide feedback, or to participate in shaping the new regulations, please visit the Clear Creek County Forum or the STR homepage on the County website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/910/Short-Term-Rental-Permitting.


UPDATE 2/14/24:

The upcoming draft ordinance for short-term rentals (STRs) in Clear Creek County will soon be available for public review. In anticipation, we continue to welcome and gather community input. If you're interested in contributing your perspective or suggestions, we invite you to register on the Clear Creek County Forum. Here, you can share your ideas, participate in discussions, and take part in polls. Your involvement is key to ensuring the new ordinance reflects the needs and values of our community. Stay connected with us for updates on the release date and how you can provide your valuable feedback.


UPDATE 2/8/24:

Clear Creek County continues to refine its approach to managing short-term rentals (STRs) within our community. As part of this ongoing effort, the Board of County Commissioners is currently drafting an updated ordinance to further clarify and adjust the regulatory framework governing STRs. This initiative reflects our commitment to maintaining a balanced residential environment and supporting the needs of both our residents and visitors. Details of the draft ordinance will be shared with the public for feedback once finalized. We encourage all community members to stay engaged and participate in the forthcoming discussions. Your input is vital to shaping a policy that best serves the entire Clear Creek County.


2021 Final Draft: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/8564/final-signed-recorded-reso?bidId=


2021 ARCHIVE:

UPDATE 12/07/21:

During their continued hearing, the County Commissioners approved revisions to the short term rental regulations including: a) place a cap of 4.5% of the total number of residential units in unincorporated CCC (for 2022, this amounts to roughly 154 STR Permits), b) exempt primary-resident (also known as owner-occupied) STRs from the new 4.5% cap, c) eliminate the 8-person limit on STRs on lots under 2-acres, d) clarifies garbage storage requirements, e) revise the maximum occupancy of short term rentals that are on a central sanitation system, and f) other miscellaneous revisions that will increase permit review efficiencies. To review all revisions, see the final resolution here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/8564/final-signed-recorded-reso?bidId=

UPDATE 11/04/21:

The Commissioners did NOT impose a moratorium during their meeting on November 2, 2021. The moratorium is not expected to be on the Commissioners' Agenda again until December 7th when the regulations hearing is continued.

UPDATE 10/29/21:

The County Commissioners held their public hearing on October 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm to consider the Planning Commission's recommendation. No members of the public chose to attend the meeting to provide public comment. After hearing the Planning Commission's recommendation, the Board continued their hearing to December 7, 2021 to give staff time to prepare a revised draft that implements an 'owner-occupied only' policy (ie: allow someone to only rent their primary residence as a STR), and to consider imposing a temporary moratorium on new STR applications until a revised regulation is approved. The Moratorium will be considered on November 2, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

UPDATE 10/13/21:

The Planning Commission continued their Sept. 15th hearing to Oct. 6th and approved a draft revision that will now go to the County Commissioners for review and consideration. The Commissioners' public hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm. A link to the Commissioners' Agendas and Zoom links is here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/1131/County-Commissioner-Agendas-Packets-Minu

Find updated documents and staff reports here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/477/Active-Cases

UPDATE 09/02/21:

The draft revisions to the STR Regulations are now available for public viewing and comment. Find them at https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/477/Active-Cases

This draft will be presented to the Planning Commission at their scheduled public hearing on Wed., Sept. 15, 2021.


Clear Creek County is 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 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 Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission feels they have a good grasp of the issues and direction, they will hold a formal public hearing to consider specific draft revisions and make a formal recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. After which a public hearing wil be held by the Commissioners to consider the Planning Commission'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 Planning Commission 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!

UPDATE 3/18/24:

The updated draft STR Ordinance is available for public review: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/14371/draft-STR-Ordinance

The draft Ordinance is a result of comprehensive discussions and community feedback. It aims to ensure that STRs operate harmoniously within the county, balancing the needs of property owners with community welfare and safety.

We strongly encourage all residents and stakeholders to review and provide your valuable feedback. This is your opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of short-term rentals in our county. Your input is crucial in creating regulations that reflect our community's values and needs.

