Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ouray, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Ouray, CO, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted only in the City of Ouray R-2, C-1, and C-2 zone districts; STRs are prohibited in the R-1 zone (except certain grandfathered units) and in accessory dwelling units. The City imposes a cap of 120 STR licenses, an occupancy limit of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, requires a local responsible party within a 45-minute drive, and requires units to be rented at least 30 days annually. 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 permitted only in the City of Ouray R-2, C-1, and C-2 zone districts; STRs are prohibited in the R-1 zone (except certain grandfathered units) and in accessory dwelling units. The City imposes a cap of 120 STR licenses, an occupancy limit of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, requires a local responsible party within a 45-minute drive, and requires units to be rented at least 30 days annually.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ouray. 1) Submit a completed STR license application packet to the City (applications are waitlisted if the 120-license cap is met). 2) Pass a site inspection by the City Building Inspector to ensure the unit meets building codes. 3) Pay the required fees ($825 for new licenses; $400 for renewals) and renew annually by February 28.

1) Submit a completed STR license application packet to the City (applications are waitlisted if the 120-license cap is met). 2) Pass a site inspection by the City Building Inspector to ensure the unit meets building codes. 3) Pay the required fees ($825 for new licenses; $400 for renewals) and renew annually by February 28.

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