Santa Fe County short-term rental ordinance likely doomed as written

About eighty people attended the Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners first meeting opened for public comment on a proposed ordinance that seeks to license and regulate short-term rentals. Our attendance represented a tiny fraction of property owners in the county who rent for fewer than thirty days at a time. Among the complaints are frustrations with absentee corporate owners who buy up properties only to lease to sometimes rowdy short-term renters as Santa Fe County sees exponential population growth. 

We list our remote grid-free casita at Airbnb and could be subject to a $375 inspection fee and $300 annually ostensibly to cover upkeep on county roads and relieve pressure on water supplies. I maintain our public road through private property for about four miles and monitor our wells and septic systems. 

Airbnb passes the gross receipts and lodging taxes to our guests but gouges them with additional charges often driving the cost of staying at our place beyond the reaches of many although their fees held from us include a generous liability package.

This interested party spoke from the audience last, thanked the Board and added another voice to those whose livelihoods would be adversely affected or even eliminated if the ordinance is adopted. A majority of commissioners said it will be rewritten with a focus on density and consideration for those of us who are self-reliant. 

The hotel/motel associations are undoubtedly peeved about increased competition and less regulation so definitions demand refinement.

Another hearing is scheduled for 27 September.

Learn more at the Santa Fe New Mexican.