A Comprehensive Guide to Short-Term Rental Regulations in Summit County and Surrounding Towns/Resorts

The popularity of short-term rentals has grown significantly in recent years, especially in vacation destinations like Summit County, Colorado. One of the most common questions I receive from prospective buyers in Summit County is "Can I short term rent?". My answer, like so many real estate questions, is typically, "It depends". 

To ensure the smooth operation and management of these rentals, local authorities have implemented regulations and licensing restriction. In this guide, we will explore the short-term rental regulations in Summit County and its surrounding towns and resorts, providing valuable information for property owners and potential renters.

What is a Short-Term Rental?

A short-term rental refers to the rental of a residence, or any room within it, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days. It is important to note that obtaining a license is mandatory for short-term rental properties in and around Summit County. Additionally, these licenses are non-transferable with the sale of the property.

Unincorporated Summit County

Within unincorporated Summit County, there is a Resort Overlay Zone. Including Keystone, Copper Mountain, Peak 8 Area, and Tiger Run Area. There is no cap on the number of short-term rental licenses available in the Resort Overlay Zone.

For areas in Unincorporated Summit County that are not in the Resort Overlay Zone, the County has adopted a zoned approach to short-term rental licensing. This approach splits the county into four zones, each with their own cap on the number of licenses issued

• Lower Blue Basin: Capped at 550 licenses (currently at 669).
• Upper Blue Basin: Capped at 590 licenses (currently at 733).
• Snake River Basin: Capped at 130 licenses (currently at 226).
• Ten Mile Basin: Capped at 20 licenses (currently at 31).

For more detailed information on Summit County's short-term rental regulations, visit the official website.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge has also adopted a zoned approach to short-term rental licensing with four zones in the town, each having its own cap on the number of licenses issued. The details of each zone are as follows:

• Resort Zone (Yellow): All units allowed a short-term rental license.
• Zone 1 (Tourism Zone, Green):
  • Units: 1817
  • Existing STR Licenses: 1272
  • Allowed STR Licenses: 1680
  • Percentage Allowed STR: 92%
• Zone 2 (Downtown Core, Pink):
  • Units: 257
  • Existing STR Licenses: 139
  • Allowed STR Licenses: 130
  • Percentage Allowed STR: 51%
• Zone 3 (Single Family Residential Areas, Blue):
  • Units: 3823
  • Existing STR Licenses: 1183
  • Allowed STR Licenses: 390
  • Percentage Allowed STR: 10%

For detailed information on the Town of Breckenridge's short-term rental regulations, visit the official website.

Blue River

Currently, there is no cap on the number of short-term rental licenses being issued in the Town of Blue River. To learn more about the short-term rental regulations in Blue River, please visit the official website.

Dillon

Currently, there is no cap on the number of short-term rental licenses being issued in the Town of Dillon. Please note that Dillon Valley and Summit Cove do not fall within the Town of Dillon city limits. For detailed information on the short-term rental regulations in Dillon, visit the official website.

Frisco

The Frisco Town Council has set a limit on the maximum allowable number of short-term rental licenses within town boundaries. The Town set this limit at 25% of the residential housing stock, which translates to a maximum of 900 licenses for the town's 3,600 residential housing units.

As of now, Frisco has reached its short and is now implementing a waitlist for those wishing to apply for a short-term rental license. As of 10/20/23, there are 30 licenses on the waitlist. 

For detailed information on the Town of Frisco Short-Term Rental regulations, please visit the official website.

Silverthorne

Silverthorne has also adopted a zoned approach to short-term rental licensing. The town is divided into three zones, each with its own cap on the number of licenses issued. The details of each zone are as follows:

• Area 1 (Majority of Town Neighborhoods, Yellow):
  • Units: 2,157
  • Existing STR Licenses: 171
  • Allowed STR Licenses: 215
  • Percentage Allowed STR: 10%
• Area 2 (Town Core and Riverfront Areas, Green):
  • Units: 1,047
  • Existing STR Licenses: 184
  • Allowed STR Licenses: 526
  • Percentage Allowed STR: 50%
• Area 3 (Deed Restricted Neighborhoods, Pink): Short-term rentals not allowed.

For detailed information on the Town of Silverthorne's short-term rental regulations, visit the official website.

Park County

Currently, there is no cap on the number of short-term rental licenses being issued in Park County. To learn more about the short-term rental regulations in Park County, please visit the official website.

Understanding the regulations and licensing requirements for short-term rentals is essential property owners in Summit County and its surrounding towns and resorts. Each jurisdiction within the area has its own unique approach to managing short-term rentals, including caps on the number of licenses issued in certain zones.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations applicable to their location and ensure they obtain the necessary licenses to operate legally. It is also important to stay updated on any changes or amendments to the regulations to maintain compliance.

By adhering to the established regulations and guidelines, the community can strike a balance between the economic benefits of short-term rentals and the preservation of residential neighborhoods and the overall quality of life in Summit County and its surrounding areas.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Thanks for reading!