Short-term rentals (STRs) are rental properties offered for less than 30 days in a row. The City allows both primary and non-primary STRs with specific licensing requirements and zoning restrictions.
Want to apply for a short-term rental license? Before applying, make sure your property qualifies and you understand all license and operating requirements.
Is Your Property Allowed?
The Short-Term Rental Zoning Map shows where Primary and Non-Primary STRs are allowed in Fort Collins.
- Green areas allow only Primary STRs.
- Yellow areas allow both Primary and Non-Primary STRs.
- STRs are not allowed in areas with no color.
The City processes Short Term Rental License Applications through the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System. You must first get a sales tax/business license before you can submit an STR application. If you don't have a sales tax license and this is your first time using our site, choose New User and complete the initial registration. Once we approve your account (3-5 days), you'll get an email from City staff letting you know it's time to submit the STR application.
Paper applications are available upon request. Email salestax@fortcollins.gov for more information.
Application Requirements
Required Documents
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of personal liability insurance coverage
- For Primary STRs: Proof of Residence
- Photos of the rental space combined into one PDF document
- $150 non-refundable application fee (pay online via e-check or credit card)
Required Information
- Physical address of STR
- Mailing address and contact information of owner
- Local contact information (must be able to help at property within 4 hours of a call)
- Number of bedrooms being rented
- Description of rentable space
- Number of off-street parking spaces
- No open or expired building permits on property
- HOA covenants that allow STRs
How to Apply
1. Check Zoning Map
Make sure you're in a zone that allows the type of STR you want to operate (primary vs non-primary). The Short-Term Rental Zoning Map shows where Primary and Non-Primary STRs are allowed in Fort Collins.
- Green areas allow only Primary STRs.
- Yellow areas allow both Primary and Non-Primary STRs.
- STRs are not allowed in areas with no color.
Note: If you own a building with three or more units, you cannot rent an STR regardless of what zone you are in.
If you're in a zone that allows STRs and have a building with fewer than three units, move to Step 2.
2. Check HOA Rules
If your property is in an HOA, make sure the HOA covenants allow STRs. If yes, move to Step 3.
3. Check Building Permit Status
Contact Building Services to make sure there are no expired or open building permits that need attention. Expired permits can delay the process. If there are none, go to Step 4.
4. Apply for a Sales and Lodging Tax License
Visit the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System to create an account and apply for a Sales and Lodging Tax License. This step can take 5-7 days for approval. While waiting, gather these required documents:
- Proof of Personal Liability Coverage (found in your homeowner's insurance)
- For Primary STRs: A copy of your Driver's License, Car Registration or Voter Registration to prove you live at the property for at least 9 months per year
- Proof of ownership (e.g., a printout from the Larimer County Assessor; only the property owner may operate a STR)
- Photos of the rental space
Once your Sales and Lodging Tax License is approved, you'll get an email from City staff letting you know you can apply for your STR License.
5. Submit STR Application
Log in to the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System to complete the STR application. When you log in, you'll see an open task in your business center. Click on the task to complete your STR application.
The application includes uploading required documents and paying the $150 license fee.
6. Application Processing and Approval
Once you submit your application and upload documents, we'll process it and send it to the Zoning Department for approval. Processing takes 7-10 business days. You'll get a final email from City staff when your license is approved.
You must post a printed copy of your license in your rental AND include your STR license number on all online listings.
STR License Denial Appeals
How to Appeal a Denied STR License Application
Details:
- For applicants who'd like to appeal a decision denying their short-term rental license application.
What to submit:
How to submit:
- Email to zoning@fortcollins.gov.
- Appeals must be received by Zoning within 14 days from the date of the denial.
Fees:
- Application fee: See: Fee Schedules
- Fee payment must be received by 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, following your submission on Wednesday.
The Short-Term Rental Zoning Map shows where Primary and Non-Primary STRs are allowed in Fort Collins.
- Green areas allow only Primary STRs.
- Yellow areas allow both Primary and Non-Primary STRs.
- STRs are not allowed in areas with no color.
STRs are allowed in:
- Single-Family Dwellings: Including property line townhomes (single-family-attached homes)
- R-1 hotel/motel occupancies which have many code requirements for fire/life/safety
If you own an R-2 condo/apartment building, it must go through a change-of-occupancy process from R-2 to R-1 to be used as an STR. This requires the entire building to meet current R-1 hotel/motel requirements. These changes could be expensive and require major construction, such as installing a fire sprinkler system.
STRs are not allowed in:
- Multi-family R-2 buildings: Apartment or condo buildings with three or more dwelling units on a single property
The Building Code considers STR use of condo/apartment buildings too risky for renters who aren't familiar with the space and trying to exit. A three-unit building could be either townhomes or apartments and look the same from outside, but they're not the same. Single-family homes have extra fire wall protection at property lines and roof areas.
License Fees and Tax Requirements
The initial STR license fee is $150. You must renew your STR license each year on or before June 30 regardless of application date. The fee is not prorated. The renewal fee is $100 per year.
You also need to apply for a Sales and Lodging Tax License and file a sales and lodging tax return on your due date. Most STRs file annually; you can select this option when you apply for your sales tax license.
- Third-party sites such as AIRBNB collect both sales and lodging tax from your renters and send it directly to the City under the company's account.
- If you have renters that don't come from a third-party, you must collect the tax from your customer and send it to the City. Tax amount is based on the room rate and any cleaning fees you charge. You'll get reminders when returns are due.
- If you don't have tax to send, you still need to file a sales and lodging tax return on your due date.
If you don't file your tax returns on your due date, you'll be charged a $25 assessment fee.
Parking Requirements
Short-term rentals must provide off-street parking based on the number of bedrooms rented.
| Bedrooms Rented |
Parking Spaces |
| 1-2 |
1 |
| 3-4 |
2 |
| 5-6 |
3 |
Off-street parking must be on private property, like a driveway or garage. You cannot count a garage/driveway where two vehicles park one behind the other as multiple parking spots (i.e., tandem parking).
- Guest Screening: Screen each guest by collecting their driver's license and credit card information. Have each guest sign a rental agreement that lets you charge for violations of house rules. This helps prevent bad behavior.
- Rental Agreement: Have a rental agreement that covers important topics such as parking, noise, occupancy and trash. Have each guest agree to follow these rules.
- Pre-Arrival Forms: Before arrival, have guests complete a form that identifies their reason for visiting and names of everyone staying in the home. Have the primary guest acknowledge that any visitors not listed on the form can result in eviction with no refunds. Take occupancy rules seriously.
- Inspections: Inspect your home before and after each guest stay to make sure guests follow house rules and treat your property with respect.
- Signage: Display signs and labels throughout the home to inform guests of house rules and expectations.
- Zero Tolerance Policy: Keep a contact list for any guests that refuse to follow house rules and/or were disruptive to the community. Don't rent to them again.
- Neighbor Communication: Give your direct contact information to neighbors and encourage them to reach out with any issues. Always follow up with complaints promptly and work to resolve any concerns.
- Partner with Professionals: Consider partnering with a reputable host or professional management agency to efficiently handle all guest issues and neighbor communications. Explore your options and avoid burnout with cleanings, maintenance and laundry.
What if I am in a zone that doesn't allow STRs?
You may consider long-term renting (30 days or more).
Does the City of Fort Collins allow STRs in multi-family buildings, such as apartments or condos?
Only if the entire building meets the R1 building code requirements. Please contact Building Services at 970-416-2757 to verify.
Can a carriage house, one-side of a duplex, or an adjacent property that I own be considered a primary STR?
A carriage house or one side of a duplex that is not a primary residence can be a short-term primary rental if it is located on a lot containing a primary residence. An adjacent property does not qualify to be a primary STR.
How will the City enforce and what are the penalties for operating without a license?
The City contracts with a specialized company that searches over 25 online sites and provides listings and address information. The City will use this information to notify STR operators who are unlicensed or who are in a zone that does not allow this use.
The City will seek voluntary compliance before issuing any fines.
The licensing provisions refer to City Code Section 1-15 regarding general penalties. Violations can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,830 and 180 days jail with each day a violation continues considered a separate offense.
Do STR regulations result in a regulatory taking of property?
The STR regulations are designed to reasonably address legitimate policy concerns and impacts on the public from using property for STRs. Therefore, the STR regulations will not result in a regulatory taking of property.
What happens if I sell my property? Can my license be transferred?
No, however the new owner can apply for a STR license in their own name within 30 days of closing.
If the property is a legacy property, the new license must remain identical in scope to the original and the new owner must meet the off-street parking requirements.
Can a long-term tenant rent out the property as a STR?
No. Only the owner may operate a STR. In addition, they may only rent to one party at a time, and the long-term tenant counts as the renter.
Can I rent to two parties at once?
No. You may only rent to one party at a time.
Do I need to set up an LLC or a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) for my STR?
No. This is not a requirement for the City. You can use your first and last name as the business name if you don't have an LLC or other business name set up. We recommend you contact the IRS, Larimer County and the State of Colorado for their business requirements.