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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Breckenridge, CO

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are subject to zone-based caps (Resort, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3) and occupancy limits (2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional, or 4 total for studios). Owners must designate a Responsible Agent available 24/7, and all advertisements must display the Town license number and occupancy limit.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a completed license application to the Finance Director including a designated Responsible Agent. 2. Pay the Business and Occupational License Tax (BOLT) and the annual regulatory fee ($756 per bedroom/studio). 3. If zone caps are reached, applicants are placed on a waitlist and notified when a license becomes available.

Regulatory Updates — Breckenridge

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMay 2023

STR License Cap and Tiered System Implemented

Breckenridge adopted a tiered short-term rental licensing system. Tier 1 (owner-occupied, hosted) licenses are uncapped and lower-cost. Tier 2 (non-owner-occupied, investor) licenses are capped at a set total number, and new Tier 2 licenses are issued via lottery when caps have been reached. Existing licenses are non-transferable on property sale.

PassedMay 2023

Non-Transferable License Rule on Property Sale

Breckenridge STR licenses do not transfer to new owners when a property is sold. Buyers of properties with active STR licenses must apply for a new license, and if the applicable tier is capped, they may not receive one. This significantly affects the investment value of properties currently operating as vacation rentals.

PassedJanuary 2024

STR Fee Increases and Workforce Housing Fund

The town increased STR licensing fees and created a dedicated workforce housing fund partially funded by STR fee revenue. The fee structure creates a direct link between STR operator costs and workforce housing investment, reflecting the town's policy that vacation rentals contribute to the housing crisis and should help fund solutions.

Official Resources

Official Breckenridge STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Colorado Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group representing Colorado STR operators and property managers in regulatory proceedings. Monitors Breckenridge and Summit County ordinance changes and lobbies for state preemption legislation.

Breckenridge Resort ChamberLocal

Local business and tourism advocacy organization tracking town regulatory developments affecting the vacation rental industry. Provides compliance resources for licensed operators.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy for vacation rental managers in Colorado ski resort markets facing severe supply restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Breckenridge, CO?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Breckenridge, CO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are subject to zone-based caps (Resort, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3) and occupancy limits (2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional, or 4 total for studios). Owners must designate a Responsible Agent available 24/7, and all advertisements must display the Town license number and occupancy limit. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Breckenridge, CO?
Short-term rentals are subject to zone-based caps (Resort, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3) and occupancy limits (2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional, or 4 total for studios). Owners must designate a Responsible Agent available 24/7, and all advertisements must display the Town license number and occupancy limit.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Breckenridge?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Breckenridge. 1. Submit a completed license application to the Finance Director including a designated Responsible Agent. 2. Pay the Business and Occupational License Tax (BOLT) and the annual regulatory fee ($756 per bedroom/studio). 3. If zone caps are reached, applicants are placed on a waitlist and notified when a license becomes available.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Breckenridge?
1. Submit a completed license application to the Finance Director including a designated Responsible Agent. 2. Pay the Business and Occupational License Tax (BOLT) and the annual regulatory fee ($756 per bedroom/studio). 3. If zone caps are reached, applicants are placed on a waitlist and notified when a license becomes available.
Is Vrbo legal in Breckenridge, CO?
Vrbo is permitted in Breckenridge, CO under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Breckenridge?
Short-term rental hosts in Breckenridge are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Breckenridge?
The most recent tracked change in Breckenridge is "STR License Cap and Tiered System Implemented" (2023-05-01, status: passed). Breckenridge adopted a tiered short-term rental licensing system. Tier 1 (owner-occupied, hosted) licenses are uncapped and lower-cost. Tier 2 (non-owner-occupied, investor) licenses are capped at a set total number, and new Tier 2 licenses are issued via lottery when caps have been reached. Existing licenses are non-transferable on property sale. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Is it still possible to get a new short-term rental license in Breckenridge?
It depends on your tier. Tier 1 (owner-occupied, hosted) licenses are available without a cap and are easier and cheaper to obtain. Tier 2 (investor-owned, non-hosted) licenses are subject to a town-wide cap — when the cap is reached, new applicants enter a lottery. Buyers of properties previously operating as STRs should not assume the license will transfer. Consult the Town of Breckenridge planning department for current cap status before purchasing an investment property.
What taxes apply to Breckenridge short-term rental income?
Breckenridge STR operators collect Colorado state sales tax (2.9%), Summit County sales tax (2%), Town of Breckenridge sales tax (2.5%), and Colorado lodging tax. The combined rate on rental receipts is typically 12–15% including all applicable layers. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Colorado state tax and most local taxes on behalf of hosts in Breckenridge. Operators booking directly must register with the Colorado Department of Revenue and the Town of Breckenridge finance department.
How does the non-transferability rule affect buying a Breckenridge STR property?
This is critical for buyers. When a Breckenridge property with an active STR license is sold, the license expires and does not transfer to the buyer. The new owner must apply for a fresh license — and if Tier 2 (investor) licenses are capped at the time of purchase, there is no guarantee a new license will be issued. This means the STR income potential that the current owner enjoys may not be available to the buyer. Always verify current cap status and obtain independent legal advice before purchasing a Breckenridge property expecting to operate it as a vacation rental.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction