Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Custer County, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Custer County, CO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in unincorporated Custer County require a county STR Permit and must have legal water and sanitary service (permitted OWTS), may not advertise occupancy exceeding OWTS permit limits, must post fire-evacuation maps and reflective address markers, and must designate a responsible agent physically located in Custer County during rental periods. Accessory structures may not be rented as STRs; neighbors’ input and Special Use standards are considered in permit decisions. 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 Custer County require a county STR Permit and must have legal water and sanitary service (permitted OWTS), may not advertise occupancy exceeding OWTS permit limits, must post fire-evacuation maps and reflective address markers, and must designate a responsible agent physically located in Custer County during rental periods. Accessory structures may not be rented as STRs; neighbors’ input and Special Use standards are considered in permit decisions.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Custer County. 1) Arrange a pre-application conference with the Custer County Planning & Zoning Office. 2) Submit a written STR application at least 30 days before the proposed meeting date, including proof of ownership, OWTS permit, fire-evacuation maps, reflective address marker, and the applicable fee. 3) Obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners; permits must be renewed annually by January 31.

1) Arrange a pre-application conference with the Custer County Planning & Zoning Office. 2) Submit a written STR application at least 30 days before the proposed meeting date, including proof of ownership, OWTS permit, fire-evacuation maps, reflective address marker, and the applicable fee. 3) Obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners; permits must be renewed annually by January 31.

Vrbo is permitted in Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.