Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Crested Butte, CO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

The Town offers two license types: Primary Occupancy (for residents/long-term renters, 90-night limit, all zones) and Unlimited (restricted to specific zones R1, R1A, R1C, R1D, R1E, R2, R2C, R3C, B3, B4; capped at 198 total; max two per block face). Both require a 24/7 local contact, adherence to occupancy limits (2 per bedroom plus 2, max 10), and collection of sales and 7.5% excise taxes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Apply via the online portal (crestedbutte.munirevs.com) during the annual window (Oct 1–31) for the following year. 2. Submit a declaration of compliance and pay the fee ($250 for Primary, $800 for Unlimited). 3. Pass a property inspection if required; Unlimited licenses may be subject to a lottery if the 198-license cap is reached.

Regulatory Updates — Crested Butte

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Unlimited License Zone Restrictions Tightened

Crested Butte narrowed the list of zones eligible for Unlimited STR licenses, removing several residential designations that had previously been included, and requiring existing Unlimited license holders in now-ineligible zones to convert to Primary Occupancy licenses.

PassedMay 2024

Primary Occupancy 90-Night Cap Strictly Enforced

The Town began cross-referencing booking platform data with Primary Occupancy license holders to identify operators exceeding the 90-night annual cap, issuing fines and license suspensions for violations.

PassedJanuary 2025

Workforce Housing Impact Fee on STR Licenses

Crested Butte adopted an annual workforce housing impact fee on all STR licenses, directing revenue toward affordable housing programs for resort workers displaced by the STR market.

Official Resources

Official Crested Butte STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Colorado mountain resort communities like Crested Butte.

Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST)Statewide

Organization representing Crested Butte and other Colorado ski communities on the difficult balance between tourism economies and workforce housing needs.

Crested Butte Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Crested Butte's tourism and hospitality economy, monitoring STR license policy for its impact on visitor accommodation supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Crested Butte, CO?
The Town offers two license types: Primary Occupancy (for residents/long-term renters, 90-night limit, all zones) and Unlimited (restricted to specific zones R1, R1A, R1C, R1D, R1E, R2, R2C, R3C, B3, B4; capped at 198 total; max two per block face). Both require a 24/7 local contact, adherence to occupancy limits (2 per bedroom plus 2, max 10), and collection of sales and 7.5% excise taxes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Crested Butte?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Crested Butte. 1. Apply via the online portal (crestedbutte.munirevs.com) during the annual window (Oct 1–31) for the following year. 2. Submit a declaration of compliance and pay the fee ($250 for Primary, $800 for Unlimited). 3. Pass a property inspection if required; Unlimited licenses may be subject to a lottery if the 198-license cap is reached.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Crested Butte?
1. Apply via the online portal (crestedbutte.munirevs.com) during the annual window (Oct 1–31) for the following year. 2. Submit a declaration of compliance and pay the fee ($250 for Primary, $800 for Unlimited). 3. Pass a property inspection if required; Unlimited licenses may be subject to a lottery if the 198-license cap is reached.
What is the difference between a Primary Occupancy and Unlimited STR license in Crested Butte?
A Primary Occupancy license is available in all zones but caps annual STR nights at 90. An Unlimited license has no night cap but is restricted to specific zones (R1, R1A, R1C, R1D, R1E, R2, R2C, R3C, B3). If your property is in an ineligible zone, you are limited to 90 nights per year.
Is there a cap on the total number of STR licenses in Crested Butte?
There is no hard numerical cap on total licenses, but the zone restrictions on Unlimited licenses effectively limit supply in most residential areas. The 90-night cap on Primary Occupancy licenses further constrains the market. A workforce housing impact fee now applies to all license renewals.
Is Crested Butte likely to further restrict STRs?
Yes. The trend is firmly toward tightening. Zone eligibility for Unlimited licenses has already been reduced, the 90-night cap is being enforced more aggressively, and a new workforce housing fee has been adopted. Colorado has no state preemption, so further restrictions are legally straightforward.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Crested Butte, CO?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction