Monday, OCTOBER 20, 2025 |
Photo – Hanna Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
Unlike other municipalities, Hanna officials welcome short-term rentals.
Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, have been a contentious topic for some towns in Carbon County. Supporters argue that short-term rental guests boost the local economy, while opponents contend that limiting their numbers is necessary to protect the town’s character.
During Tuesday’s Hanna Town Council meeting, Clerk Vivian Gonzales announced that a resident plans to offer their home as a short-term rental. Clerk Gonzales said the town has no regulations governing home sharing, but the resident must at least have a business permit to operate.
Clerk Gonzales asked the governing body if they wanted to draft an ordinance to limit short-term rentals, as the idea may catch on in Hanna.
Carbon County Visitors Council At Large Member Mike Armstrong said that in Platte Valley, towns are limiting short-term rentals, as they reduce the availability of affordable housing.
Armstrong pointed out that communities at the northern end of Carbon County would benefit from an influx of visitors.
Mayor Charlie George said he supports the idea of opening the town to short-term rental activity. Councilman David Felix warned that Hanna may become overrun with guest accommodations, similar to Saratoga and Encampment. Mayor George responded that he’d welcome that outcome.
Councilman Felix said Airbnb and Vrbo have systems in place to handle disruptive guests. The Councilman said the governing body may wish to create a way for the town to shut down short-term rental properties that create issues.
Meeting attendees emphasized the need for short-term rentals in Hanna, adding that out-of-town guests, such as visiting relatives, are often forced to stay 40 miles away in Rawlins.
The governing body has chosen not to regulate short-term rentals at this time. Mayor George wished the property owners success.
