Short-term Rentals

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Short-term Rental License Now Available

Residents may now apply for a license to rent a home for short stays (less than 30 days). Learn more about the new rules and application process here: https://lafayetteco.gov/3959/Short-Term-Rentals

Have questions? Please reach out to staff via email or phone or book a meeting directly by selecting a date and time through our online scheduler.

Summary of New Regulations

After a year of community engagement and analysis, City Council approved new regulations for short-term rentals on Sept. 5, 2023. Short-term rentals are generally defined as the rental of a dwelling unit (or a portion thereof) for guest housing for a period of less than 30 days. The new rules establish both zoning regulations and a licensing process for short-term rentals that place certain limitations aimed at minimizing impacts on the local housing supply and to the surrounding neighborhood. The ordinance may be found in the document library to the right.

  • Location: Allows short-term rentals as an accessory use to residential dwellings, which include all zone districts except the Industrial, Development Resource, and Public districts.
  • Delayed Start for Licenses: Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, each short-term rental is required to obtain a Short-term Rental and a Sales and Use Tax license. Licenses are valid for a period of two years.
  • Primary Residence: The property being offered as a short-term rental must be the operator’s primary residence (i.e., where they live throughout the year – not a second home); they do not need to be physical at the property while it is being rented.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units: On lots where there is both a single-family dwelling unit and an accessory dwelling unit, short-term rentals are allowed in either dwelling unit. However, a person cannot live in the accessory dwelling unit as their primary residence while renting the primary home as a short-term rental on a full-time basis.
  • Primary Manager Contact: A person locally available (or within a reasonable drive) is required to field calls 24 hours a day.
  • Occupancy: The maximum number of guests allowed within a short-term rental is limited to two persons per bedroom, plus two persons.
  • Internal Posting: Internal signage is required and must include the license number, the local responsible party’s contact information, and the physical address of the short-term rental.
  • Safety Inspection. A basic life safety inspection is required when obtaining a license. The inspection will confirm that the rental includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.
  • Advertising: City of Lafayette license number must be included in all advertisements.
  • Signage: The short-term rental may display one non-illuminated wall or window sign that is up to 1 ½ square feet.
  • Parking. Guest parking must be on-site, though a maximum of two vehicles are allowed off-site if there was no on-site parking available.
  • No Simultaneous Rental: Short-term rentals cannot include simultaneous rental to more than one party under separate contracts. This is intended to prevent more than one short-term rental contract from operating within the same dwelling unit at the same time.

Key Meetings

  • July 26, 2023: The Lafayette Planning Commission voted (4-0) to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance, with two additional recommendations:
    • City Council extend the effective date of the ordinance to six months after the date of passage of the ordinance on second reading; and
    • City Council specifically consider the definition of “primary residence” in Section 3 of the ordinance and related provisions concerning compliance and enforcement.
  • Aug. 15, 2023: City Council held a public hearing and approved the proposed ordinance on First Reading. Council opted to approve the ordinance without changes, such as those recommended by the Planning Commission.
  • Sept. 5, 2023: City Council approved the proposed ordinance on Second Reading. The regulations take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Why did the City consider regulations for short-term rentals?

  • Short-term rentals are prohibited in the City’s zoning regulations, though there are over 100 rentals currently operating.
  • The City periodically receives complaints from neighbors near short-term rentals about parking, noise, and maintenance of the rentals, and from current rental operators and potential investors about the current prohibition.
  • Locations of short-term rentals are constantly changing and maintaining up-to-date information on this activity remains a challenge.
  • City sales tax and City lodging tax are not being remitted by short-term rentals in some cases.

What questions was this project intended to answer?

  • Regulations: What rules are needed to ensure that short-term rentals don’t negatively impact Lafayette’s housing affordability and minimize impacts on surrounding residential properties?
  • Licenses and Taxes: How do we ensure that all rentals are permitted and paying taxes?
  • Administration and Enforcement: What systems are needed to implement the new rules?

How can I get involved?

Thanks to everyone who participated in the project so far! We have summarized what we've heard in an updated briefing book that can be found in the document library to the right.

