The city of Woodland Park, Colorado, was set to implement a new ordinance on January 1, 2025, which would restrict short-term rentals (STRs) in residential zones. However, due to ongoing legal challenges, the ordinance’s enforcement has been delayed as the city navigates the legal proceedings. This change has left many short-term rental owners in the area uncertain about the future of their properties.
As reported by KRDO, the ordinance was passed in 2023 by voters and was expected to take effect at the start of the new year. Under the new rules, short-term rentals would be prohibited in residential zones unless the owner resides on the property. STRs could only operate in commercially zoned areas, which are far less common in the city.
However, a group called the Teller County Short-Term Rental Alliance is actively suing the City of Woodland Park over the ordinance. Nicole Waggoner, a member of the alliance and a property owner with several short-term rentals in Teller County, spoke with KRDO13 Investigates about the confusion surrounding the situation. Her property, located just off Pine Road, is in a residential zone, meaning the city would not renew her short-term rental license under the new rules.
In response to the legal challenges, the city announced late on December 31 that it would not enforce the ordinance until a ruling is made on the motion for a preliminary injunction, which has been filed by the Teller County Short-Term Rental Alliance. This gives short-term rental owners like Waggoner a temporary reprieve, but it leaves the situation in limbo.
Despite the legal battle, Woodland Park residents have mixed feelings about the impact of short-term rentals in their community. Some residents, including a local who has lived in Woodland Park for nearly 40 years, expressed that they have not had any issues with short-term rentals in their neighborhood. Others voiced concerns over whether the local government should control how people use their private property, provided they follow the rules.
While this legal challenge continues, the future of short-term rentals in Woodland Park remains uncertain. If you’re a property owner or a potential buyer interested in the area, it’s important to stay informed about the ongoing legal proceedings, as they could have a significant impact on property use and value. Reach out to local real estate expert Andrea Cashdollar, for more information.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a report from KRDO. Teller-Life.com does not claim ownership of the original content and has made efforts to properly summarize and reference the article without violating copyright laws. All copyrights for the original content belong to the respective sources. This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not intend to infringe upon the rights of the original authors.
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