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Jefferson County opens survey about short-term rentals
Jefferson County is seeking input from the public about short-term rentals in the unincorporated part of the county as part of a process to modify housing regulations.
Currently, short-term rentals require a one-acre lot at minimum, may only occur in single-family detached houses and necessitate approval from the Board of Adjustment. Guests, through platforms like Airbnb, cannot stay for longer than 30 days.
“In addition, staff has received input from county residents that the existing regulations do not adequately address the impacts of Short-Term Rentals and place an undue burden on residents wishing to operate a Short-Term Rental,” the county wrote.
Jeffco recently conducted a survey of residents. Questions included how residents felt about short-term rentals, whether or not rentals should be allowed, and the county’s ability to locate all such rentals.
The Board of Adjustment may renew a short-term rental permit for the first six months, and then every year afterward.
A bill passed in the 2020 legislative session granted counties the authority to license and regulate property owners who advertise or rent units for short-term stays, and to set fees and terms. Some experts support local control of rental regulations, pointing to varying needs between housing markets.
“One-size-fits-all state regulation may not always be the most appropriate policy response, and states may therefore choose to allow local governments to regulate,” said Kellen Zale, a University of Houston law professor, to the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Currently, short-term rentals require a one-acre lot at minimum, may only occur in single-family detached houses and necessitate approval from the Board of Adjustment. Guests, through platforms like Airbnb, cannot stay for longer than 30 days.
“In addition, staff has received input from county residents that the existing regulations do not adequately address the impacts of Short-Term Rentals and place an undue burden on residents wishing to operate a Short-Term Rental,” the county wrote.
Jeffco recently conducted a survey of residents. Questions included how residents felt about short-term rentals, whether or not rentals should be allowed, and the county’s ability to locate all such rentals.
The Board of Adjustment may renew a short-term rental permit for the first six months, and then every year afterward.
A bill passed in the 2020 legislative session granted counties the authority to license and regulate property owners who advertise or rent units for short-term stays, and to set fees and terms. Some experts support local control of rental regulations, pointing to varying needs between housing markets.
“One-size-fits-all state regulation may not always be the most appropriate policy response, and states may therefore choose to allow local governments to regulate,” said Kellen Zale, a University of Houston law professor, to the Pew Charitable Trusts.
