On Tuesday, the town of Granby held another workshop on Short-term Rentals (STR). Town Manager, Aaron Blair, told the Board of Trustees that they are continuing to hold workshops to get public comment from the town’s residents. Blair told the trustees he’s received many comments from folks in Mountainside and Base Camp, plus input from Resort Management Group (RMG).

Blair said the cost of the annual permit and the number of occupants comprised the majority of the concerns expressed. Many also felt that the town should align their policy with the county’s. “Most agree there should be something in place, but want something closer to what Grand County is doing”, said Blair. He estimated that about 80% of the respondents were against the proposed regulations in their current state.

The trustees discussed the proposed regulations. Mayor Paul Chavoustie asked whether it would be better to let the HOAs manage short-term rentals. “With the administrative costs and time on our end, is it worth our managing this?”, he asked. Chavoustie told the trustees that the Edgewater charges an additional $350 per year for STRs. “Do we know what’s right for each neighborhood?”

Trustee Becky Johnson stated “The fees are reasonable – $25 per person occupancy is about the same as what we are proposing”, referring to the proposed annual permit fees of between $200-400, depending on the number of occupants allowed. “As a town, we have to protect ourselves.”

The trustees discussed concerns with noise, parking and trash and the town’s law enforcement responding to the complaints. Revenue from the permit fees would be minimal in offsetting the town’s costs, but all agreed that regulations need to be put in place. Most agreed that it would be more seamless to set the town’s fees similar to the county or Grand Lake, for the sake of consistency.   

Lance Badger, with Granby Ranch, said he is an advocate of STRs and regulations. Occupancy, parking, trash and overextending use of facilities are all challenges presented by STRs. “On an HOA level, we hear about it”, said Badger. While an HOA can impose rules, it is more difficult to regulate at a land use level. If the town adopts a policy, it makes it easier for the HOA to enforce, “a belts and suspenders approach”. Badger added “The town needs to take a stand and set guidelines”.

Kristi with Resort Management Group (RMG) told the trustees they are not opposed to regulations. “We are in favor of putting it in the hands of HOAs”, she said, adding “we would really like to see more time for input. If the town would hold an extended workshop to get more input, we would appreciate it”.

A Tall Timbers homeowner told the trustees she felt the fees proposed are exorbitant. She suggested the town look at the fees charged in Fraser and in Summit County, which average $150 per year. She also suggested that the occupancy count apply only to adults, since “a 2 year old does not need the same things as an adult would”. She also asked that a resident survey with demographic information be conducted prior to adopting a policy. “If my income goes down, I will be forced to sell”, said the homeowner.

The trustees thanked the public for their input and determined that another workshop will be scheduled in the future, allowing for more time than thirty minutes.

To learn more, visit: townofgranby.com.