It feels like there’s an assault on short term rentals across Summit County. Last week the town of Breckenridge decided to cap short term rental permits and this week Summit County is talking about a short term rental permit moratorium. Summit County is a resort area and a tourist economy yet the town and county are talking about having fewer short term rentals. It doesn’t sound right. Many things are driving this agenda throughout mountain towns across Colorado. Summit County may actually be coming late to the party. Just because other areas are doing it doesn’t mean that it’s the right move for our county.
Breckenridge to limit short term rental permits
Last week Breckenridge town council moved forward with a motion to limit short term rental permits to 2200. There are currently nearly 4000 active permits in Breckenridge. The town is drafting a proposal that will be presented at a meeting on Tuesday the 14th at 7pm. Changes may be made at the meeting and a final proposal presented at their next meeting September 28th. While you can attend the town council meeting via Zoom, I have been told that questions and comments will only be taken by those appearing in person. If you’d like to attend in person, council meets at the Breckenridge Town Hall at 150 Ski Hill Road. You can view the meeting agenda prior to attending.
Summit County’s moratorium on short term rental licenses
Shortly after Breckenridge decided to cap short term rental permits, Summit County announced they are considering a twelve week moratorium on short term rental permits. At the Board of County Commissioners, BOCC, regularly scheduled meeting, also happening on Tuesday, September 14th, the BOCC will vote on the moratorium after hearing public comment. This meeting is at 1:30, a recess will happen between 3 and 4:30 if the meeting is still going on. The meeting must wrap up by 6pm. The short term rental moratorium discussion is the last item on the meeting agenda.
The county would like to use the moratorium time to catch up, finish up and roll out an incentive program, and to make adjustments to moderate the number of short term rental licenses issued. The moratorium is only for areas in unincorporated Summit County. Those areas not within any town limits. Even though Keystone and Copper are in unincorporated Summit County, they will likely be exempt from the moratorium. Because those are more typical resort areas, there probably will not be any changes to the short term rental licensing in those areas.
Several neighborhoods in the county have been singled out as primarily locals areas. Those are the areas the BOCC believes are not necessarily the right locations for short term rentals. Exactly how they address that remains to be seen. Those areas are Dillon Valley, French Creek, Woodmoor, Wildernest, Frisco Terrace/Evergreen, Lake View Meadows, Mesa Cortina, Summit Cove, Alpine Breck, Quandary Village, and Peak 7.
Give your input about short term rentals
It seems recent events have brought affordability of housing to the forefront of many resort markets. Workers are a necessary part of the economy but they are becoming further priced out of the market. It is has gotten so bad that many municipalities are being forced to address it. One of the areas being targeted is short term rentals. It is not the only area but it is currently the hot topic. If you have an opinion on housing and short term rentals the Summit County and town governments need to hear it now. Please reach out by phone or email to voice your opinions.
While we have only heard about the town of Breck and Summit County publicly working on these housing issues, the other towns will not be far behind. Don’t hesitate to tell them how you feel as well.
Summit County Board of County Commissioners
We will find out more information at the meetings being held September 14th.
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