Steamboat Springs Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental License (three types: Short-Term Rental, Hosted Short-Term Rental, Temporary Short-Term Rental)

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply online through the CityView Portal only. Requires Applicant Acknowledgement Form, Self-Inspection Checklist Affidavit, and Parking and Snow Storage Plan. The city inspects the building for compliance before issuing a license.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 18.4% of gross rental income.

Collection: City taxes (sales, accommodations, and 9% STR tax) are self-remitted to the City of Steamboat Springs (home-rule); state-administered taxes are collected and remitted by the marketplace facilitator (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO).

Filing: City sales/accommodations/STR tax returns filed and paid online through Xpress Bill Pay (City of Steamboat Springs).

Rental Limits

Steamboat Springs does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be less than 30 consecutive days.

Occupancy & Density Limits

1 occupant per 150 sq ft of net floor area; minimum 2, maximum 16 occupants

Zoning & Restrictions

STR Overlay Zone A: unlimited. Zone B: restricted with caps per subzone (B1:5, B2:20, B3:18, B4:17, B5:12, B6:10). Zone C: prohibited. Hosted and Temporary STRs, and properties with valid VHR permits or legal nonconforming registration plus active STR license, are exempt from Zone B caps and Zone C prohibition.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Steamboat Springs does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Functioning smoke detectors
• Functioning carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers as identified on the STR self-inspection checklist
• Completion of the STR self-inspection checklist affidavit

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating or advertising without a license: fine up to $2,650 per violation per day plus a 2-year ban on licensure for the property and owner following conviction (Zone A unlicensed properties first receive written notice and a 15-day cure period). For violations by a licensee: after a hearing, a civil penalty up to $2,650 per violation per day and/or suspension (max 6 months) or revocation of the license. A licensee may petition to pay a civil penalty equal to 100% of gross revenues during the suspension period in lieu of suspension.

Platform Requirements

• It is unlawful to advertise an STR without the current license number clearly displayed within the advertisement
• This applies to the owner, agent, and any person providing advertising services.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Steamboat Springs:

1. Meet safety requirements. Functioning smoke detectors. Functioning carbon monoxide detectors. Fire extinguishers as identified on the STR self-inspection checklist. Completion of the STR self-inspection checklist affidavit.
2. Apply for Short-Term Rental License (three types: Short-Term Rental, Hosted Short-Term Rental, Temporary Short-Term Rental). Submit application + $350 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Steamboat Springs (Sales Tax Division); Colorado Department of Revenue for state-administered taxes.
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 18.4% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $350 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Steamboat Springs?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Steamboat Springs requires a short-term rental permit.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Steamboat Springs?

A short-term rental permit in Steamboat Springs costs $350 per year.

Does Steamboat Springs require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Steamboat Springs allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Steamboat Springs?

Steamboat Springs does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Steamboat Springs?

Short-term rental stays in Steamboat Springs are subject to a combined 18.4% in lodging taxes. This combines 4.5% City sales tax + 2.9% State of Colorado sales tax + 1% Routt County sales tax + 1.0% City accommodations tax + 9% Short-term rental tax + 2.0% LMD Accommodations Tax (Local Marketing District only — not in base 18.4%). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Steamboat Springs?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $2,650 per violation per day.