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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Leadville, CO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in the City of Leadville are licensed and limited by license class (Class 1 owner-occupied and Class 2 non-owner-occupied), subject to an annual cap (171 licenses or 12%), require state sales tax registration and quarterly remittance to the city’s MuniRevs system, and must meet safety, site-plan, and documentation requirements (fire safety check, proof of ownership, insurance, and parking plan). Specific occupancy and guest limits are defined in Municipal Code Chapter 5.12.090.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Contact the Deputy City Clerk to confirm license availability and be added to a waitlist if needed; 2) Complete an administrative zoning permit ($75) with Community Development and submit all required documents (site plan, floor plan, proof of ownership, insurance) via the MuniRevs portal while paying the $325 annual license fee; 3) Schedule and complete a fire safety inspection ($50) and provide a State of Colorado Sales Tax license; licenses must be renewed annually by April 30.

Regulatory Updates — Leadville

Proposed and recent legislation

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

STR License Cap Utilization Report

Leadville published a report showing current license counts against the 171-license cap, with Class 2 (non-owner-occupied) permits identified as growing faster than Class 1, prompting discussion about a Class 2-specific sub-cap.

PassedJuly 2024

State Sales Tax Registration Required at Permit Issuance

Leadville now requires proof of Colorado state sales tax registration before issuing any new STR license, ensuring all operators are enrolled in state tax remittance from day one of operation.

PassedMarch 2024

Class 1 vs Class 2 Compliance Audit

Leadville audited existing permits to verify that Class 1 (owner-occupied) license holders continue to meet the owner-occupancy requirement, revoking permits where operators were found to have vacated the property.

Official Resources

Official Leadville 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 including Leadville.

Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST)Statewide

Organization representing Colorado mountain communities like Leadville on workforce housing and STR cap policy challenges.

Leadville/Lake County TourismLocal

Local tourism organization monitoring STR accommodation supply in Leadville and its impact on the city's growing high-altitude adventure tourism visitor market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Leadville, CO?
Short-term rentals in the City of Leadville are licensed and limited by license class (Class 1 owner-occupied and Class 2 non-owner-occupied), subject to an annual cap (171 licenses or 12%), require state sales tax registration and quarterly remittance to the city’s MuniRevs system, and must meet safety, site-plan, and documentation requirements (fire safety check, proof of ownership, insurance, and parking plan). Specific occupancy and guest limits are defined in Municipal Code Chapter 5.12.090.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Leadville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Leadville. 1) Contact the Deputy City Clerk to confirm license availability and be added to a waitlist if needed; 2) Complete an administrative zoning permit ($75) with Community Development and submit all required documents (site plan, floor plan, proof of ownership, insurance) via the MuniRevs portal while paying the $325 annual license fee; 3) Schedule and complete a fire safety inspection ($50) and provide a State of Colorado Sales Tax license; licenses must be renewed annually by April 30.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Leadville?
1) Contact the Deputy City Clerk to confirm license availability and be added to a waitlist if needed; 2) Complete an administrative zoning permit ($75) with Community Development and submit all required documents (site plan, floor plan, proof of ownership, insurance) via the MuniRevs portal while paying the $325 annual license fee; 3) Schedule and complete a fire safety inspection ($50) and provide a State of Colorado Sales Tax license; licenses must be renewed annually by April 30.
How close is Leadville to its STR license cap?
Leadville is licensed up to 171 total STRs (12% of housing stock). Class 2 non-owner-occupied permits are growing faster than Class 1. The city is reviewing a potential Class 2 sub-cap. Check current license counts with Leadville's city office before purchasing with STR intent.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 STR licenses in Leadville?
Class 1 licenses are for owner-occupied properties where the owner lives on-site as their primary residence. Class 2 licenses are for non-owner-occupied investment properties. Both count toward the 171-license cap, but Class 1 holders must maintain owner occupancy or risk revocation.
What state taxes are required for a Leadville STR?
You must register for Colorado state sales tax before your license is issued. Colorado imposes sales tax on short-term rental stays, and Lake County may have additional local taxes. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect state tax automatically for bookings made through them — verify coverage for direct bookings.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction