Here we go again...
"New" Significant Changes, More Regulations and Significant Financial Consequences for Short-Term Rentals - 5% Density, even in condos??? Meaning 1 out of 20 will be allowed to be Vacation Rentals... say what?!?!
The Commissioners have the power to change things that can literally destroy this Tourism Based Economy
What's going on and why it matters......
Leaders within local government are considering significant changes to vacation rental property permit fees.
Other topics being discussed include:
- Restricting the number of rentals within the community,
- Penalizing any owner with more than one unit with increasing fees,
- Blaming vacation rental owners as the main factor limiting the supply of “affordable housing”.
- See the Pagosa Sun Article from 2/11/21 - YIKES!
- In 2019 and 2020, total Lodging Sales exceeded $57 Million, with more than $2 Million in Lodging Tax contributed. This does not begin to include visitor income generated from retail, restaurants, activities, etc.
- Ours is a Tourism-dependent Economy. Tourism drives our retail sales, hospitality, recreation, restaurant and construction industries … the list goes on. And short-term rentals are essential to our tourism draw.
- See the Attached Fee Schedule for the Archuleta County charging labor to process these applications at $132/hour
TUESDAY, March 2 - Commissioners Meeting - Voting on the Agenda
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95237266205?pwd=cGpUTy9aZXYyNndqMjV4RzBjMXNMQT09
Meeting ID: 952 3726 6205
Passcode: 918191
How To Help......
Email The Commissioners
Attend the Zoom MEetings
Attend the Zoom MEetings
Attend the Zoom MEetings
Attend the Zoom MEetings
Attend the Zoom MEetings
PLEASE ATTEND!!! Your input is critical!
Regular Commissioners Meeting
Time: March 2, 1:30 PM Mountain
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/95237266205?pwd=cGpUTy9aZXYyNndqMjV4RzBjMXNMQT09
Meeting ID: 952 3726 6205
Passcode: 918191
Talk TO OtherS
Attend the Zoom MEetings
Talk TO OtherS
These businesses rely on tourism, we value their input:
- Restaurants
- Retailers / Gift Shops
- Property Management
- House Cleaners / Maintenance / Landscape etc
- Vacation Rental Owners
- Activities: Skiing, Rafting, Fly Fishing,
Please read this important information
Leadership has heard from the minority within the community that are opposed to vacation rentals. These folks are organized and have lots of time on their hands.
It is vitally important they hear the truth and economic reality from the rest of the Stakeholders- Property Owners, Property Managers, Maintenance Companies, Restaurant Owners, Retailers, Activities and the many that serve our locals and visitors, that depend on the revenue that comes to our community from Tourists and Visitors.
World wide, consumer demand is driving the growth in vacation rentals; more people are looking for alternatives to traditional commercial lodging options. This is not a "Pagosa Thing", it is a cultural shift that consumers expect when they travel to enjoy a new area or return to someplace they love making memories.
Small changes are the beginning of larger changes. It is important to weigh in on this now. Don’t let this slippery slope continue, resulting in diminished property rights, reduced property values, a lower tax base and a less vibrant local economy. Higher fees and lower supply of vacation rentals will result in Tourists choosing to spend the money our economy depends on, in other communities.
Yikes....
Article printed in the Pagosa Sun, February 11, 2021