While it was removed from the consent agenda, Ordinance 2026-06 amending Short-Term Rental (STR) Business Licenses did ultimately pass on first reading after lengthy discussion. A second reading and public hearing is set for Feb. 17.
Improve clarity, efficiency and to remove obsolete language in Chapter 6 of Article VI of the Salida Municipal Code
Convert existing license caps spread among former Zoning Areas, to the newly approved Zone Districts with no material changes
Remove Sec. 6-6-20 (g)(7) — Residency Requirements in the Mixed Use Center (MC) Zone District
Allow STR applications be submitted at any time, rather than only between May 1 and June 1
Of the four goals (proposed by staff and the Planning Commission), only the removal of a residency requirement in the MC District triggered nearly an hour’s worth of discussion with every elected official weighing in. In the end, the motion to approve as written was made by member Pappenfort, seconded by member Martin and passed unanimously. The ordinance will receive a public hearing on Feb. 17 before any action will be taken.
Considerations regarding removing residency requirement in Mixed Use Center (MC) Zone District
Council member Martin broached the topic of if the residency requirement for MC should be removed at this time. She requested more time to see the effects of a similar move in downtown. Council member Rovinsky requested that the Finance Committee look into the financial pros and cons, which Treasurer Gilling (participating on line) agreed to do.
Council member Fontana had been in touch with developer Tom Pokorny regarding the Two Rivers development and expressed a desire to honor any previous agreements related to STR licenses in that mixed use area.
Alisa Pappenfort felt it was key to honor the Planning Commissions recommendations. The conflicting goals of how to support a tourism economy, at the same time as providing funding for workforce housing, while keeping neighborhoods livable surfaced again.
These points will be aired again during the Feb. 17 public hearing when the ordinance can be approved, rejected or amended.
Council Reports given then an executive session
Council reports were brief and mostly focused on the success of the recent Colorado of Ski Towns (CAST) conference hosted by Salida.
At approximately 7:21 p.m. the council moved to close the public session and move into executive session to discuss the upcoming lease renewal for the Salida Golf Course. Council members reassembled in public session at approximately 8:58 p.m.
According to mayor Critelli, “the direction was to offer parameters for the Golf Course negotiation.” Official decisions and actions will be brought to the public in a future timely noticed regular council meeting.
With no further items for the public, the meeting was adjourned.
The recording from this meeting is available at the City of Salida YouTube channel.