Winter Park Short-Term Rental Regulations

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

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Register online through the MUNIRevs system before advertising; complete a Fire & Life Safety Inspection with East Grand Fire (processing up to 25 business days, longer July-October).

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13.2% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit. Town lodging tax must be filed via the MUNIRevs system (not SUTS); State and Grand County sales tax are remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue via SUTS.

Filing: Monthly, quarterly, or annually; returns and payments due on the 20th of the month following the reporting period. A return must be filed even if no tax is due.

Rental Limits

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

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Winter Park 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. Winter Park's STR ordinance (Chapter 10) imposes no liability or property insurance requirement.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Fire & Life Safety Inspection by East Grand Fire Protection District required, with a current certificate provided at annual renewal (Ordinance 624)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations are civil infractions; each day is a separate offense. First offense: warning, $500 fine, and/or administrative suspension of the registration for up to 90 days. Second and subsequent offenses: $1,000 fine and/or administrative revocation of the registration and/or new registration prohibited for up to 2 years.

Platform Requirements

• The STR registration number must be prominently displayed in all advertising for the property
• Registration is required before listing on VRBO, Airbnb, or similar sites.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Meet safety requirements. Fire & Life Safety Inspection by East Grand Fire Protection District required, with a current certificate provided at annual renewal (Ordinance 624).
2. Apply for Short-Term Rental Registration. Submit application + $150 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Town of Winter Park (via MUNIRevs) for town lodging sales tax; Colorado Department of Revenue for state and Grand County sales tax.
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 13.2% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $150 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Winter Park?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Winter Park requires a Short-Term Rental Registration.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Winter Park?

A Short-Term Rental Registration in Winter Park costs $150 per year.

Does Winter Park require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Winter Park 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 Winter Park?

Winter Park 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 Winter Park?

Short-term rental stays in Winter Park are subject to a combined 13.2% in lodging taxes. This combines 4% General Sales Tax + 3% Accommodation Sales Tax + 2% Transit & Trails Sales Tax + 2.9% State Sales Tax + 1.3% County Sales Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Winter Park?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000.