Colorado Springs bans *some* STRs

[James Carlson]

It finally happened. Colorado Springs passed a law banning some Airbnb/short-term rentals last week. So, what do you need to know?

What's banned?

• all new non-owner occupied short term rentals in R-1 or PUD zoning
• any new non-owner occupied STRs in R-2 and higher zoning that are within 500 feet of another non-owner occupied STR

What's still allowed?

• all existing permitted STRs (non-owner occupied and primary residence homes), regardless of zoning, as long as you continue to renew the license ... in other words, everyone who's currently (and legally) operating an STR is grandfathered in.
• all new non-owner occupied STRs in R-2 and higher zoning that are NOT within 500 feet of another 
• all new primary STRs in any zoning

Confused? Feel free to reach out to me. I have a sick love of talking about STR and Airbnb laws. Here's some more info.

Definition of "owner occupied"?
You live there 210 days or more. How do they police that? Who knows.

When do the new regulations go into effect?
The council has to give final approval at their next meeting, Dec. 19, 2019. There is some confusion about whether it will be in effect upon that approval or if it will go into effect a few days later when it's officially recorded.

How does this impact my current or about-to-be Airbnb rental?
If you're permitted, you're good. If you have a rental but no permit, apply for the permit right now.

What about future STR investments in Colorado Springs?
Funny you should ask! You should probably work with someone who understands the laws inside and out. (Ahem.) If you are creative and know how to search, you can find homes for Airbnb. I already have a handful of current listings that I know would still work under the new laws.

[James Carlson]

"Asking for a friend!" That's what you say when asking about a funky rash the shape of New Jersey

A short term rental or STR is any rental less than 30 days. The city of Colorado Springs (or most any city like Denver or elsewhere) doesn't care what platform you use to obtain these less-than-30-day guests (Airbnb, VRBO, newspaper classified, coffee shop flyer); they care that you rent your house or room for less than 30 days.

Anything 30 days or more is the same as a year-long lease in the eyes of the city. It all falls under the same rules, which is to say it's totally legal, whether furnished or not.