Overview and Description

Local elected officials play an important role in housing and building code enforcement. Under building and housing code standards, local administrative agencies have the authority to inspect properties in their city to ensure compliance with all standards. These codes are adopted municipally, as the State of Colorado does not have a statewide building code. The majority of Colorado cities have adopted the 2018 International Building Code (IBC). It is the responsibility of local elected officials to ensure code inspectors and constituents are aware of the housing and building codes and potential action that will be required to ensure compliance with these codes.

Overview and Description

Short-term rentals (STRs) and second home properties can negatively impact the affordability of long-term housing units in the area. Local elected officials have the authority to regulate these types of housing. Regulations can include increased taxes on rental properties, restrict the number of STR properties per municipality or owner, in addition to others.

Short-Term Rental Registries or Licensing Programs are ways local officials can regulate STRs. Registries document important information regarding the rental property in addition to contact information for the property owners, enabling local officials to keep track of all STRs in an area. Requiring STR licenses provide additional regulation by ensuring the property complies with local regulations and mandates. Opportunity and Examples from Colorado

Denver: A licensing requirement for STR properties in the city began in 2016. Denver does not allow more than one license per person, the rental must be the primary residence of the property owner, and owners who violate City requirements and laws may be fined or lose their license.

Boulder: A licensing requirement for all STR properties. Three types of licenses exist; primary dwelling, secondary dwelling, and vacation rental.

Summit County: An STR license is required for all rental properties. In order to be granted a license, STR property owners must submit an application that includes a description of all actions to address the health and safety standards as well as the site plan and operations standards. Summit County offers different license types to account for the varied effect of STRs in resort zones and neighborhood zones.

Dillon: A licensing requirement that must be renewed each year helps to maintain and regulate STR properties. The Town of Dillon also limits the number of guests allowed per STR.

Overview and Description

Local elected officials can promote homelessness resolution through a variety of ways. By creating funding sources that can support local and community-organized services and creating policy to improve the resources and outreach of organizations working to prevent homelessness, local elected officials can be active partners in homelessness resolution. Opportunity and Examples from Colorado

Local elected officials in the City of Littleton have taken significant action to address homelessness and implement initiatives. The city is a part of the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy group, which is described as “a team of public officials dedicated to addressing homelessness in Littleton, Englewood, and Sheridan, Colorado.” Additionally, local officials in Littleton are members of Change the Trend, a collaboration to reduce poverty, addiction, and homelessness.

The City of Fort Collins has directed funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to community organizations and providers that address prevention, shelter, case management, rapid rehousing and client assistance. Fort Collins is additionally directing HOME-ARP funds to organizations working to reduce and resolve homelessness. The City funds these community-based providers rather than provide direct services to people experiencing homelessness.