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Pitkin County commissioners split on vacancy tax amid worries it could affect short‑term rental rules
Summary
County staff said lawmakers plan to reclassify a proposed vacant residential property measure as an excise tax; commissioners debated local impacts, with the board recording an informal 2–1 split and agreeing to monitor and revisit the proposal as it moves through CCAT and the legislature.
Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners discussed a proposed vacant residential property bill on Feb. 3, with staff saying the draft removes a property‑tax component and instead classifies the measure as an excise tax.
Management analyst Levi Borst told the board the bill’s property‑tax element would be removed and replaced with an excise tax, which the presenter said was intended to avoid complications with uniform property‑tax classification. He also noted that CCAT and related county organizations had signaled support for the concept and that CCAT membership would vote on a position the next day.
Commissioners debated local consequences. Commissioner Jeffrey Woodruff warned the county to “be careful what we wish for,” saying a new vacancy tax could invite owners of properties without prior short‑term rental (STR) histories to seek STR licenses after paying the tax. Commissioner Francie Jacober said she would “support it at this point,” and the board recorded an informal split in the room (about two in favor, one opposed). Borst also noted any local tax option would ultimately be permissive and require voter approval where applicable.
Board members discussed examples from other jurisdictions — Borst said Steamboat Springs declined a vacancy tax last November and similar ballot measures have failed elsewhere — and emphasized local land‑use tools would remain relevant to how Pitkin County manages STRs and housing. The board agreed staff should monitor the bill’s progress and that the county could revisit a formal position when the full five‑member board is present or as the bill is amended.
Next steps: staff will continue to track amendments, report back on committee activity and decide whether to file a formal position on the Secretary of State’s site after additional discussion or when a full board can weigh in.