Short-term Rental License Now Available

Residents may now apply for a license to rent a home for short stays (less than 30 days). Learn more about the new rules and application process here: https://lafayetteco.gov/3959/Short-Term-Rentals

Have questions? Please reach out to staff via email or phone or book a meeting directly by selecting a date and time through our online scheduler.

Summary of New Regulations

After a year of community engagement and analysis, City Council approved new regulations for short-term rentals on Sept. 5, 2023. Short-term rentals are generally defined as the rental of a dwelling unit (or a portion thereof) for guest housing for a period of less than 30 days. The new rules establish both zoning regulations and a licensing process for short-term rentals that place certain limitations aimed at minimizing impacts on the local housing supply and to the surrounding neighborhood. The ordinance may be found in the document library to the right.

  • Location: Allows short-term rentals as an accessory use to residential dwellings, which include all zone districts except the Industrial, Development Resource, and Public districts.
  • Delayed Start for Licenses: Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, each short-term rental is required to obtain a Short-term Rental and a Sales and Use Tax license. Licenses are valid for a period of two years.
  • Primary Residence: The property being offered as a short-term rental must be the operator’s primary residence (i.e., where they live throughout the year – not a second home); they do not need to be physical at the property while it is being rented.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units: On lots where there is both a single-family dwelling unit and an accessory dwelling unit, short-term rentals are allowed in either dwelling unit. However, a person cannot live in the accessory dwelling unit as their primary residence while renting the primary home as a short-term rental on a full-time basis.
  • Primary Manager Contact: A person locally available (or within a reasonable drive) is required to field calls 24 hours a day.
  • Occupancy: The maximum number of guests allowed within a short-term rental is limited to two persons per bedroom, plus two persons.
  • Internal Posting: Internal signage is required and must include the license number, the local responsible party’s contact information, and the physical address of the short-term rental.
  • Safety Inspection. A basic life safety inspection is required when obtaining a license. The inspection will confirm that the rental includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.
  • Advertising: City of Lafayette license number must be included in all advertisements.
  • Signage: The short-term rental may display one non-illuminated wall or window sign that is up to 1 ½ square feet.
  • Parking. Guest parking must be on-site, though a maximum of two vehicles are allowed off-site if there was no on-site parking available.
  • No Simultaneous Rental: Short-term rentals cannot include simultaneous rental to more than one party under separate contracts. This is intended to prevent more than one short-term rental contract from operating within the same dwelling unit at the same time.

Key Meetings

  • July 26, 2023: The Lafayette Planning Commission voted (4-0) to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance, with two additional recommendations:
    • City Council extend the effective date of the ordinance to six months after the date of passage of the ordinance on second reading; and
    • City Council specifically consider the definition of “primary residence” in Section 3 of the ordinance and related provisions concerning compliance and enforcement.
  • Aug. 15, 2023: City Council held a public hearing and approved the proposed ordinance on First Reading. Council opted to approve the ordinance without changes, such as those recommended by the Planning Commission.
  • Sept. 5, 2023: City Council approved the proposed ordinance on Second Reading. The regulations take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Why did the City consider regulations for short-term rentals?

  • Short-term rentals are prohibited in the City’s zoning regulations, though there are over 100 rentals currently operating.
  • The City periodically receives complaints from neighbors near short-term rentals about parking, noise, and maintenance of the rentals, and from current rental operators and potential investors about the current prohibition.
  • Locations of short-term rentals are constantly changing and maintaining up-to-date information on this activity remains a challenge.
  • City sales tax and City lodging tax are not being remitted by short-term rentals in some cases.

What questions was this project intended to answer?

  • Regulations: What rules are needed to ensure that short-term rentals don’t negatively impact Lafayette’s housing affordability and minimize impacts on surrounding residential properties?
  • Licenses and Taxes: How do we ensure that all rentals are permitted and paying taxes?
  • Administration and Enforcement: What systems are needed to implement the new rules?

How can I get involved?

