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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Durango, CO

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs (Vacation Rentals) are restricted to specific zones (Central Business, Mixed-Use, select Planned Developments, and EN-1/EN-2). Established Neighborhood (EN) zones have strict caps (22 for EN-1, 17 for EN-2) and often require a waitlist; permits are non-transferable and terminate upon property sale.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Limited Use Permit application via the OpenGov portal with a $750 fee and required documents (site plan, floor plan, and list of owners within 300 feet). 2. Complete the public notice process, which includes a 14-day property posting and mailers to neighbors. 3. Obtain a City business license and set up lodgers’/sales tax collection after permit approval.

Regulatory Updates — Durango

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedFebruary 2025

EN Zone Cap Monitoring Report Published

Durango published a report confirming that EN-1 and EN-2 STR license caps are at or near capacity, with a waitlist in effect for both zones. No cap increases are planned given ongoing workforce housing concerns.

PassedAugust 2024

Zone Eligibility Map Updated

Durango released an updated STR zone eligibility map clarifying which Central Business, Mixed-Use, and Planned Development parcels qualify for STR licensing, reducing disputes over property eligibility at the permit stage.

PassedMarch 2024

Workforce Housing Impact Fee on STR Renewals

Durango adopted an annual workforce housing impact fee on STR license renewals, directing revenue toward affordable housing programs for workers displaced by the region's STR market.

Official Resources

Official Durango STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Durango's zone-restricted and cap-based STR framework.

Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST)Statewide

Organization representing Colorado mountain communities like Durango on workforce housing and STR regulation challenges in resort and tourism markets.

Durango Area Tourism OfficeLocal

Local destination marketing organization for the Durango area, monitoring STR accommodation supply and its impact on visitor capacity for the Four Corners region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Durango, CO?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Durango, CO, but with restrictions. STRs (Vacation Rentals) are restricted to specific zones (Central Business, Mixed-Use, select Planned Developments, and EN-1/EN-2). Established Neighborhood (EN) zones have strict caps (22 for EN-1, 17 for EN-2) and often require a waitlist; permits are non-transferable and terminate upon property sale. 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 Durango, CO?
STRs (Vacation Rentals) are restricted to specific zones (Central Business, Mixed-Use, select Planned Developments, and EN-1/EN-2). Established Neighborhood (EN) zones have strict caps (22 for EN-1, 17 for EN-2) and often require a waitlist; permits are non-transferable and terminate upon property sale.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Durango?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Durango. 1. Submit a Limited Use Permit application via the OpenGov portal with a $750 fee and required documents (site plan, floor plan, and list of owners within 300 feet). 2. Complete the public notice process, which includes a 14-day property posting and mailers to neighbors. 3. Obtain a City business license and set up lodgers’/sales tax collection after permit approval.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Durango?
1. Submit a Limited Use Permit application via the OpenGov portal with a $750 fee and required documents (site plan, floor plan, and list of owners within 300 feet). 2. Complete the public notice process, which includes a 14-day property posting and mailers to neighbors. 3. Obtain a City business license and set up lodgers’/sales tax collection after permit approval.
Is Vrbo legal in Durango, CO?
Vrbo is permitted in Durango, 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 Durango?
Short-term rental hosts in Durango 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 Durango?
The most recent tracked change in Durango is "EN Zone Cap Monitoring Report Published" (2025-02-01, status: passed). Durango published a report confirming that EN-1 and EN-2 STR license caps are at or near capacity, with a waitlist in effect for both zones. No cap increases are planned given ongoing workforce housing concerns. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I operate an STR in my Durango residential neighborhood?
Only if your property is in a zone that permits STRs — Central Business, Mixed-Use, certain Planned Developments, or an EN-1/EN-2 Established Neighborhood zone. Most single-family residential zones do not allow STRs. Check the city's zone eligibility map before purchasing with STR intent.
What are the EN zone caps and are they full?
EN-1 zones are capped at 22 STR licenses and EN-2 zones at 17. Both are at or near capacity with a waitlist in effect. Durango has no plans to raise these caps. The only way to enter an EN zone is to wait for an existing operator to surrender their license.
Is Durango likely to open more zones to STRs?
Unlikely. The trend is toward tightening, not expansion. A new workforce housing impact fee has been adopted, cap expansion is off the table, and Colorado has no state preemption that would force the city to broaden access. Plan around the existing zone map.
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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