The Boulder County Commission conducted its reorganization meeting on January 9, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Commission meeting room. Ashley Stolzmann was elected chair and Marta Loachamin as vice chair. The Board appointed the Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times Call as newspapers of record.

The Board gave a State of the County report for each Department. The County is working on wildfire mitigation and equitable transportation. Community Services is just gearing up and working on a building. Housing and Human Services is the largest department and has an increased focus on consistency.

Public Works has completed 38 miles of roadway chip-sealing. Public Information has produced printed materials and mailings and has expanded accessibility to the Commission records. The Office of County Administrator is appointing an ADA coordinator. The Clerk and Recorder has three back-to-back elections this year.

Commissioner Levy said, “As we look forward to 2024, we are excited to work with the departments as a team.” She also encouraged staff to share their successes and challenges.

At 1 p.m., the Community Planning & Permitting Department presented text amendments to the land use code related to short-term dwelling and vacation rentals and an ordinance for the licensing of short-term dwelling rentals and vacation rentals within the Unincorporated area of Boulder County.

Staff member Ethan Abner said that after the two-year review, they want to minimize housing stock in the area. Short term rentals are those for fewer than 30 days where the owner resides on the premises. They can’t be marketed for weddings or events. Vacation rentals are only in forests and mountain areas.

The County will have a cap on vacation rentals. The Planning Commission approved allowing vacation rentals for areas other than subdivisions. The limits are 45 days for short-term rentals and six months where the owner holds it to be their primary residence.

After Commissioner discussion and comments from 38 people, at 8:59 p.m., Commissioner Loachamin voted to approve the changes and the ordinance with Commissioner Levy seconding. The Commission approved both on two to one votes, with Levy voting against them.

View a draft copy of this ordinance at https://boco.org/Ordinances.