Thanks to everyone who participated in the project so far! We have summarized what we've heard in an updated briefing book that can be found in the document library to the right.

Stories and Ideas

After learning more about the project goals and proposed strategies, do you have any stories about your experiences with short-term rentals or ideas that should be considered? Please note that your comment will be posted on this page for others to read. 

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  • Share Short term rentals are breaking apart the fabric of our community on Facebook Share Short term rentals are breaking apart the fabric of our community on Twitter Share Short term rentals are breaking apart the fabric of our community on Linkedin Email Short term rentals are breaking apart the fabric of our community link

    Short term rentals are breaking apart the fabric of our community

    by lbuzek, over 2 years ago

    I've lived in Lafayette for the last five years. My husband and I bought a house in old town, hoping to raise our family here. We have a two year old now. It is a truly lovely neighborhood that I am happy to share with tourists, because I understand the draw, but there is a limit to that. I have watched 5 residences within half a block of my home - including our next door neighbor - turn into short term rentals.


    When we moved in, there were a handful of small houses nearby that were able to serve as... Continue reading

    I've lived in Lafayette for the last five years. My husband and I bought a house in old town, hoping to raise our family here. We have a two year old now. It is a truly lovely neighborhood that I am happy to share with tourists, because I understand the draw, but there is a limit to that. I have watched 5 residences within half a block of my home - including our next door neighbor - turn into short term rentals.


    When we moved in, there were a handful of small houses nearby that were able to serve as affordable housing for lower income families, whether by purchase or long term rental. The lot on the next block over, two houses down, used to house multiple long term renters, including a small family with two children who I used to say hi to when they would play on the lawn. I have watched that property be purchased by an investor external to the neighborhood who has converted all three small residences into airbnbs. That's three fewer neighbors than I had before. The house next door used to be owned by an old lady who had been here for decades. When it was sold, the new owner is hardly around, and rents the property for more than half the year to short term renters. It would have been the perfect home for a small family to buy and build a life in Lafayette. Those are only two of the several I have noticed pop up on nearby properties.


    I love this area, and the increase in short term rentals has been a huge disappointment to me. I hate to see the neighborhood turn over from long standing owners and long term renters with stake in the community, to investors who only want to make a dollar in our town.


    I am comfortable with families renting out accessory dwellings as short term rentals, but I would like to see us limit the number of rentals and ultimately support the community, and certainly prevent the rental of single dwellings on a property (or all dwellings on a property). Long term renters and owners support the economy as well through patronage of local business and hosting friends from near and far (I know we often bring in friends and family for Lafayette's many festivals, as a family living in a single dwelling), and we should prioritize the presence of longer term residents over shorter term vacationers.


    I would like to see a limit on location of rentals as well, as we have an abnormally high density of STRs in the Old Town area. I would like to see a ratio of permits as low as 1 in every 20 houses on a given block or small collection of dwellings.


    Additionally, I think it would be helpful to improve the availability of actual commercial BnBs, nice motels + suites in some of the locations close to the downtown strip (e.g. the first block off of S. Public road and no further) so we can maintain the support or tourists in the area with officially designated spaces. We have had trouble finding nearby commercial rentals when our family members come to town and would like to stay. The closest availability is down by the hospital, which forces people to take advantage of STRs in the neighborhood, when they otherwise might choose a commercial property.

  • Share Other things to consider on Facebook Share Other things to consider on Twitter Share Other things to consider on Linkedin Email Other things to consider link

    Other things to consider

    by Molly, over 3 years ago
    I noticed in the video that the occupants of short term rentals were defined as "people/families on vacation".


    Also to be included are professionals traveling for business or who have a short term assignment.

    The occupancy data gathered was in the last year during a continuing "pandemic" which had a large impact on the short term rental market. Therefore, it is misleading to conclude that STRs are vacant the majority of the time.


    I noticed in the video that the occupants of short term rentals were defined as "people/families on vacation".


    Also to be included are professionals traveling for business or who have a short term assignment.

