Residents, commissioners spar over proposed short‑term rental rules; board says process extensive

A Teller County short‑term rental (STR) owner told commissioners on June 25 that the county’s draft Ordinance 23 would unfairly harm small, owner‑occupied operations and urged the board to collect data before imposing broad restrictions. The speaker, referenced in the record as Mister Ostera, said two provisions would be particularly harmful: banning STRs in accessory dwelling units and limiting STRs to one per property. "If there's any noise, we're on top of it because we live right there," he said, describing rural, owner‑occupied STRs on large parcels where owners manage problems directly.

Commissioners responded that Ordinance 23 follows an extended process of work sessions, outreach and surveys. Commissioner Williams said the county had 18–20 months of work, including six regional engagements and about 700 surveys, and described the forthcoming process as quasi‑judicial. The board also noted that existing land‑use regulations limit STR use in some parcel types and that planning staff will continue to consider grandfathering or variance processes. "We've heard you," one commissioner said; "please stay involved," the chair added, encouraging continued public engagement as staff develops the ordinance language.

The exchange clarified that no ordinance was adopted at the meeting: the STR regulation work remains in the drafting and work‑session stage and will return to staff and the board for further deliberation. Commissioners said some elements — including potential exceptions or variance pathways — are still under discussion and that affected residents should submit comments and participate in upcoming meetings.