Fort Collins Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Fort Collins, Colorado?

Fort Collins, Colorado allows short-term rentals (STRs) in single-family dwellings, including property line townhomes, but not in multifamily buildings. The city requires all STRs to identify and register a local point of contact for neighbors and city officials. The city has also created a number of other requirements for STRs, including limits on occupancy, off-street parking, and posting the license number in the listing description.

Fort Collins imposes a 3% lodging tax on amounts paid by guests for occupancies lasting fewer than 30 consecutive days, which must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis. The city defines two types of STR licenses: non-primary and primary. The type of license needed for any given listing depends on how many nights per year the property is rented out. Larimer County, which includes Fort Collins, has also approved new regulations governing STRs, which will go into effect on June 1, 2023.

No STRs will be allowed within 500 feet of a Larimer County park or open space, and property managers must inform renters they are not allowed to park on the street.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Fort Collins

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in Fort Collins, Colorado, there are specific steps and requirements that must be followed. The city allows STRs in single-family dwellings, including property line townhomes, but not in multifamily buildings. The process begins with determining the property's eligibility for an STR license, which can be checked using the city's zoning map.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the property owner must apply for a license and provide the necessary documents, such as proof of ownership or authorization to operate the STR, proof of liability insurance, and proof of a local point of contact for neighbors and city officials. Additionally, the property owner must ensure compliance with occupancy limits, off-street parking, and posting the license number in the listing description.Larimer County, which includes Fort Collins, has also approved new regulations governing STRs, which will go into effect on June 1, 2023. These regulations include restrictions such as not allowing any STRs within 500 feet of a county park or open space, and the requirement for property managers to inform renters about parking restrictions.

The county has been revising the regulations to address the impacts and compatibility of STRs in the area.It's important to note that Fort Collins imposes a 3% lodging tax on amounts paid by guests for occupancies lasting fewer than 30 consecutive days, which must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis. The city defines two types of STR licenses: non-primary and primary, and the type of license needed for a specific listing depends on the number of nights per year the property is rented out.

In summary, starting an STR business in Fort Collins involves a thorough understanding of the city's regulations and the new regulations approved by Larimer County. Property owners must ensure compliance with all requirements and be prepared to provide the necessary documentation to obtain an appropriate license for their STR.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Fort Collins

In Fort Collins, Colorado, operating a short-term rental (STR) requires a license and adherence to specific regulations. The city defines two types of STR licenses: non-primary and primary. The type of license needed for a listing depends on the number of nights the property is rented out. A non-primary STR license is for properties not used as the owner's primary residence, while a primary STR license is for the owner's primary residence.

The city charges a $150 non-refundable application fee and an annual renewal fee of $100. Additionally, hosts must complete a self-certification checklist and provide a local point of contact for neighbors and city officials. Other requirements include limits on occupancy, off-street parking, and posting the license number in the listing description. The city also imposes a 3% lodging tax on amounts paid by guests for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days, which must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis. To advertise an STR, hosts must list a valid Fort Collins short-term rental license number on any platform, such as Airbnb.

The city strictly enforces these regulations and has a hotline for neighbors to report violations. Larimer County, which includes Fort Collins, has also approved new regulations for STRs, including a prohibition on rentals within 500 feet of a county park or open space. The county's new regulations will go into effect on June 1, 2023.

Required Documents for Fort Collins Short Term Rentals

To apply for a short-term rental (STR) license in Fort Collins, property owners must provide the following documents:

• Proof of ownership or authorization to operate the STR: This can be a deed, lease agreement, or other legal documentation that shows the applicant has the right to operate the STR.
• Proof of liability insurance: This insurance should cover the property owner and any guests staying at the STR in case of accidents or damages.
• Proof of local point of contact: The applicant must provide a local contact person who can be reached by neighbors and city officials in case of emergencies or issues related to the STR.
• Proof of off-street parking: The applicant must demonstrate that there is adequate off-street parking for guests staying at the STR.
• Proof of compliance with occupancy limits: The applicant must ensure that the STR complies with the city's occupancy limits, which are based on the number of bedrooms and the size of the property.
• Posting of the license number in the listing description: The applicant must include the license number in the listing description for the STR on online platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

These documents are required to ensure that the STR operates safely and legally within the city's regulations. By providing these documents, property owners can obtain the necessary license to operate their STR in Fort Collins.

Fort Collins Short Term Rental Taxes

Fort Collins, Colorado imposes a 3% lodging tax on short-term rentals (STRs) for occupancies lasting fewer than thirty consecutive days. This tax must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis. The city also requires all short-term rentals to identify and register a local point of contact for neighbors and city officials. Additionally, there are other requirements for short-term rentals, including limits on occupancy, off-street parking, and posting the license number in the listing description.

To ensure compliance with the tax regulations, hosts should obtain valid sales and use and lodging tax licenses issued pursuant to the city's municipal code. Third-party sites such as Airbnb collect both sales and lodging tax from renters and remit directly to the city under the company's account145.In Colorado, like hotel and B&B stays, short-term rentals are subject to tax. Hosts are required to collect applicable taxes from their guests.

Failure to register with tax authorities and file short-term rental tax returns on time can lead to interest payments and legal action. It's important for hosts to understand the tax implications and comply with the regulations to avoid potential penalties3.