    The occupancy data gathered was in the last year during a continuing "pandemic" which had a large impact on the short term rental market. Therefore, it is misleading to conclude that STRs are vacant the majority of the time.


  • Share ST is better than LT rentals on Facebook Share ST is better than LT rentals on Twitter Share ST is better than LT rentals on Linkedin Email ST is better than LT rentals link

    ST is better than LT rentals

    by cofox, over 3 years ago

    Because STRs are reviewed by users, the owners have a much greater incentive to keep the property looking nice, the quests in check, and the neighbors happy. This is not the case with LTR. Our neighbor has rented their house out and now lives out of state. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the lawn so you can imagine how that's going. The point is, that the property will be better maintained when there is an active vested interest in it. Owner occupied and STRs have vested interests. LTRs only get vested when there is turnover.

    I also think it's... Continue reading

    Because STRs are reviewed by users, the owners have a much greater incentive to keep the property looking nice, the quests in check, and the neighbors happy. This is not the case with LTR. Our neighbor has rented their house out and now lives out of state. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the lawn so you can imagine how that's going. The point is, that the property will be better maintained when there is an active vested interest in it. Owner occupied and STRs have vested interests. LTRs only get vested when there is turnover.

    I also think it's a good idea to have STRs owned by locals who have boots on the ground and are invested in the community. As we look to retirement, the ADL option is definitely one that would afford us the opportunity to age in place. Without it, we'll probably move where the taxes are lower & SS is not taxed.

  • Share STRs concerns in Multi-Family housing and % of STRs how to control on Facebook Share STRs concerns in Multi-Family housing and % of STRs how to control on Twitter Share STRs concerns in Multi-Family housing and % of STRs how to control on Linkedin Email STRs concerns in Multi-Family housing and % of STRs how to control link

    STRs concerns in Multi-Family housing and % of STRs how to control

    by Kristen Pettersen, almost 4 years ago
    I purchased a Duplex, the area I live in has a combination of single family homes, duplexes and townhouses. It is a densely populated area due to the number of over all units within the area.


    I feel STRs will devalue the property I worked hard to purchase, own and maintain.

    I currently have long term renters in the duplex next to me and have struggled even with this. 4 individuals rent the same residence and have different leases - short term and long term. The change over is very frequent and I don't know who is next door. The... Continue reading

    I purchased a Duplex, the area I live in has a combination of single family homes, duplexes and townhouses. It is a densely populated area due to the number of over all units within the area.


    I feel STRs will devalue the property I worked hard to purchase, own and maintain.

    I currently have long term renters in the duplex next to me and have struggled even with this. 4 individuals rent the same residence and have different leases - short term and long term. The change over is very frequent and I don't know who is next door. The work schedules varies and their visitors vary which brings people to the door at all hours of the night - with my labrador barking as we can hear the neighbors doors and doorbell. Parking each individual has their own car and parking is a problem for both myself - my driveway gets blocked, my post office box is blocked and postman has to stop in the middle of the road to get out to delivery mail and walk around the cars to get to the Box.

    My neighborhood does have STRs and LTRs. They devalue the neighborhood and feel. These renters are not interested in getting to know their neighbors. Block parties are not participated in, people don't look out of each other - packages at the door, borrow cup of sugar, etc. They don't maintain the property the same as home owners. Most of the home owners are remote enough, or pass the responsibility to the renter. The property itself is not maintained to the level a homeowner, who lives in their property would.

    The STRs need to be restricted, managed and % of overall within a particular area, as to not off set the number of homeowners living in their properities.

    Pets the STRs and LTRs bring pets and I have found more than the usual number of pets. STRs moving their pets with them, makes it stressful for the pet and the behavior of the pet is more likely to be fearful, stressed and not friendly due to their unfamiliar circumstances. When I walk my dog, we great the STR at the duplex front porch it can be difficult and sometimes aggressive.


    Lafayette is very close to many colleges in the area and the housing market in Boulder is getting more unaffordable. Therefore the college age and their friends are renting more STRs and LTRs, in our area. Which creates its own set of problems due to the demographic.


