Some vacation homeowners recently received some unwelcome news. In zones where a permit is required to allow vacation home nightly rentals, the Community Development Code has begun enforcing an access easement if the property uses a private shared access. 

The code, written by the City, is designed to address neighborhood character, safety and enforcement of the regulations and the collection of sales and lodging tax. 

The regulations require property owners to apply for a permit in order to rent out a single family home or duplex located within certain zones. In cases where the property already has a permit, the access easement is not required if the original owner whose signature is on file still owns the property. 

With the growing popularity of Airbnb, VRBO and vacation rental by owner outlets, the nightly rental market has seen in a surge in Steamboat Springs. Rebecca Bessey, the city’s planning and community development director, estimates there are over 2,000 active listings on Airbnb, but only 171 active vacation home rental permits have been issued by the city. 

Zoning for nightly rentals varies throughout the city, but in cases where it is permitted, homeowner associations have the power to override. Property owners in violation of the code will be given a notice of violation and asked to remove the listing. If they fail to do so, they face the municipal court and fines of $1,000 per day that the listing remained available. 

Prospective buyers looking at purchasing a second home for rental purposes are recommended to check with their REALTOR® and the city planning department on rules pertaining to any given property.