Two weekends still to go for 2023 Colorado Renaissance Festival Short-term rental rules in Douglas County make for patchwork map

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County o cials heard opposition to short-term rentals in recent months, and some area residents may feel concerned about the county’s decision to explicitly allow the rentals in certain parts of Douglas.

But a close look at the county’s policy shows that there are large stretches of the county where short-term rentals — short stays at a property booked through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo — aren’t allowed. e county’s new ordinance, approved at the July 11 county commissioners meeting, requires property owners to apply for licenses to operate homes as short-term rental properties.

Signature event in Larkspur wrapping up 46th season

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When patrons cross the threshold of the Colorado Renaissance Festival castle gate they are transported to a world where knights ght to the death, royalty glide down the village streets, fairies utter about and witches eat children.

Kristy Ekiss, operations manager and Queen Anne of the festival, said the 16th-century medieval amusement park is about to complete its 46th season of operation. Patrons can visit the park for the last times this year on July 29-30 and Aug. 6-7.

Ekiss said this season has been wonderful and, like previous years, has had a great response from people.

With around 100 cast members, the Colorado Renaissance Festival is unique in that it’s very interactive with visitors, Ekiss said.

“We try very hard to achieve a fully immersive experience where everywhere you look, you’re being pulled into the scene and you’re being made part of the village rather than just walking through and experiencing it,” she said. “I think we try very hard to make everyone apart of the show.”

She said there is something for e ordinance de nes a short‐term rental as lasting less than 30 consecutive days. It applies to unincorporated parts of Douglas County — areas outside of municipalities. Under the new law, the moderately populated unincorporated areas where short-term rentals are allowed include Franktown, Louviers, Sedalia, areas west of Larkspur, areas generally east of Parker and some others, aside from areas known as planned developments. Short-term rentals are also allowed in other small residential pockets of the county, such as