The town of Dolores is drafting proposed regulations for short-term vacation rentals in residences.
Vacation rentals offer guest accommodations in a home or a portion of a home for less than 30 days for a fee.
Currently, the town does not have regulations for residential vacation rentals, which have become more popular nationwide.
An estimated seven to 10 short-term vacation rentals are operating in Dolores homes, according to the Dolores Planning and Zoning Board.
Basic regulations and oversight are needed for public safety and to minimize potential neighborhood conflicts, said planning board president Linda Robinson.
“There is a niche for this kind of rental activity, and based on our research on other towns, some regulation is advisable,” she said.
The planning board proposes a cap of 30 residential vacation rentals in town. A map is being created to show current and any future locations.
At first, the planning board proposed a requirement that short-term vacation rentals be hosted by an on-site homeowner. But the requirement was dropped after hearing from homeowners who rely on part-time residency of a home, in addition to the vacation rental income when they are away on travel or for work.
As a compromise, the draft proposal does not require the homeowner to be present, but that each vacation rental have a designated local contact person that resides within a 20-minute drive of the rental property who is available 24-7 during tenant stays.
Other proposed regulations being considered for short-term rentals include:
The owner shall obtain a commercial business license/permit from the town of Dolores for a short-term rental.The vacation rental must in a habitable structure that complies with the Dolores land use code, pass a safety inspection by the town building inspector, and include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.Overnight guest occupancy would be limited to two people per sleeping room, or guest room, on the main level of the house or upper floors, plus two additional renters, up to a maximum occupancy of no more than eight people. Guests are not allowed to reside in basements.Daytime maximum number of total guests and visitors shall not exceed the maximum overnight occupancy plus six additional people.Short-term rental permits shall be issued for one year, and must be renewed annually.The owner shall be responsible for paying all applicable sales and lodging taxes.A short-term rental unit may not be issued for affordable housing managed under HUD.Adequate on-site parking for guests must be provided, such as driveways. Parking in non-driveway areas, setbacks or yards would be prohibited. On-street parking for guests would be limited to one parking space.Short-term rentals shall not be located in sheds or garages; offices, industrial or retail spaces; outdoor temporary structures such as yurts, tents or tree houses; or in RVs, mobile homes, travel trailers, commercial or passenger vehicle or trailer or portable storage unit.Use of short-term rental unit as a party house for any commercial or large social event or gatherings such as weddings is prohibited. These uses may be permitted through the town’s temporary use permit or special event process.Supporters of short-term vacation rentals tout the extra income for a homeowner, keeping a residence available they can visit when not rented out, and the guest experience of spending vacation at the neighborhood level.
Detractors say the vacation rentals can limit needed long-term rentals in a community, might impact and transform residential neighborhoods and compete with local hotels.
The draft proposal is available online and is accepting comments. It is part of an overall land use code revision process that will continue into summer and include public hearings. The final land-use code plan will be voted on by the Dolores Town Board.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com