Vacation Homes in Residential Zoning Districts 

Short-Term Rentals (stays of less than 30 days)

The short-term rental of residences (vacation homes) is permitted in all residential zoning districts, provided the property owner complies with all applicable codes and regulations. A short-term rental is defined as a stay of less than thirty (30) days. To determine whether your property is residentially zoned, view the Estes Valley zoning map.

All short-term rental properties within the Estes Valley must comply with the regulations set forth in the Estes Valley Development Code, Section 5.2.B.2.e.(2), which states:

(2)   Short-term nightly rentals (lease terms of less than thirty [30] days) of a principal residential dwelling unit shall be permitted as an accessory use in all residential zoning districts, provided that the following conditions are met.  All permitted short-term rentals of dwelling units shall be required to:

(a)   Comply with all the conditions and requirements as set forth in the Town of Estes Park Municipal Code, Chapters 5.20, and

(b)   Obtain a business license if within Town limits.

A vacation home may not be rented to more than one (1) party unless the home is managed by a full-time on-site manager.

The number of guests staying in a vacation home at any one time is limited based on the number of bedrooms in the home. Two guests per bedroom plus two are permitted. At no time may the number of guests exceed eight (8), regardless of the number of bedrooms in the home.

A maximum of three guest vehicles may be on site and parked outside at any one time. On-street parking is prohibited. No recreational vehicle, tent, or other temporary shelter may be used for living or sleeping purposes.

Owners of vacation homes are required to pay commercial utility rates for electricity and water service provided by the Town of Estes Park. Contact the Town of Estes Park Finance Department for information on converting to commercial utility rates.

Owners of vacation homes may also be required to collect and remit State or County taxes. View information on the Colorado Department of Revenue web site.

Please see the regulations provided in the Estes Park Municipal Code, Section 5.20.110, Vacation Homes in Residential Zoning Districts, for detailed information on requirements that must be met.

Long-Term Rentals (stays of 30 days or longer)

The long-term rental of a residence is also permitted in all residential zoning districts, as provided in the Estes Valley Development Code, Section 5.2.B.2.e.(1), which states:

(1)   Long-term rentals (lease terms of thirty [30] days or more) of a principal or accessory residential dwelling unit shall be permitted as an accessory use in all residential zoning districts.

The rental of a residence on a month-to-month or longer basis does not require a business license.

The regulations governing vacation homes are designed to allow vacation home rentals in residential neighborhoods while protecting the residential character of those neighborhoods. In some instances, private covenants prohibit rental of vacation homes. These restrictions are privately enforced. Property owners should become familiar with all private restrictions that govern the use of their property.

Questions? Contact us.