Short-term Rental (STR)
A principal dwelling rented to transient guests who are part of one party for short-term lodging (30 days or less) when not occupied by the owner/operator. The term “party” as used in this definition shall mean one or more persons who stay at a short-term rental as a single group pursuant to a single reservation and payment. A short-term rental shall be limited to 10 or fewer guests who are part of one party or single group of renters.
Hosted Short-term Rental
A principal dwelling occupied by a full-time resident or owner living on-site where short-term lodging (30 days or less) is provided to transient guests.
1-10 Guests (Small) - A hosted short-term rental that serves 10 or fewer guests.
11-16 Guests (Large) - A hosted short-term rental that serves more than 10 guests, with a maximum of 16 guests.
Bed and Breakfast Inn
An establishment operated in a principal dwelling or portion thereof, which provides transient accommodations for a fee to overnight guests, a meal limited to guests only, and that is occupied by the owner or operator of such establishment. A bed and breakfast inn may provide accommodations to individuals or multiple separate parties concurrently on both a reservation or a walk-in basis. The term “party” as used in this definition shall mean one or more persons who stay at a bed and breakfast inn as a single group pursuant to a single reservation and payment. A Bed and Breakfast Inn shall be limited to 20 of fewer guests.
Resort Lodge/Resort Cottage
A building or group of buildings, under single management and ownership with an onsite manager or staff, containing rooms and/or units available for temporary rental to transient guests, which serves as a destination point for visitors, and where the primary attraction is major recreational features or activities for persons on vacation.
Application Information for Lodging Facilities
A pre-application meeting is required before applying for any lodging facility use. If you would like to verify the planning process required or a properties eligibility before requesting a pre-application meeting, please email the On Call Planner at planning@larimer.org
Visit the Building Division's webpage for information including How the Process Works, Life Safety Inspection Checklist, and Bed & Breakfast Information.
All dwellings used as short-term rentals (rented for 30 days or less), owner- or operator-occupied lodging houses (hosted short term rentals/B&Bs), pre-existing lodging facilities (PELFs) or resort lodge cottages in unincorporated Larimer County must obtain a county building permit for conversion to the new use, pass a life safety survey inspection and receive a Certificate of Occupancy for the new use. With 10 or fewer occupants (five or fewer guestrooms), these uses can be reviewed under the International Residential Code. With 11 or more occupants, they are reviewed under the International Building Code as R (residential) occupancies. Large Hosted STRs/B&Bs require fire suppression sprinklers, accessibility and other features.
The life safety inspection cannot be scheduled until you have an issued conversion permit, and the County approved plans and permit card are on site at the location of the rental. You can schedule your life safety inspection via the online customer portal (preferred) or the automated phone system (the information for both will be on your permit card). An adult must be at the rental unit at the time of inspection to give access to the inspector.
Here is detailed information about what is included in the Life Safety Inspection.
New Short-Term Rental (STR) License Renewal Fee
Effective January 1, 2026
Larimer County will implement a new fee for all Short-Term Rental (STR) license renewals, beginning January 1, 2026. This $250 fee is required every two years to cover administrative costs for the program.
Key Details:
- What: A new $250 fee for STR license renewals.
- When: Required every two years on your license's original approval anniversary.
- Who: This fee applies to all license types (STRs, Vacation Homes, Hosted STRs, and PELFs).
- Payment: You can pay by credit card (a 2.99% processing fee will be added) or by check made payable to "Larimer County Planning."
Renewal Information for Approved Lodging Facilities
The following forms are fillable PDFs. Please email completed forms to PlanningCIRT@co.larimer.co.us.
Renewal Forms
Renewal is required every other year on the anniversary of the original approval or license date. Each owner is required to submit a complete and signed form.
Property Manager Forms
The Property Manager's contact information shall be provided to all neighbors within a minimum 500 feet of the rental. A Verification of Completion form must be submitted within 10 days of approval.
A Change of Property Manager Form must be submitted within 10 days of a change of Property Manager or a change in the Property Manager's information.
Change of Property Manager Form
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Any advertising listing a Short-term Rental for rent or published to solicit a Short-term Rental for rent, without prior approval, is a violation of this Ordinance and will be subject to fines, increased fees and injunction proceedings.
Complaint Process
Short-Term Rentals uses a "Three Strike" system. Once 3 valid complaints are received, a code compliance case will be initiated and the STR approval will be reviewed.
First, use the Approved Lodging Facility Map to locate the phone number for the Property Manager of the Short-term Rental (STR). Reach out to the Property Manager with your complaint or concern.
If the Property Manager does not respond, use the below options to inform Larimer County.
To file a Short-Term Rental complaint
- Submit a Short-Term Rental complaint online.
- Submit a Short-Term Rental complaint by phone (970) 236-7574.
Short-term Rental complaints handled by other departments:
- For noise complaints contact the Larimer County Sheriff's non-emergency number (970) 416-1985
- For wildlife complaints not related to the Larimer County Wildlife Protection Ordinance:
- Estes Valley Planning Area:
- Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Chase Ryland Phone: (970) 652-0591.
- Larimer County Unincorporated outside of the Estes Valley Planning Area:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regional Office – Fort Collins – Phone: (970) 472-4300.
See our Code Compliance website for general information not related to Lodging Facilities in Residential Dwellings & other FAQs.
Transfer a Short-Term Rental License
Short-Term Rental (STR) licenses are generally not transferable upon the sale or transfer of property ownership, and the license shall terminate automatically in most instances. Transferability is permitted only under specific, limited exceptions outlined in the Larimer County Land Use Code (Article 3.3.5.B.2.ff - Use Regulations).
If you believe your specific situation qualifies for an exception, you must contact our office to verify eligibility. If eligibility is confirmed, the new owner(s) must then file an application to transfer the license within sixty (60) days of the transfer of ownership.
