Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fort Collins, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Fort Collins, CO, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by a zoning map: green areas allow only Primary STRs (residence for 9+ months/year), yellow areas allow both Primary and Non-Primary, and uncolored areas prohibit STRs. Multi-family buildings with 3+ units are generally prohibited unless they undergo a change-of-occupancy to R-1. Hosts must provide a local contact available within 4 hours and meet off-street parking requirements. 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.

STRs are restricted by a zoning map: green areas allow only Primary STRs (residence for 9+ months/year), yellow areas allow both Primary and Non-Primary, and uncolored areas prohibit STRs. Multi-family buildings with 3+ units are generally prohibited unless they undergo a change-of-occupancy to R-1. Hosts must provide a local contact available within 4 hours and meet off-street parking requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fort Collins. 1. Obtain a Sales and Lodging Tax License through the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System. 2. Submit the STR License Application online with required documents (proof of ownership, liability insurance, and proof of residence for primary STRs) and pay the $150 fee. 3. Upon approval (7-10 business days), post the license in the rental and include the license number on all listings; renew annually by June 30.

1. Obtain a Sales and Lodging Tax License through the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System. 2. Submit the STR License Application online with required documents (proof of ownership, liability insurance, and proof of residence for primary STRs) and pay the $150 fee. 3. Upon approval (7-10 business days), post the license in the rental and include the license number on all listings; renew annually by June 30.

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