Short-Term Rental Regulations
in San Miguel County, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in San Miguel County, CO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) of a Primary Residence are permitted in unincorporated San Miguel County subject to zone prohibitions (prohibited in Open Space (OS), High Country Area (HCA), and Affordable Housing PUD (AHPUD); no permit required in West End (WE) Zone). STRs must be for a single party, occupancy limited to 2 persons per bedroom (maximum 10 unless OWTS capacity allows more), must display county STR permit number in advertising, register with Colorado Dept. of Revenue, provide 24-hour local contact and deliver neighbor notification; on-site wastewater and water adequacy rules and parking (1 space/bedroom) apply. 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.

Short-term rentals (STRs) of a Primary Residence are permitted in unincorporated San Miguel County subject to zone prohibitions (prohibited in Open Space (OS), High Country Area (HCA), and Affordable Housing PUD (AHPUD); no permit required in West End (WE) Zone). STRs must be for a single party, occupancy limited to 2 persons per bedroom (maximum 10 unless OWTS capacity allows more), must display county STR permit number in advertising, register with Colorado Dept. of Revenue, provide 24-hour local contact and deliver neighbor notification; on-site wastewater and water adequacy rules and parking (1 space/bedroom) apply.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in San Miguel County. 1) Apply for a County Short-Term Rental Permit via the County SmartGov portal. 2) Provide State Sales Tax License (CDOR registration) and pay applicable building/inspection fees; initial application triggers a Building Department inspection for safety items. 3) Permit valid for two years; renewals every two years require an affidavit of continued compliance.

1) Apply for a County Short-Term Rental Permit via the County SmartGov portal. 2) Provide State Sales Tax License (CDOR registration) and pay applicable building/inspection fees; initial application triggers a Building Department inspection for safety items. 3) Permit valid for two years; renewals every two years require an affidavit of continued compliance.

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