During the regular meeting last night, City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 4813 which authorizes the Community Development Department to implement a formal permitting process for short-term rental properties.

Short-term rentals, also sometimes referred to as vacation rentals, are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. A dwelling unit that is rented in full or in part to a temporary occupant for fewer than thirty consecutive days is considered a short-term rental.

Up to this point, the Grand Junction Municipal Code (GJMC) only allowed short-term rentals in commercially zoned areas, not residentially zoned areas. Most short-term rentals have been operating in zone districts that disallow them. Because of the uniqueness of the type of property, most communities have found short-term rentals fall outside of the traditional definitions of ‘lodging’ and warrant their own unique definition and often their own standards as a result.

The City of Grand Junction’s permitting process was designed with an eye toward implementing standards and regulations related to guest safety and protection of the neighborhood environment. The requirement to permit a short-term rental will go into effect on September 16, 2018.  However, applications are available now and short-term rental operators are encouraged to submit their applications within the next 60 days whereby the City will be waiving the $150 registration fee. This waiver will expire on October 16. A fee of $10 for a sales tax license and $35 for building inspection will still be required.

A link to the application, all related forms and information can be found on the home page of the City’s website at www.gjcity.org under the Spotlight section or on the Community Development web page.

Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org