Blue River Passes New Short Term Rental Ordinance for 2026 and Beyond
After seven months of discussion, the Town of Blue River has officially approved a new short term rental ordinance that will take effect at the end of the year. Town officials emphasized that STRs operate as businesses and create impacts that are different from typical single family residential use and so they are implementing a new ordinance with the intention of minimizing disturbances caused by short-term rentals while understanding the tourism and STR guests are vital to our local economy. The primary goal of the ordinance is to balance reasonable opportunities for STR owners with the need to protect neighborhood character, wildlife, and the natural environment.
This summary is based on my personal notes taken during the Blue River public meeting (11/18/2025) where the ordinance was discussed and passed, as well as my review of the ordinance text itself.
Below are the key changes property owners should know.
One License Per Owner
Beginning in 2026, owners will be limited to one STR license in Blue River. This applies to individuals, corporations with a 25 percent or greater ownership interest, and beneficiaries of family trusts. Owners with more than one active license in 2025 may renew them for 2026, but must choose only one license to keep starting in 2027.
Updated Occupancy Limits
To reduce noise and large gatherings, the ordinance adopts specific limits on how many people may be on a property.
Nighttime hours (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.):
Two individuals per bedroom plus two additional people.
Daytime hours (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.):
Nighttime occupancy plus four additional people.
These limits were designed to target overcrowding, parties, and disruptive activity.
Parking Requirements
The Town is placing stronger rules on parking to prevent overflow and protect natural areas.
No more than five vehicles may be parked outside a garage.
All parking must be within a clearly defined parking area such as gravel or pavement. Natural surfaces cannot be used.
Vehicles may not park within rights of way or on neighboring properties.
Fire Restrictions
Wood burning fires and fire pits are not allowed during any STR stay. Propane or natural gas fire tables are permitted if placed on a hard surface patio and monitored at all times. Permanent outdoor gas fireplaces are allowed if properly permitted.
Responsible Agent Requirements
Every STR must have a responsible agent who is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The agent must respond to complaints within 60 minutes and report back to the Town on how the issue was resolved. This requirement is intended to improve accountability and reduce repeated nuisance issues.
Grandfathering Timeline
All current licenses remain valid through the end of 2025. The new licensing structure begins in 2026, and the one license per owner rule becomes enforceable in 2027.
Why These Changes Matter
The Town stated that STR impacts include higher occupancy, more vehicles, increased trash, noise, wildfire risk, and more calls to law enforcement. This ordinance allows STRs to continue but creates clearer expectations for safety, community impact, and responsible operation.
If you are a Blue River homeowner or prospective buyer, understanding these changes will be important as you plan for 2026 and 2027. I am always available to help interpret how these updates may affect your property, investment strategies, or future plans in Summit County.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out! Call, text, or email me anytime! Email: brady@buybreck.com and Cell: (970) 343-4642