    Lafayette planning committee needs to look at alternatives - such as Tiny House development where the rules and expectations can be set initially with STRs and LTRs and homeowners. If I purchased my house knowing I would be living next to STRs or LTRs, then I had the choice to not purchase this residence.

    The bigger issue that needs to be addressed is affordable Long Term housing for our residence who can't afford a home. The mobile home parks are shrinking or being removed. Where do the people that support our community and work in our expanding restaurants and downtown area live? STRs is not affordable for these and generally not even LTRs as the price is driven to high.

    Manage STRs, and LTRs with permits - compliant board and % of STRs and LTRs within an area.

    Kristen

  • Share Short Term Rentals in Condos and Townhomes present different challenges. on Facebook Share Short Term Rentals in Condos and Townhomes present different challenges. on Twitter Share Short Term Rentals in Condos and Townhomes present different challenges. on Linkedin Email Short Term Rentals in Condos and Townhomes present different challenges. link

    Short Term Rentals in Condos and Townhomes present different challenges.

    by MarkJ, almost 4 years ago

    Short term rentaIs in a townhome or condo complex have challenges that free standing homes or ADUs do not have. For example, a free standing home can adjust trash capacity by procuring larger capacity bins to accomodate more people on the propery. Free standing homes are also water metered separtely so that they account for all additinal water used.

    However, in a condo or townhome complex that is not the case. The complex that I live and own in is a small complex and we have had short term rentals. We share a common trash system and the units do... Continue reading

    Short term rentaIs in a townhome or condo complex have challenges that free standing homes or ADUs do not have. For example, a free standing home can adjust trash capacity by procuring larger capacity bins to accomodate more people on the propery. Free standing homes are also water metered separtely so that they account for all additinal water used.

    However, in a condo or townhome complex that is not the case. The complex that I live and own in is a small complex and we have had short term rentals. We share a common trash system and the units do not have individual water meters. The common trash system is sized to where each unit has 32 gallons of trash per week. It can not be increased due to the design of the development. Also, since there are not separate water meters, higher populations in a unit drive more water usage and that cost is passed onto all of the owners in the complex.

    Additionally, move-in-move outs effectively happen weekly, so the additional traffic causes damage to common property and that repair cost is passed to all owners of the development. Tight spaces and minimal space between units means more challenges while backing up and driving through inner drives of the complex. Not to mention other things like cleaning up trash, answering questions on how things work in the complex, and enforcing the rules of the complex in general on people that have never lived there (prohibiting washing cars, parties, noise, smoking etc..). All these things are passed to the owner residents to deal with.

    I think it is important to consider these types of developments separately from free standing homes and ADUs because of the way they are set up. For example, if my complex design included that each unit have its own trash management, water metering and drives were sized so that visitors did not require practice to maneuver automobiles through, I would be less concerned. Unfortunately these are things that will not be able to changed based on how some developments are designed and built.



  • Share Short Term rentals hit close to home for us. on Facebook Share Short Term rentals hit close to home for us. on Twitter Share Short Term rentals hit close to home for us. on Linkedin Email Short Term rentals hit close to home for us. link

    Short Term rentals hit close to home for us.

    by JJMtjoy, almost 4 years ago

    We are writing to share our input in regards to short term rentals here in Lafayette which hits very close to home for us!

    We are both Colorado natives and Self-Employed. When we married in 2004 we rented a tiny home in old town Louisville. After years of working and saving we were so excited when we were finally able to purchase our first home in Lafayette in 2013. It was a short sale and we put all our hearts into fixing up the home that was sadly neglected and miss treated. It is beautiful now!

    As a way of... Continue reading

    We are writing to share our input in regards to short term rentals here in Lafayette which hits very close to home for us!

    We are both Colorado natives and Self-Employed. When we married in 2004 we rented a tiny home in old town Louisville. After years of working and saving we were so excited when we were finally able to purchase our first home in Lafayette in 2013. It was a short sale and we put all our hearts into fixing up the home that was sadly neglected and miss treated. It is beautiful now!

