CB council takes steps toward emergency housing actions

Looking at several possibilites

[ by Mark Reaman ]

From taking “baby steps” to allow some camping in town on private property to enacting a moratorium on issuing short-term rental licenses (see page 1), changing zoning regulations, considering new taxes, hiring a housing specialist and possibly selling some town property to fund housing, the Crested Butte council Monday agreed to several measures that address the Local Disaster Emergency declared over affordable housing in town.

Aside from moving toward a moratorium on issuing any more short-term rental (STR) licenses for the next year, the council agreed to allow RV parking and tent camping on private property in town. Currently the town allows such camping for up to 14 days, but in an effort to provide space for workers living in vehicles or tents, the council agreed to lift the time limit. Staff suggested that a permit be required to ensure the viability of the property for camping, verify the owner’s approval of a camping agreement and make sure that campers are confirmed employees that work in Gunnison County.

Town community development director Troy Russ said the idea was to start with “baby steps by initially limiting it to private property to see what sort of demand there is. It is more manageable with a free camping permit.”

“We would rather see people camping in trucks on private property where they probably have access to a bathroom and maybe a shower than in the town right-of-way,” said planner Patrick Church.

“I’m not sure there is enough private space,” said councilwoman Jasmine Whelan. “Do we have a plan in place if a next step is needed?”

“Not right now,” answered Church. “Determining demand is important. We don’t know the data. This is the most manageable way to start it.”

“We are open to using town rights of way once we know the demand,” said Russ. “If there’s an urgency, we’ll hear it and learn.”

Council agreed to start with the “baby steps” and allow more and longer camping on private property in town but Whelan along with councilmembers Jason MacMillan and Mallika Magner asked staff to start looking at possibly allowing camping on the town’s public property as well.

Looking at new revenue sources to pay for it all
Staff will evaluate a number of fundraising ideas to pay for future affordable housing. Some members want to bring back discussion of a tax on houses not occupied year-round in Crested Butte. Councilman Will Dujardin called it a “community preservation fee” while Schmidt called it the old “empty house tax.”

Schmidt said a mill levy would be more fair given the housing crisis impact on all business and citizens but said trying to get such a tax issue on the upcoming fall ballot would take very quick action and be competing with the school district and fire district which are also proposing mill levy increases.

Magner suggested a Telluride model that used bonding to raise significant money for housing. That too would take a vote of the people.

Town manager Dara MacDonald said the staff could “dust off” a previous report compiled to look at a variety of funding mechanisms for housing.

Staff also proposed looking at town property and evaluating whether it made more sense to sell some of it on the free market to raise funds for housing. Schmidt suggested some of the property might be better utilized being repurposed to housing.

Hire a housing expert
Council had approved the idea and the budget to hire a planner who specializes in housing issues in 2022. But given the housing crisis, the staff is suggesting they move that up and immediately start advertising for a housing expert. The idea is to perhaps coordinate with the town of Mt. Crested Butte to pay for the position. No salary has been discussed but the hope is that someone who has experience developing projects could enter the local administrations.

Change the code
Council agreed to allow staff to make changes to the municipal code that facilitates housing opportunities, including making appropriate zoning changes to allow workers to live in the Ruby Bed and Breakfast since the town has the space under contract. Other changes include reducing the number of parking spaces required for studio and one-bedroom units, changing some definitions to ensure people can have roommates and non-family rental situations and modifying the Resident Occupied Affordable Housing (ROAH) fees.