Boulder City Council · Document
Agenda Memo
Special Meeting, October 9, 2025 · item 2G: Third reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8715 amending Section 10-3-19, “Short-Term Rentals,” B.R.C. 1981, creating a … · 5 pages
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City of Boulder City Council Agenda Item Meeting Date: October 9, 2025 Agenda Title Third reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8715 amending Section 10-3-19, “Short-Term Rentals,” B.R.C. 1981, creating a Festival Lodging Rental License; and setting forth related details
Staff Contact • • •
Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager Teresa Tate, City Attorney Brad Mueller, Director of Planning & Development Services
Draft Motion Language Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to adopt Ordinance 8715 amending Section 10-3-19, “Short-Term Rentals,” B.R.C. 1981, creating a Festival Lodging Rental License; and setting forth related details
Executive Summary The purpose of this item is to consider an ordinance creating a new rental license for the limited purpose of allowing home rentals during large festival special events in the city, such as the Sundance Film Festival. Council held the second reading and public hearing on September 18, 2025. The
ordinance was amended on second reading, and presented in this item in its final amended form.
Council Action Options Option
Outcome
Approve motion language as drafted
If the motion is approved the ordinance will be adopted.
Define and adopt a modified motion
Council would need to define any modifications or amendments to the draft motion language. This will likely require staff to bring back an amended version.
Deny the motion or take no action
If this motion is denied the ordinance will not be adopted.
Refer back to staff
If council refers this item back to staff direction would be needed for next steps.
Alignment with City Plans and City Council History Sustainability, Equity and Resilience (SER) Framework and Citywide Strategic Plan Alignment SER Framework Goal Area Livable – This ordinance ensures that the diversity of housing types for residents in the city is balanced with the interest of providing housing opportunities for visitors to our community. Economically Vital – This ordinance allows visitors to stay in Boulder while attending large festival events in the city. Citywide Strategic Plan This item is not associated with any specific strategy or action in the strategic plan. Staff Notes N/A
Alignment with Additional City Plans The creation of a new festival short-term rental license supports several policies in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan related to housing and economic vitality. Specifically:
7.10 Housing for a Full Range of Households – The festival short term rental license allows all ownership types including non-owner occupied housing such as second homes and corporate ownership; however, it limits the usage to only when a large festival special event is occurring, to ensure that the majority of housing in the community remains for residents of Boulder. 5.09 Role of Tourism in the Economy – The festival short term rental license supports the local economy through the creation of additional lodging opportunities for visitors during large festival special events in Boulder, rather than visitors staying outside Boulder and commuting in.
City Council History The first reading of the ordinance was held on September 4, 2025. The second reading and public hearing was held on September 18, 2025.
Analysis See the second reading packet from September 18, 2025 for additional analysis. On second reading, city council amended the ordinance with one minor change to remove the word “consecutive” from subsection (q)(4) to ensure the legislative intent is clear to allow a festival lodging license for a maximum of 29 days per year.
Equity Analysis Please see the September 18 memo for analysis.
Fiscal Note Estimated Fiscal Impact Narrative Please see the September 18 memo for analysis.
Current Year Estimated Fiscal Impact Fund(s): P&DS Fund Department(s): Planning & Development Services Program(s):
FY 2025 Budget
FY 2025 Estimated Impact
FY 2025 Net Change
Beginning Fund Balance
$20,430,800
$0
$20,430,800
Total Forecasted Revenue
$14,222,764
$95,000
$14,317,764
Total Estimated Expenses
$15,715,994
$95,000
$15,810,994
Ending Fund Balance(s) After Reserves
$ 16,005,058
$0
$16,005,058
FTE
113
0
113
Item
Three-Year Estimated Fiscal Impact
Item
FY 2025
FY 2026
FY 2027
Total Forecasted Revenue
$95,000
$95,000
$95,000
Total Estimated Expenses
$95,000
$95,000
$95,000
Net Estimated Impact
$0
$0
$0
Climate, Resilience, and Sustainability Considerations Please see the September 18 memo for analysis.
Community Engagement Please see the September 18 memo for analysis.
Workplan Considerations Please see the September 18 memo for analysis.
Next Steps for City Council If the ordinance is adopted, staff will begin implementation actions. It is anticipated that the application will be live by Dec. 1, 2025.
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Attachments Attachment A – Ordinance 8715