    As a way of hoping to help cover our mortgage while we traveled for work, we experimented by listing our home on Airbnb in 2019. To our surprise, people booked it! And kept booking it! We spent most of that year in our parent’s basement apartment, driving back-and-forth to turnover between guests and care for the gardens.

    That fall, our neighbor told us he was planning to sell. He had been long-term renting his house and we had a terrible situation occur with the tenants. One tenant is still in jail for the drugs and abuse that was happening right next to us. It was heartbreaking and very traumatic for us, to the point that we nearly moved away. Because it was so important to us who our neighbors were, we actually asked to rent the house before he sold it so we could fill it with new good vibes and be close to our own home while it was booked with (Airbnb Guest). Many guests started asking to extend their stay because they loved the area and wanted to visit longer with their families, etc. Long story short, we were able to miraculously purchase the home next-door! Now we have one primary home and one short term rental home. We love living so close to the home that we Airbnb so we can meet our guests, make sure they have everything they need, take care of both our homes, and stake in close relationship with our neighbors and family here. As entrepreneurs, we were hit hard by Covid. Airbnb allowed and made it possible for us to stay financially afloat, continue investing in our community, and stay close to our families. We have been able to hire many local people for cleaning, home improvements, and send our guests to local restaurants and shops. We are asked every day by people about our experience with (Airbnb) and for advice sorry we are starting a podcast about how to do Airbnb and an ethical community oriented eco-conscious way.

    We have discovered there is a huge need for Airbnb in our community. We have now had many guests coming to stay in our neighborhood. They all want to be in a family friendly neighborhood with their pets. Some come because their children are having babies, to visit their family, to visit parents that aren’t doing well, they are looking for a job in the area. We have hosted many Airbnb guests who are also hosts! And Now we have the honor of providing sanctuary for many displaced families in our community after the fires. Short term rental furnished homes for families with children and pets are now desperately needed by people and in our own community.

    Our policies are consistent with our city ordinances and policies and we are right here to make sure they are followed. We have never had rowdy guests or frat parties. We have never had a noise or parking complaint. all of our neighbors have our phone numbers in case something comes up or doesn’t feel right. Instead of complaints we have received thank you‘s for making our homes beautiful which is improving the property values and appearance of our neighborhood and appreciation for our Airbnb guests who have helped with jump starting our neighbors cars, helped to dig cars out of snowbanks or lending a cup of milk for baking. Our Airbnb guests have been wonderful neighbors to our neighbors and vice versa!

  • Share Single Mom of Three: My STR *IS* My Affordable Housing on Facebook Share Single Mom of Three: My STR *IS* My Affordable Housing on Twitter Share Single Mom of Three: My STR *IS* My Affordable Housing on Linkedin Email Single Mom of Three: My STR *IS* My Affordable Housing link

    Single Mom of Three: My STR *IS* My Affordable Housing

    by JennCiplet, almost 4 years ago

    When I got divorced in 2018-19, I had 3 kids in elementary school in Louisville and NO IDEA how I could afford - as a single mama - to live anywhere near to their home school. Their school was the one stable thing for them at the time of my divorce. My kids and I moved twice (two different 1-2 bedroom apartments in Denver and then Louisville) between 2019 and the fall of 2020. In October 2020 I was finally able to buy my home in Lafayette (Yay, yippie, yahoo!).

    I knew the only way I could afford my Lafayette... Continue reading

    When I got divorced in 2018-19, I had 3 kids in elementary school in Louisville and NO IDEA how I could afford - as a single mama - to live anywhere near to their home school. Their school was the one stable thing for them at the time of my divorce. My kids and I moved twice (two different 1-2 bedroom apartments in Denver and then Louisville) between 2019 and the fall of 2020. In October 2020 I was finally able to buy my home in Lafayette (Yay, yippie, yahoo!).

    I knew the only way I could afford my Lafayette house mortgage was to Air Bnb (STR) a room in my home. I bought my home with that purpose in mind - I would use the guest room to short term rent for part of the days each year, and use it as a guest room for my elderly parents (who sometimes visit from Sacramento) and other friends/family during the other days of the year.

