Quick answer: Lafayette, Colorado approved a new festival short-term rental license costing $100, half the standard license fee. Residents can self-certify properties and rent during city-approved events like Sundance. The pilot program runs through June 1, 2027. Any person or organization can use it.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Lafayette, Colorado |
| What changed | New festival short-term rental license created as a pilot program, costing $100 with self-certification option instead of city inspection |
| Who it affects | Residents and any person or organization renting main dwellings or accessory dwelling units during city-approved festivals |
| Status | Adopted |
| Effective date | Pilot program runs through June 1, 2027, unless extended or made permanent |
| Penalties | Not reported |
| Governing body | Lafayette City Council |
What Changed
Lafayette City Council approved a new festival short-term rental license designed to allow residents to rent their homes during city-approved events, according to www.denver7.com. The license costs $100, which is half the price of Lafayette's standard short-term rental license. Property owners can self-certify their property instead of undergoing a city inspection. The pilot program is set to end June 1, 2027, unless the city council extends or makes it permanent.
Who Is Affected
The festival license applies to any person or organization renting a main dwelling or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) during city-approved events. Unlike Lafayette's standard year-round license, which only allows primary residence or ADU rentals, the festival license permits dual rental of both a main dwelling and an ADU on the same lot. Occupancy limits, safety standards, proof of insurance, signage, parking rules and trash receptacle requirements remain the same for both license types.
What Hosts Should Do Now
- Check if your property qualifies as a main dwelling or ADU eligible for the festival short-term rental license.
- Gather documentation including proof of insurance, property details and parking and trash disposal information.
- Self-certify your property online or through the city of Lafayette rather than scheduling an inspection.
- Pay the $100 license fee to activate your festival license.
- Confirm city-approved events with Lafayette before booking reservations to ensure your rental dates align with qualifying festivals.
The Bigger Picture
The Sundance Film Festival is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Boulder when it runs January 21-31, 2027, prompting Lafayette and neighboring cities to ease short-term rental rules. Lafayette Mayor Saul Tapia Vega said the city wants to "open that up to the world" for the festival. Other nearby cities are taking similar steps: Louisville, which normally bans short-term rentals, is making an exception for Sundance, and Superior created a special festival rental license for residents and non-residents alike. Erie voters will decide whether to add a 3.5% lodging tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals before the festival arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my home during Sundance Film Festival in Lafayette?
Yes, Lafayette's new festival short-term rental license allows residents to rent main dwellings or accessory dwelling units during city-approved events like Sundance. You can self-certify your property and pay a $100 license fee instead of undergoing a city inspection.
How much does a festival short-term rental license cost in Lafayette?
The festival license costs $100, which is half the cost of Lafayette's standard short-term rental license. Self-certification is allowed, so you avoid inspection costs.
When does Lafayette's festival rental license end?
The festival license pilot program runs through June 1, 2027. The city council may extend or make it permanent after that date.
Can I rent both my main house and accessory dwelling unit during festivals in Lafayette?
Yes, the festival license allows dual rental of both a main dwelling and an ADU on the same lot during city-approved events, unlike the standard year-round license which does not.
Sources
- Lafayette approves new festival short-term rental license ahead of Sundance Film Festival, www.denver7.com
Check the current rules for your area in the LawfulStay database.