🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Steamboat Springs, CO

A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates—Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.

Steamboat Springs Cracks Down on Unlicensed Short-Term Rentals

The city of Steamboat Springs is intensifying its crackdown on unlicensed short-term rentals by targeting property management companies that advertise such rentals.

At a recent City Council meeting, City Attorney Dan Foote provided an update on the current enforcement efforts reporting a sharp increase in cases.

So far this year, 26 cases have been filed in municipal court matching the total number from all of last year. Foote attributes the increase to the addition of a new enforcement officer, but he also noted that these cases have been complex often requiring substantial legal resources.

To address this, Foote proposed holding property managers accountable. Under current regulations, advertising an unlicensed rental is illegal, and Foote believes focusing on property managers will make enforcement more efficient. The city would send letters to property managers first with citations following for non-compliance.

Councilor Michael Buccino emphasized the importance of targeting smaller property management operations which have proliferated in the area. These smaller companies may be flying under the radar and continuing to profit from unlicensed rentals making it harder to enforce compliance.

Council President Gail Garey raised concerns about zoning regulations—particularly in green, yellow, and red zones—where short-term rentals are treated differently. Foote explained that ineligible zones like the red and yellow zones typically lead to cease-and-desist orders for unlicensed rentals.

Violations can result in fines up to $2,650 and a ban on short-term rental operations, a deterrent that has proven effective since the approval of a new short-term rental tax in 2022.