The BoCC Working Session to review STR regulation revisions will still be held on Tuesday, March 19th 2024: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=2366

***Working Session MEMO: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/14370/BOCC-Memo-Working-Session-to-discuss-a-draft-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance


UPDATE 2/27/24:

Please note that the working session for the STR ordinance has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 19th, due to necessary additional revisions and a further review requested by the County Attorney’s office. We appreciate your understanding and encourage your continued involvement in shaping the future of STR regulations in Clear Creek County. For more information, to provide feedback, or to participate in shaping the new regulations, please visit the Clear Creek County Forum or the STR homepage on the County website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/910/Short-Term-Rental-Permitting.


UPDATE 2/14/24:

The upcoming draft ordinance for short-term rentals (STRs) in Clear Creek County will soon be available for public review. In anticipation, we continue to welcome and gather community input. If you're interested in contributing your perspective or suggestions, we invite you to register on the Clear Creek County Forum. Here, you can share your ideas, participate in discussions, and take part in polls. Your involvement is key to ensuring the new ordinance reflects the needs and values of our community. Stay connected with us for updates on the release date and how you can provide your valuable feedback.


UPDATE 2/8/24:

Clear Creek County continues to refine its approach to managing short-term rentals (STRs) within our community. As part of this ongoing effort, the Board of County Commissioners is currently drafting an updated ordinance to further clarify and adjust the regulatory framework governing STRs. This initiative reflects our commitment to maintaining a balanced residential environment and supporting the needs of both our residents and visitors. Details of the draft ordinance will be shared with the public for feedback once finalized. We encourage all community members to stay engaged and participate in the forthcoming discussions. Your input is vital to shaping a policy that best serves the entire Clear Creek County.


2021 Final Draft: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/8564/final-signed-recorded-reso?bidId=


2021 ARCHIVE:

UPDATE 12/07/21:

During their continued hearing, the County Commissioners approved revisions to the short term rental regulations including: a) place a cap of 4.5% of the total number of residential units in unincorporated CCC (for 2022, this amounts to roughly 154 STR Permits), b) exempt primary-resident (also known as owner-occupied) STRs from the new 4.5% cap, c) eliminate the 8-person limit on STRs on lots under 2-acres, d) clarifies garbage storage requirements, e) revise the maximum occupancy of short term rentals that are on a central sanitation system, and f) other miscellaneous revisions that will increase permit review efficiencies. To review all revisions, see the final resolution here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/8564/final-signed-recorded-reso?bidId=

UPDATE 11/04/21:

The Commissioners did NOT impose a moratorium during their meeting on November 2, 2021. The moratorium is not expected to be on the Commissioners' Agenda again until December 7th when the regulations hearing is continued.

UPDATE 10/29/21:

The County Commissioners held their public hearing on October 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm to consider the Planning Commission's recommendation. No members of the public chose to attend the meeting to provide public comment. After hearing the Planning Commission's recommendation, the Board continued their hearing to December 7, 2021 to give staff time to prepare a revised draft that implements an 'owner-occupied only' policy (ie: allow someone to only rent their primary residence as a STR), and to consider imposing a temporary moratorium on new STR applications until a revised regulation is approved. The Moratorium will be considered on November 2, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

UPDATE 10/13/21:

The Planning Commission continued their Sept. 15th hearing to Oct. 6th and approved a draft revision that will now go to the County Commissioners for review and consideration. The Commissioners' public hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm. A link to the Commissioners' Agendas and Zoom links is here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/1131/County-Commissioner-Agendas-Packets-Minu

Find updated documents and staff reports here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/477/Active-Cases

UPDATE 09/02/21:

The draft revisions to the STR Regulations are now available for public viewing and comment. Find them at https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/477/Active-Cases

This draft will be presented to the Planning Commission at their scheduled public hearing on Wed., Sept. 15, 2021.


Clear Creek County is 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 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 Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission feels they have a good grasp of the issues and direction, they will hold a formal public hearing to consider specific draft revisions and make a formal recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. After which a public hearing wil be held by the Commissioners to consider the Planning Commission'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 Planning Commission 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!

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Do you think short term rentals are good for the community? (2021)

Yes! the bring in business and spur the economy!
62%
No they take up much needed housing stock
15%
Yes they give homeowners ways to make money
10%
No, they attract noisy renters and are difficult to manage
13%
Total Votes : 164
Vote
Page last updated: 23 Apr 2024, 08:57 AM