Clarifications re May 17th public meeting to present draft Los Alamos short-term rental program
Last week, Los Alamos County Community Development Department (CDD) announced that it will host a public meeting to present the latest information about its proposed Short-term Rental (STR) Program on
Wednesday, May 17 from
6-8 p.m. at the White Rock Fire Station #3 (129 NM-4, White Rock).
Based on questions received from the public regarding the initial press release, CDD wishes to clarify how the public can provide input to the STR Program project. The purpose of the May 17th open house is for CDD staff and contractor Wilson & Company (Wilson) to meet in person with the community, present the draft STR Program, and explain how the public input process has thus far been incorporated. The public will be able to ask questions and provide comments at the meeting. Additionally, comments will be accepted via email to Noah Berke through June 17.
All materials presented at the meeting will be accessible to the public on the project website at livehostvisitlac.org beginning May 17.
This is an in-person meeting only. Light refreshments will be served.
This draft STR program is the product of extensive research of national and regional best practices, as well as a community involvement process. To date, the Project Team has conducted a Public Open House (Feb. 15) followed by a Community Survey (Feb. 23-Mar. 26), as well as steering committee meetings throughout the project. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide input at this important stage of the project.
The next draft will incorporate public comments through June 17, and will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommendation to County Council for adoption via the County’s ordinance process.
Short-term rentals, also known as vacation rentals, are now a mainstay in most communities and Los Alamos is no exception. The purpose of the Los Alamos STR program project is to define the market in the County, assess benefits and drawbacks, and incorporate public input. The ultimate goal of the project is Council adoption of an ordinance that establishes a mechanism for STRs to legally operate in Los Alamos County as part of a program that effectively manages neighborhood impacts.
To learn more about STRs in Los Alamos, go to livehostvisitlac.org. If you have questions, please contact a member of the project team:
Los Alamos County/CDD
Desirae Lujan, Associate Planner
505-662-8097 (office direct)
Wilson & Company
Noah Berke, AICP, New Mexico Planning Manager
505-348-4187 (office direct)