    As a newly divorced mom of 3, having an STR was and *is* my affordable housing. If it is taken away, I won't be able to afford my home and I'll likely have to move. I can't afford to live in Lafayette (in a space big enough for me and 3 kids - my house has 3 bedrooms, two of my kids share a room) without it.

    I contacted the City right away and asked how I could get a license, registered, start paying the appropriate taxes and following the right rules to STR a room in my home. I was told there were no rules or regulations, but I was given a City of Lafayette business license number, which I display in the front of my house as instructed. I have paid City and State taxes on every single Air BnB stay since I began hosting.

    Since my guests share my home with me and my kids, I am very careful about vetting who my guests are. I only allow a max of 2 guests at a time (except for once, when a young couple brought their baby, too). Parking is not an issue; I have a two-car driveway and I only have 1 car. My neighbors and I all know each other and look out for each other. We have an amazing community block. I have never had a complaint.

    Many of my guests are elderly- they are grandparents visiting adult kids and grandkids who live in Lafayette or Louisville.

    All of my guests are patrons at Lafayette local businesses - I suggest places for them to go, including taco trucks, restaurants, dive bars, breweries, all the colorful, wonderful shops and establishments that our awesome, quirky town has to offer! My guests fall in LOVE with Lafayette!

    I also have provided a safe place for LGBTQ+ people to stay. I state clearly in my Air BnB listing that my home is LGBTQ+ friendly, and I've hosted many queer guests who have thanked me personally for making traveling less traumatic and worrisome for them. Chain hotels are not always comfortable for queer or elderly people, and having a comfortable "home" in a residential neighborhood was a huge comfort and asset to them. I felt glad to be of service in this way.

    I am a responsible host. I respect my neighbors, I don't allow parties or smoking, I LOVE hosting short term and the flexibility it allows me with how I use my extra bedroom. When my parents come to visit, they have a place to stay and I don't have to worry about that! (As I would have to do if I had a long term tenant).

    And finally, having a successful STR takes WORK. I am an Air BnB Superhost and I put in 10-12 hours a week running my STR (in addition to my full time job with a government contractor company). Not everyone who has a space to rent will choose to do an STR, because it's truly a TON of work! There will always be people who would rather rent an unfurnished place to a tenant who signs a year-long lease. It's a FALSE statement that STRs significantly take away from the long term rental housing market; I have seen no actual or anecdotal data supporting this "belief."

    I have seen the ways that responsible hosts and successful STRs contribute positively to affordable housing for us hosts, improve housing diversity and options for our community, and deserve to be legal and part of our housing eco-system in Lafayette.

    I do NOT agree that outside investors who don't live here should be able to operate STRs in our town where they don't live. BUT... if you live here and own a home and want to rent out part of it for short term stays, as I do, I believe you should be able to do that legally and responsibly in Lafayette.

    Thanks for reading my story.

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    Airbnb Hosting Success

    by dosborne, almost 4 years ago

    As a long time resident of Lafayette and recently retired, having converted part of my home to an Airbnb (max 3 visitors at one time) that enables me to be financially stable and remain in my home, otherwise I’d have to sell and move. On 1/8/2020 the City of Lafayette provided me with a Sales Tax License #007874 for Accommodation/Lodging. Airbnb provides Hosts like myself $1 million damage protection and $1 million in Host liability insurance. This includes income loss protection, pet damage, deep cleaning. I have never had to file a claim with Airbnb and always had wonderful guests... Continue reading

    As a long time resident of Lafayette and recently retired, having converted part of my home to an Airbnb (max 3 visitors at one time) that enables me to be financially stable and remain in my home, otherwise I’d have to sell and move. On 1/8/2020 the City of Lafayette provided me with a Sales Tax License #007874 for Accommodation/Lodging. Airbnb provides Hosts like myself $1 million damage protection and $1 million in Host liability insurance. This includes income loss protection, pet damage, deep cleaning. I have never had to file a claim with Airbnb and always had wonderful guests. All appropriate tax fees have been paid by me and/or paid by Airbnb to the City of Lafayette, as well as to the State of Colorado. Sales tax and fees for the 100+ Airbnb Hosts that currently operate in Lafayette are being paid in full by Airbnb.

