Steamboat Springs FAQs for Short-Term Rentals

by | Sep 7, 2022 | public, Updates

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We’ve answered your questions when it comes to Steamboat Springs short-term rental licensing. Keep reading for our full list of FAQs for short-term rentals.

What do I need to do to license my current STR in the Green Zone?

  • Once the City has the “licensing process” set up, the owner or property manager can submit an application. 
  • There will be operational requirements for the license. TBD 
  • The current deadline is January 1, 2023. The City will more than likely not meet this date.

What do I need to do to license my current STR in the Yellow Zone?

  • Only those properties that can provide evidence of STR activity in the 12 months prior to June 15, 2022 may apply for “nonconforming status.” 
  • Application requires evidence of at least one (1) rental, proof of ownership (such as a document from the Routt County Assessor), a valid sales tax license or statement from AirBnB or Vrbo that the sales tax has been paid on the owner’s behalf. 
  • Nonconforming use as an STR goes with the property when sold. 
  • Once nonconforming status has been approved, the owner or property manager may apply for a license. 
  • In the case of Yellow Zone properties subject to caps, licenses will be issued to all properties even if they are in excess of caps. 
  • The license for the property is invalid upon sale. The new owner will have to apply for a new license. 
  • In the case of Yellow Zone properties with caps that have been met, if the property is sold, the new owner joins the waiting list and may participate in a lottery for a license when space becomes available. 
  • Licensed properties must maintain active status for a 12-month period from the date of issuance of the license. This can be one (1) rental. There is no minimum number of nights to be considered a rental, but sales tax must be paid on this rental.

What do I need to do to license my current STR in the Red Zone?

  • Only those properties that can provide evidence of STR activity in the 12 months prior to June 15, 2022 may apply for “nonconforming status.” 
  • The application must include evidence of at least one (1) rental, proof of ownership (such as a document from the Routt County Assessor), valid sales tax license, or statement from AirBnB or VRBO that sales tax has been paid on the owner’s behalf. 
  • Nonconforming use as an STR goes with the property when sold. 
  • Once nonconforming status has been approved, the owner or property manager may apply for a license. 
  • The license for the property becomes invalid upon sale. The new owner will have to apply for a new license.
  • No new nonconforming uses will be issued in the Red Zone if property was not used as an STR prior to June 15, 2022. 
  • Licensed properties must maintain active status for a 12-month period from the date of issuance of the license. This can be one (1) rental. There is no minimum number of nights to be considered a rental, but sales tax must be paid on this rental.

What do I need to do to license my current VHR permitted home?

  • Valid active VHR permits go with the land. 
  • These homes do NOT need to apply for nonconforming use. 
  • Once licensing is established, the owner or property manager may apply for a license.
  • Licensed properties must maintain active status for a 12-month period from the date of issuance of the license. This can be one (1) rental. There is no minimum number of nights to be considered a rental, but sales tax must be paid on this rental.

For more information, visit the City’s short-term rental site.

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