Colorado wide Short Term Rental Rules

Colorado has no statewide short-term rental (STR) regulations, and each city and county has its own regulations. Larimer County, which includes Fort Collins, has approved new regulations governing STRs, which will go into effect on June 1, 2023. No STRs will be allowed within 500 feet of a Larimer County park or open space, and property managers must inform renters they are not allowed to park on the street1.Like hotel and B&B stays, STRs in Colorado are subject to tax.

Vacation rental hosts are required to collect applicable taxes from their guests. Failure to register with tax authorities and file STR tax returns in Colorado on time can result in penalties, interest payments, and legal action. Income taxes are reported and paid annually to the federal government and many state governments on which is income after allowed expense deductions. Lodging taxes on an STR are calculated as a percentage of the cost of the guest's stay. The guest pays the tax, but the host is responsible for collecting and paying it to the proper tax authority2.Fort Collins requires all STRs to obtain a license.

The applicant must have valid sales and use and lodging tax licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 25, Article IV, of the Code of the City of Fort Collins for the duration of the STR license5.Larimer County's new regulations governing STRs will give more clarity to people applying for STRs. However, some commissioners expressed concerns about STRs' impact on housing stock and affordability. Compared to other cities, Fort Collins is not considered Airbnb-friendly. Fort Collins strictly enforces its STR rules, and the city has a hotline for neighbors to report STR violations. Some hosts operate in Fort Collins despite the rules, but they risk fines and legal action13.To start an STR business in Fort Collins, one must first determine whether the property is eligible for an STR license.

The city has a zoning map that indicates where primary and non-primary STRs are allowed. Once eligibility is determined, the property owner must apply for a license and provide the required documents. The license number must be posted in the STR and included in all advertising. The lodging tax must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis4.

Does Fort Collins strictly enforce STR rules?

Fort Collins strictly enforces its short-term rental (STR) regulations. The city has a hotline for neighbors to report STR violations, and it takes legal action against hosts who do not comply with the rules. Compared to other cities, Fort Collins is not considered Airbnb-friendly. Some hosts operate in Fort Collins despite the rules, but they risk fines and legal action.

The city requires all STRs to obtain a license and comply with a number of requirements, including limits on occupancy, off-street parking, and posting the license number in the listing description. Fort Collins imposes a 3% lodging tax on amounts paid by guests for occupancies lasting fewer than 30 consecutive days, which must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis.

The city has a zoning map that indicates where primary and non-primary STRs are allowed, and it enforces these regulations strictly.In summary, Fort Collins strictly enforces its STR regulations, and hosts who do not comply with the rules risk fines and legal action. The city has a hotline for neighbors to report violations, and it takes legal action against hosts who do not comply with the rules. Compared to other cities, Fort Collins is not considered Airbnb-friendly, and some hosts operate in the city despite the rules.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Fort Collins?

Starting a short-term rental (STR) business in Fort Collins, Colorado, requires obtaining a short-term rental license and complying with various regulations. Here are the steps to get started:

Determine eligibility: Fort Collins allows STRs in single-family dwellings, including townhomes, but not in multifamily buildings. There are two types of STRs: primary (owner-occupied for a minimum of nine months a year) and non-primary (not owner-occupied) 1.

Apply for a license: To apply for a short-term rental license, submit the following documents:

• Short-term rental application
• Proof of personal liability coverage (homeowner's insurance)
• Document proving primary residence (for primary STRs only)
• Signed STR license annual affidavit (for primary STRs only)
• Proof of ownership
• Self-inspection1

Pay the application fee: The application fee is $150, which is non-refundable2.

Meet the requirements: Ensure that your property meets the following requirements:

• No expired building permits on the property
• Your homeowners' association (HOA) covenants allow STRs2

Remit taxes: Fort Collins imposes a 3% lodging tax on amounts paid by guests for occupancies lasting fewer than 30 consecutive days. The tax must be remitted to the city on a monthly basis1.

Post the license number: Include the license number in the listing description1.

Comply with regulations: Fort Collins requires all STRs to identify and register a local point of contact for neighbors and city officials. The city has also created a number of other requirements for STRs, including limits on occupancy, off-street parking, and posting the license number in the listing description4.

Who to contact in Fort Collins about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Primary contacts for STR rules are:

• Short Term Rental Coordinator: Ginny Sawyer, gsawyer@fcgov.com, 970-416-2170
• Sales Tax Division: 970-221-6780, salestaxinfo@fcgov.com [1]

What do Airbnb hosts in Fort Collins on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Fort Collins have mixed opinions about local regulations. Some hosts feel that the regulations are too strict and make it difficult to operate an STR business, while others feel that the regulations are necessary to protect the community.One host on Reddit expressed frustration with the regulations, stating that they make it difficult to operate an STR business in Fort Collins.

They mentioned that the city's requirement for a local point of contact for neighbors and city officials is burdensome and that the limits on occupancy and off-street parking are unreasonable.Another host on Bigger Pockets had a more positive view of the regulations, stating that they help ensure that STRs are operated safely and responsibly. They mentioned that the requirement for a local point of contact is important for maintaining communication with neighbors and city officials, and that the limits on occupancy and off-street parking help prevent overcrowding and parking issues.

Overall, it seems that while some hosts in Fort Collins view the regulations as burdensome, others see them as necessary for maintaining a safe and responsible STR environment.