Colfax approves short-term rental ordinance

The Colfax City Council approved an ordinance to allow for a permitting process for short-term rentals within the city's limits during its consent agenda on Sept. 11. The ordinance would allow for rentals to be subject to a yearly permit, limit the number of guests at each site, have recognized noise and quiet hours, ensure there is a contact for the property should issues arise and require surrounding property owners to be noticed. Kathy Pease, a planning consultant for the city, advised the ordinance aims to strike a balance between being economic friendly and ensuring residential neighborhoods are maintained with minimal potential impacts. The ordinance was introduced on May 22 with adoption slated for June 26 but instead returned to the July 24 meeting at the council's request for further discussion. During the July meeting, the council noted concerns over the amount of tenant information to be collected and the proposed fee schedule of $1,500 for the first year and then $500 yearly. The second introduction of the ordinance was approved Aug. 28, inclusive of amendments to require less tenant information to be obtained and a recommended fee schedule of $350 to establish the permit and $85 to renew annually. Pease confirmed during the Aug. 28 meeting she would return to the council after ordinance adoption with an amendment to the fee schedule. According to Pease, the ordinance will be effective 30 days following the council's adoption.