CB South looking to wade into short-term rental regulations

No attempt to limit STRs

By Mark Reaman

Crested Butte South is the next entity in the county getting ready to regulate short-term vacation rentals. The Property Owners Association board of directors will be considering a new policy regulating STRs at its next meeting on Wednesday, March 14.

According to the POA notice, the intent is not to restrict STRs in Crested Butte South but to require an application form and fee for those who rent out their units for fewer than 30 days. “The CB South POA has developed a policy for Short-Term Rentals in order to minimize the impacts such business activity can potentially have on our members, common areas and community as a whole. The Policy creates points of contact and reiterates the rules and requirements for all owners in the residential zone,” the POA website states.

Crested Butte South association manager Dom Eymere said the new policy is geared toward community outreach. “The board understands the impacts STRs have in residential zones and we have seen some of those impacts increase over the past several years,” he explained. “It was important for us to know who is the responsible party, owner, property manager or whomever, to be able to contact them in case of an emergency or issue arising out of this type of STR activity. Additionally, we are continually making an effort to get information out to all renters, long- or short-term, and new homeowners about rules and the regulations that govern Crested Butte South.”

Eymere said an application and $50 fee for a permit will be required every two years, plus a signed affidavit that includes a request for sales tax license number and general information on the frequency of occupancy will be required annually. He emphasized that no tax is collected by Crested Butte South; the tax would go through the state of Colorado and include the local marketing tax by Gunnison County. Unincorporated Gunnison County does not require a business license to short-term-rent a house.

“In lieu of an inspection, we will want to obtain a signed affidavit that guarantees the STRs are in compliance with state and federal standards to ensure the safety and welfare of the renters,” added Eymere.

Basically, the new policy would require someone to be in the area while the property is rented so emergencies can be dealt with; require all taxes to be collected; make sure that all rented properties be up to code and have for example, carbon monoxide detectors; require all parking to be in designated areas; and request that pertinent information be prominently posted. That includes information on things like trash, bear activities, noise and light regulations. Insurance must be maintained yearly; an affidavit must be signed by the owner attesting to the duration and frequency of the prior year short-term rental history; and a permit will be issued good for two years but any change in property ownership will require a new permit.

If renters do not abide by the Crested Butte South rules, the owner of the property could receive a fine. The POA states “owners are responsible for renter’s compliance with the rules and regulations of the Association and can be levied a fine for non-compliance of any and all policies that govern Crested Butte South.”

The draft policy may be viewed at the association’s office, 61 Teocalli Road. The meeting to address the new policy is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14 at 6 p.m.