Have Your Say: Littleton's New Proposed Short-Term Rental Rules

LITTLETON, CO – Littleton is looking at regulations on short-term rentals, booked through companies such as AirBNB and VRBO.com. The city is among other Colorado municipalities trying to address the challenges and benefits that short-term rentals give property owners.

The Plan Commission will meet Sept. 24 to discuss proposed changes to short-term rental licenses.

In July, Steve Kemp, city attorney said that only 10 short-term rental licenses had been issued by the city to property owners. That's in spite of the fact that more than 250 AirBNB accounts popped up on a search for "Littleton" as reported by BusinessDen.

The city placed a moratorium in July on issuing any more licenses while the Plan Commission is considering zoning changes. Kemp said the plan commission was looking at ordinances passed by Denver, Golden, Empire, Salida, Silverthorne, Georgetown and Durango. "We will also look at relevant examples outside the state," he said.

"It may be lucrative for private citizens to become part-time innkeepers; however, most of the negative impacts are borne by the neighbors and surrounding community who may not be getting anything in return," a statement from Jocelyn Mills, community development director said.

The plan commission will discuss a proposed ordinance Sept. 24, making the following changes:

• No property owner can operate a short-term rental without a $25 yearly license, which must be displayed in the property.
• The owner must provide proof that the property is the owner's primary residence.
• Only one unit on a multi-unit property can be licensed.
• No property can be rented out to more people than the property's existing occupancy limits allow.
• Off-street parking must be provided.
• Each rented property must have an operational smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher.
• Renters must get a copy of the city's a copy of the city’s noise, trash and related regulations.

If you'd like to make comments before the Plan Commission meeting, send them to jmills@littletongov.org.

Find out more about the city's proposed short-term rental plan here.

Related: Short-Term Rental Rules Eyed In Golden City Survey

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