    Lafayette South Park where I live does not have a home owners association. Home owners associations have their own set of rules to allow or disallow short term rentals. I’ve invested over $60 K in upgrades to allow for my family and guests privacy and comfort. I have had visitors as far away as Australia, Prague, and upcoming visitors from France as well as many from the US. Also, recently a mom and little 6 year old daughter needed a short term rental for 3 weeks while their home in Erie was built, and her review of my space indicated how much she appreciated having a safe place to live while in-between housing.

    My guests love the small town feeling of Lafayette (instead of Boulder and Denver) and I promote and provide them with information about what to do and where to eat and all the amenities Lafayette has to offer like restaurants, shops, biking, and walk paths. They bring their vacation dollars and tax revenue to our city. So many lovely upgrades to our City have been done such as the street art, and Public Rd improvements, unique shops, public parking and outdoor sitting areas, etc. Let out of town visitors enjoy our city!!! My guests love going to the Peach Festival and Art Night Out and then go to Stam for some treats!

    During the first year of my Short Term Hosting experience my neighbors told me that they did not even notice (and still don’t) guests arriving and departing after I shared with them that I had a short term rental suite. I have had zero complaints from neighbors. My guests have been responsible, courteous, and mature visitors. As a responsible Host, all guests are provided with a House Handbook that includes rules such as: Quiet hours are between 9p-7a weekdays, and 10p-9a weekends, no smoking of any kind, those under 21 may not consume alcohol, no overnight unregistered guests allowed. The rules have never been broken.

    Airbnb has a rating system that encourages Hosts like myself to be the best they can be - it’s our job. Guests write reviews on their stay and Hosts write reviews about them on how they did as Guests. The review range is from 1-5, five being the best. My short term rental has been rated a 5 since the start of Hosting and I take pride in keeping that rating. The rating is based on privacy, cleanliness, and communication, and overall experience. If a Host is slack and provides poor guest visits, they quickly get few visitors because of bad ratings and Airbnb can and does remove them immediately from their site. If a guest gets poor reviews from other Host, any Host can refuse the request for booking. Money transactions are handled by Airbnb, so collecting and receiving rent is never an issue for me as a Short Term Rental Host. Airbnb has a No Parties Allowed rule and that rule is also reviewed in the House Handbook. This has never been a problem because I live in the same house the guest suite is located and we both have complete privacy from each other.

    Neighborhood disturbances are sometimes caused by Long Term Rentals. My cul-de-sac neighbor offers a Long Term Tenant Rental and the past 1.5 years has been a nightmare for all of us living in the cul-de-sac. After their landlord recently evicted them because of non-payment, numerous police calls, unregistered vehicles parked the wrong way at the curbs, loud obnoxious music any time day or night, trash all over the front and side yards, fireworks anytime of the night, obvious drug dealing anytime day or night, fowl language blasting the sidewalks while on the phone, arriving home drunk or stoned at night crashing into cars and mailboxes. The landlord had to hire a huge dumpster and parked it in the driveway and filled it up to the top with trash once they were evicted. The whole inside of the house had to be gutted to the tune of $20K of damage inside and outside, in addition to months of non-payment of rent. The embarrassment to all of us who live in the cul-de-sac was over the top, especially to me when my responsible out of town visitors experienced the presence of the obnoxious Long Term Renters. Other young neighbors across the street had a newborn baby and they moved because of the horrible long term renters living next door to them.

    The cities of Boulder, Longmont, and Louisville as well as Rome, Amsterdam, and London all enjoy the revenue they receive as a result of Short Term Rentals. Longmont has a 1 Short Term Rental per street rule. Why should the City of Lafayette give potential revenue and potential visitors to other cities? Should our beautiful city, shops, and restaurants be available only to those of us who live here?

Page last updated: 03 Jan 2024, 09:52 AM