PRESS RELEASE
Aspen Moratorium on Residential Building Permits Will Extend Through August 8, 2022
Contacts:
Phillip Supino, Community Development Director, City of Aspen, 1-970-429-2767, Phillip.Supino@aspen.gov
Jami McMannes, Communications Manager, City of Aspen, 1-970-765-4752, Jami.McMannes@aspen.gov
Aspen, Colo. – May 3, 2022 – At a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Aspen City Council voted 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 8, Series 2022, an extension to Ordinance No. 6, Series 2022. The ordinance extends the moratorium on the issuance of certain residential building permits in Aspen until August 8, 2022. Ordinance No. 8, Series 2022, does not affect Ordinance No. 26, Series 2021, the moratorium on the issuance of short-term rental permits, which extends until September 30, 2022.
Since December 2021, Community Development staff has been fully committed to the research and development of appropriate policy around shaping Aspen’s built environment, with community outreach at the forefront. The request for an extension emerged as staff realized the complexity of the system needed to update an outdated land-use code that no longer meets the needs of Aspen’s development and residential community, while also navigating the importance of public engagement and unanticipated complications.
“This Council and our community value inclusive, transparent processes, particularly for such an important topic,” stated Phillip Supino, Community Development Director with the City of Aspen. “Staff and our consultants have spent hundreds of hours facilitating engagement to learn from and educate the public. We must honor the process desired by Council and that the public deserves by recording and considering this input. This feedback is shaping our work product and is being reported to Council.”
In addition to the engagement framework, multiple barriers surfaced since December that limited the staff’s ability to finalize the draft code language to present to Aspen City Council for consideration. It proved difficult to find available expert consultants versed in the unique nature of mountain town economies and environments. Coupled with an extensive litigation process brought forth in response to the moratoria, City of Aspen time, money, and resources were dedicated to pivoting and problem-solving.
“The work we are doing, and on a short timeline, is not easy under normal circumstances,” continued Supino. “Our consultants are in such high demand, and their contributions are quite technical. So, it has been challenging to get contracts and services executed. Despite those challenges, we are moving as quickly as possible to get things completed and in front of Council and the community. Council deserves time to review and understand our work. We are going to get the right the first time.”
City of Aspen staff will continue their efforts in drafting policy language to present to Aspen City Council. For more information about upcoming Council meetings and Shaping Aspen’s Built Environment, visit AspenCommunityVoice.com.
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