Skip to content

Short Term Rentals

Short term rentals (STRs) are a complex issue, and there are valid concerns on all sides. While they can benefit our community, they can strain infrastructure and create congestion, noise, safety, and parking issues. A goal of Brighton’s General Plan is to preserve the town’s character and tranquility, and it’s important that any STR policy aligns with this commitment.

How people feel about STRs is often a matter of perspective. This was made clear at the Brighton short-term rental subcommittee meeting on March 18, 2025, where a Silver Fork resident described life next to a single STR as a “living hell.” The owner of that exact same property, meanwhile, characterized the complaining neighbors as “extremely grumpy, very sensitive people.”

Resident’s Concerns:

  • Constant Disruptions: Constant noise, loud music, yelling, and trespassing
  • Disrespectful Behavior: Guests have been seen vomiting off the deck, littering, and parking improperly
  • Ongoing Burden: Neighbors are forced to repeatedly reporting issues to the owner and Granicus.
  • Lack of Resolution: Concern that disruptions will continue indefinitely

Property Owner’s Concerns:

  • Property Rights: They have the right to operate a legal, licensed business on their property
  • Business Investment: They have invested tens of thousands of dollars to run a compliant, responsive business
  • Unjust Complaints: They are reported for trivial offenses, like being one minute past a quiet-time rule or a guest’s car being slightly misparked
  • Lack of Due Process: Concerns about losing their license and livelihood based on unverified complaints without a fair hearing.

I generally land on the side of policy on short-term rentals should err on the side of protecting the safety and tranquility of our neighborhoods. However, this must be balanced with an efficient and fair licensing and enforcement system.

The town’s current compliance, complaint tracking, and enforcement policies through Granicus are evolving but seem to be effective. The current cap on licenses should be adjusted as a rolling percentage of total homes and as we gather more data about how STRs are affecting individual areas.

What’s your take on STRs? Please let me know.