Vail Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-07
TL;DR
Vail requires an STR permit — 3 types available (fees from $50) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 10.8%. No annual day limit.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Individual Property Owners STR License ($260) — See below for other permit types
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit
Tax Rate 10.8%
Max Penalty $2,650 per violation
Insurance $1,000,000 liability required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Which permit type applies to you?

Individual Property Owners STR License

FeeAmount
Initial cost$260
Renewal$260 / Annual

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Professional Property Managers STR License

FeeAmount
Initial cost$260
Renewal$260 / Annual

This permit type does not require primary residence.

On-Site 24/7 Front Desk Managed STR License

FeeAmount
Initial cost$50
Renewal$50 / Annual

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Online application via vail.munirevs.com. Requires fire inspection, insurance proof, affidavit, and local representative designation. Fee paid online via ACH or credit card.

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Colorado State Sales Tax 2.9% State of Colorado
Eagle County Tax 1.0% County
Vail City Sales Tax 4.5% City of Vail
Eagle County Mass Transit Tax 0.5% County
Eagle Valley Regional Transportation Authority Tax 0.5% County
Vail Local Marketing District Tax 1.4% City of Vail

Combined rate: 10.8% of gross rental income.

Collection: Platform bookings: platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) collect and remit automatically. Direct bookings: host collects and remits directly to Town of Vail.

Filing: Monthly tax returns required. County lodging tax remitted quarterly.

Rental Limits

Vail does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Two people per bedroom plus two additional guests, not to exceed one person per 200 square feet

Zoning & Restrictions

No density cap implemented. STRs permitted throughout Vail with license.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Platform Requirements

Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Evolve) handle tax collection and remittance for platform bookings. Platform insurance accepted in lieu of separate policy.

Compliance Checklist

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

  1. Determine your permit type. Vail has 3 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Individual Property Owners STR License, Professional Property Managers STR License, On-Site 24/7 Front Desk Managed STR License).
  2. Meet safety requirements. Passed fire inspection (Certificate of Fire Inspection required before license). Fire inspection required every three years. Signage must be displayed with license number, local representative contact, and town complaint hotline. Notarized self-compliance affidavit required. No portable outdoor fire pits permitted.
  3. Obtain liability insurance. $1,000,000 minimum.
  4. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application. Fees vary by type: Individual Property Owners STR License $260; Professional Property Managers STR License $260; On-Site 24/7 Front Desk Managed STR License $50. See permit types above to determine which applies.
  5. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Town of Vail Finance Department.
  6. Collect and remit taxes. 10.8% on all bookings.
  7. Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($260 / $50). See permit types above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Vail?
Yes. Vail requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 3 permit types. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Vail?
Permit costs in Vail vary by type: Individual Property Owners STR License $260; Professional Property Managers STR License $260; On-Site 24/7 Front Desk Managed STR License $50.
Does Vail require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
No. Vail 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 Vail?
Vail 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 Vail?
Short-term rental stays in Vail are subject to a combined 10.8% in lodging taxes. This combines 2.9% Colorado State Sales Tax + 1.0% Eagle County Tax + 4.5% Vail City Sales Tax + 0.5% Eagle County Mass Transit Tax + 0.5% Eagle Valley Regional Transportation Authority Tax + 1.4% Vail Local Marketing District Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Vail?
Operating without a permit can cost up to $2,650.

Official Sources

  1. Short-Term Rentals - Town of Vail
  2. Chapter 14: Short-Term Rentals - Vail Municipal Code
  3. Sales & Use Tax Topics: Rooms & Accommodations - Colorado Department of Revenue