Boulder Announces Exciting New Rental Ordinance for Sundance Festival

In a significant move to enhance housing availability during the annual Sundance Film Festival, Boulder has introduced a new ordinance that allows local residents to rent out their spaces to festival attendees. This initiative aims to accommodate the expected influx of around 90,000 visitors, especially considering the limited number of hotel rooms available in the city.

Overview of the New Ordinance

The Boulder City Council approved the ordinance last Thursday, expanding the existing festival lodging license created in September. This change allows both tenants and property owners to benefit economically from the influx of visitors during the festival. According to Jill Grano, the statewide director of housing for Sundance, this ordinance will open up a multitude of rental options, including second homes, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and corporate rental housing.

Boosting Economic Opportunities for Locals

With only 2,900 hotel rooms in Boulder, the ordinance serves as a strategic response to the high demand for accommodation during the festival. By enabling homeowners and tenants to share their spaces, the city aims to keep visitors within its limits, which ultimately supports local businesses. Grano emphasized the desire for all residents to benefit from the economic opportunities presented by Sundance, stating, “We really want the economic benefits of Sundance to apply to everyone in our city, and we want to expand housing stock.”

Practical Details of the Rental Process

The rental period for this festival lodging license will span the ten days of the Sundance Film Festival, along with several days before and after. With a license fee set at $75 for tenants, which is valid for one year, the financial barriers to participation have been kept low. However, property owners will incur a higher fee for a longer license term of four years.

As the city gears up to issue these festival rental licenses by May, there are still discussions regarding profit-sharing between renters and landlords. While Airbnb manages to establish certain standards, questions remain about ensuring fair profit distribution.

Overall, Boulder’s new ordinance represents a proactive approach to addressing accommodation shortages during major events, showcasing a commitment to enhancing both housing availability and local economic prosperity.