Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Chaffee County, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Chaffee County, CO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in unincorporated Chaffee County are regulated and allowed only with a County-issued STR license; county land-use code and licensing requirements apply (license/renewal fees listed; specific zoning/occupancy limits and caps are set by county code or individual license conditions). Municipalities within Chaffee County (Salida, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs) maintain separate, differing STR rules for properties inside town limits. 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.

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Chaffee County are regulated and allowed only with a County-issued STR license; county land-use code and licensing requirements apply (license/renewal fees listed; specific zoning/occupancy limits and caps are set by county code or individual license conditions). Municipalities within Chaffee County (Salida, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs) maintain separate, differing STR rules for properties inside town limits.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Chaffee County. (1) Apply via Chaffee County’s Planning & Zoning application portal (new CivicPlus portal) or obtain application from Planning staff; (2) Pay the Short-Term Rental Initial Application Review Fee ($650) and Short-Term Rental License Fee ($350) prior to issuance; (3) Complete any required application materials per county checklist and obtain approval/renew annually (renewal review fee $400) — follow instructions on the County Planning & Zoning Application Forms & Fees page and contact Planning staff for submission and scheduling.

(1) Apply via Chaffee County’s Planning & Zoning application portal (new CivicPlus portal) or obtain application from Planning staff; (2) Pay the Short-Term Rental Initial Application Review Fee ($650) and Short-Term Rental License Fee ($350) prior to issuance; (3) Complete any required application materials per county checklist and obtain approval/renew annually (renewal review fee $400) — follow instructions on the County Planning & Zoning Application Forms & Fees page and contact Planning staff for submission and scheduling.

Vrbo is permitted in Chaffee County, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Chaffee County 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Chaffee County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.