THURSDAY, June 18, 2026 |
Photo – Grand Encampment Museum grounds – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
Encampment officials will hold a special workshop in August to discuss short-term rentals.
Last October, the Encampment Town Council adopted Resolution 2025‑07, placing a moratorium on short‑term rental permits. At the time, opponents argued that the growth of online lodging platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo (Veer-bo) are limiting the availability of affordable housing and contributing to a decline in service‑industry workers.
To curb the influx of short‑term rentals and lodging houses, Encampment’s governing body imposed a temporary moratorium on residents renting out their homes. The measure will remain in effect while town officials study how temporary lodging impacts property values, resident safety, and the availability of long‑term housing.
Since that time, the governing body has been working with the town’s Planning Commission to determine if short‑term rental regulations are needed. During the June 11th Encampment Town Council meeting, the governing body discussed holding additional public workshops with the Planning Commission to continue the work. The meetings will give residents a chance to offer their opinions on the matter.
Councilman Stas Banach recommended waiting until after November to allow newly elected officials to take part in the discussion. The council agreed to invite the registered candidates to the workshop.
Citing the busy July calendar, the Encampment Town Council agreed to hold the short‑term rental meeting on August 20th at 6 p.m. Mayor Shannon Fagan clarified that the workshop will be for discussion only and no decisions will be made.
