County Officials Vote to Allow Short-Term Rentals in Every Part of Teller
Travis Philps
After a year of controversy regarding the presence of short-term rental properties (STRs) within unincorporated sections of the county, a decision has finally occurred.
During a special county commissioners’ meeting, the board voted unanimously to officially allow short-term rentals in every zone in the county.
However, the new policy does come with a catch. The county will be implementing a $10,000 fee per year, per property, in order to operate a short-term rental.
The news came about after several heated sessions involving the topic. In the end, though, county officials agreed that the best way to “end the bickering” would be to allow STRs “everywhere but make them pay.”
“We kind of just got tired of hearing so many STR owners complaining about possible regulations,” Commissioner Dave Willems said. “And on top of that, we are getting tired of state lawmakers threatening to take our money and power away. Last time we were in Denver, the lawmakers on the left introduced a bill to directly take money from counties to help pay for the state’s budget deficit. So, we figured we would solve two problems and use our STR money to re-coup our losses.”
For the last several years, STRs have not technically been allowed in the county, according to zoning regulations. However, since online vacation rental websites became so popular, many of these types of businesses have slipped through the cracks.
But now, the county is making its first move toward fully legalizing STRs. And instead of putting hefty regulation on where STRs can be operated like some local municipalities have, the county decided to let them occur everywhere.
Under the new law, as long as the property owner pays the $10,000 per-year fee on each STR property, the owner has full freedom to operate. “Trailers, sheds, tents, old vehicles and tipis are all included as allowable short term rental properties,” the county’s new ordinance states.
A Mecca for Wealthy Real Estate Tycoons
Despite the pleas of many citizens, saying the move will price them out of their properties and negatively impact county residents, the commissioners disagreed. They argued on the contrary, concluding that violating the property rights of homeowners would harm the county more.
“I am kind of tired of hearing people complain about being bothered by these miniature motels in their neighborhoods,” Commissioner Rob Cambell said. “This is a great financial opportunity for this county. These people have money and many said they are alright with our ‘pay to play’ scheme. If other residents don’t like it, they can move away.”
The new laws take place at the end of this month. But those who currently own STR properties (and prospective owners) can start the application process now.
According to the ordinance, there won’t be any restrictions put in place or unnecessary hoops to jump through. “As long as their checks clear, we’ll give them an STR license,” County Administrator Ron Hedzog said.
The commissioners further said that the newly acquired STR funds will go to upgrading the county services office that hasn’t been built yet. They then plan to put a good portion of the money generated into a secret offshore account that the state government can’t access.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
