Westminster going to regulate short-term rentals

[James Carlson]

For those who care, the city council in Westminster -- just northwest of Denver -- is starting the process of regulating short-term rentals. Airbnb is currently illegal in the city. (Or technically, the city's ordinance is silent on the issue, and the way ordinances work in Westminster, if it's not explicitly allowed, then it is prohibited.) 

The council will hold initial talks on the subject at their study session on Monday, March 7. (You can see their agenda information here.) Anyone running an STR in the city might want to watch these proceedings.

If I had to guess, I'd say they're going to allow short-term rentals but only in your primary residence just like most every city in the Denver metro area does. The staff document linked above doesn't tip their hand too much, but it does say that a 2019 survey of residents found that nearly two-thirds wanted to allow STRs but the same two-thirds wanted the city to prohibit non-owner occupied STRs.

I'll be interested to see which direction they go. Right now, only Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Centennial and (soon to be) Adams County allow for Airbnb investment properties.

[Frank R.]

Quote from @Chad Rocke:

@James Carlson great info! From

My understanding is Thornton and Northglenn also allow str and the property does not need to be a primary residence. Have you heard different?

From what I can gather.

Thornton allows it but it must be your primary that you inhabit at least 50% of the year. It requires a $180 annual fee and you must collect and remit lodging taxes to the city.

Northglenn allows it without it being your primary, and doesn't seem to limit # of days per year. It does have a detailed process to go though. 

You must have a business license ($15), $175 new application fee or $150 renewal, inspection affidavit, License Holder Affidavit, Property Inspection, Affidavit - Restriction on Public Benefits.

Sources

https://www.thorntonco.gov/gov...

https://www.northglenn.org/gov...