Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lake County, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lake County, CO, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed in specific zones (AF, AR, UR, RM, RC, B, R, and certain PUDs). Licenses are categorized as Primary (owner-occupied, uncapped) or Standard (non-primary, capped at 135 countywide and 19 within the Community Housing Overlay). Safety requirements include fire extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors, and a 24-hour local contact sign. 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 allowed in specific zones (AF, AR, UR, RM, RC, B, R, and certain PUDs). Licenses are categorized as Primary (owner-occupied, uncapped) or Standard (non-primary, capped at 135 countywide and 19 within the Community Housing Overlay). Safety requirements include fire extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors, and a 24-hour local contact sign.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lake County. 1. Submit a completed application to the Land Use Department with proof of ownership, tax licenses, and 24-hour contact info. 2. Pay the $95 license fee ($190 if previously unlicensed). 3. Complete a fire safety inspection (required every three years) and a septic inspection if applicable.

1. Submit a completed application to the Land Use Department with proof of ownership, tax licenses, and 24-hour contact info. 2. Pay the $95 license fee ($190 if previously unlicensed). 3. Complete a fire safety inspection (required every three years) and a septic inspection if applicable.

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