Colfax approves short-term rental ordinance introduction

In an effort to have regulations for short-term rentals within city limits, the Colfax City Council approved the introduction of an ordinance to allow for a permitting process during its May 22 meeting. "The purpose of this ordinance, really, is to try and strike a balance between being economic friendly and allowing for this use, at the same time making sure we maintain residential neighborhoods and we reduce potential impacts," said Kathy Pease, a planning consultant for Colfax. Pease advised searches on Airbnb, VRBO and Google show there are currently 12-14 existing short-term rentals being advertised within the city. She confirmed the ordinance would allow for rentals to be subject to a yearly permit, limit the number of guests at each site, noise and quiet hours, require surrounding property owners to be noticed and ensure there is a responsible contact should any issues arise. The ordinance would also allow surrounding property owners to provide comment once noticed of a potential rental property, as well as an appeals process if an applicant is denied. According to Pease, short-term rental applicants would pay administrative fees, $1,500 for the first year and then $500 yearly, to cover staff costs, and rentals would be subject to the city's transient occupancy tax to fund general city services. Councilmember Caroline McCully noted she was concerned there was not a limit on the number of allowed short-term rentals, as she did not want Colfax to become overrun. Pease confirmed she did not anticipate "a huge run on these in the near term." Councilmember Larry Hillberg shared he hoped "we don't ever get in the business of having to choose" how many rentals are allowed, as it would be difficult and subjective. Colfax City Attorney Mick Cabral confirmed the city could address that with an annual lottery for permits. Cabral confirmed the ordinance will return for adoption at the council's June 12 meeting.