FAQ
Why do you limit number of booking parties instead of nights?
Limiting the number of booking parties provides more flexibility for the STR operator, and may encourage longer stays, with less “come and go” impacts.
Why are caps by Basin and not by Neighborhood?
The Basin-level caps reflect the County’s unique areas as they exist now, without making value-laden judgements about how each neighborhood serves tourists and locals. It would be far more contentious to issue licenses on a street-by-street basis.
Are you restricting “guest of owner” stays?
No, there is no restriction on non-paid owner guest stays.
What are the revised License Types?
Upon adoption of Ordinance 20-C, there will only be Type I and Type II licenses granted in the NOZ. Type II Licenses will be counted under the Cap. Type I Exception Licenses will not be counted under the Cap, and will be granted continuously if the applicants meet the exception criteria. Pre-existing and Type III Licenses will be phased out at renewal 2023.
Since the Moratorium was lifted, can I apply for a license in the NOZ?
The number of existing licenses is currently more than the caps. Applications will only be accepted for Type I Exception Licenses. Otherwise, we will not be accepting applications until we are below the cap in any basin.
What will happen to properties with approved CUPs ?
STR properties with CUPs will convert to Type II licenses at renewal 2023.
When do I need to comply with the revised regulations?
If you have an existing STR License, your deadline for compliance is during renewal period of 2023. Once your license is renewed, you will be “converted” to one of the new license types, and will then comply with the revised rules.
Does everyone need to comply with the new regulations?
Yes: all NOZ licenses will be required to comply with the new regulations by renewal 2023. Resort licenses are unchanged.
Will there be grandfathering, like there was with the last round of regulations?
No. All licenses (Type I, Type II, Type III, Pre-existing) will automatically convert to the new Type II license at renewal 2023, unless the operator applies for and is approved for a Type I Exception License.
Can I put my name on a waitlist?
No, Summit County will not be keeping a waitlist [BT2] until we are below the caps. When it has been determined that any Basin is within 10% of the caps, the County will publish a process for new license issuance.
Are you taking licenses away?
No, we will reach the caps through attrition: transfers of property, and other voluntary actions through which the STR operator decides to make the STR License inactive will allow us to reach the cap over time.
Why is the consideration of Peak 7 as a Resort Zone not included in this Ordinance process?
A change to the overlay zone status of Peak 7 would be an amendment to the boundaries of the overlay zones which are contained in Chapter 4 of the Land Use and Development Code. In order for the overlay zones to be amended, the application would have needed to be noticed as such prior to it going to the CWPC, and the CWPC would first have had to review the request / amended code language in detail before the request could move to the BOCC for final decision. This has not occurred, and therefore this consideration was not included in the Ordinance revisions.
What are the requirements for a Type I Exception License?
Type I Exception Licenses will be granted if the applicant meets the criteria for a Qualified Occupant. The Qualified Occupant can be the owner or a long term renter. The applicant must show that they or their renter meet criteria for both primary residency and local workforce employment, working at least 30 hours a week in Summit County, and living on the property at least 9 months of the year. Local workforce retirees and self-employed individuals may also meet the criteria.
If we are capping licenses, why do exception licenses exist?
Exception licenses are meant to incentivize local workforce housing. By offering uncapped licenses where a Qualified Occupant must live on the property, the offering of housing to Qualified Occupants is encouraged in order to receive a Type I exception license.
Do I need a license before advertising my short term rental?
Yes, if you rent out your home for periods of less than 30 consecutive days, you must obtain a short term rental (STR) license.
Do I need a license before advertising my short term rental?
Yes, all STR properties must receive a license before advertising or operation.
How do I find out if my property is located in unincorporated Summit County?
Search for your address on the Summit County GIS Parcel Query Tool . You can locate the jurisdiction of your property on the bottom left of the page.
How do I know if my property is in a Resort Zone or a Neighborhood Zone?
The Resort Zone includes Copper Mountain, Keystone, Tiger Run Resort, and sections of Peak 7 and Peak 8 in Breckenridge. You can check the maps provided on our home page to see if your property is located in one of these areas. If your property is not in the Resort Zone, it is by default located in the Neighborhood zone.
I am switching property management companies. How do I update that information in my STR license?
The responsible agent/property manager on the active license will need to access the license via the Host Compliance portal and update the information.
I recently purchased a home that has an active STR license. How do I get the license switched over to my name?
STR licenses are only transferable in certain situations, relating to familial or court determined ownership agreements. The transfer exceptions listed in the Ordinance include some family transfers, marriage/divorce arrangements, transfers to an LLC, and property bequest in a will, among others. Please review the 9 transfers listed in Section 2.8 of the Ordinance.
Is there a cap on the number of licenses being issued in unincorporated Summit County?
There is a cap on STR licenses at this time. The caps are implemented by Basin. Please visit our website regularly to stay up to date on any changes in policies or regulations.
I am currently in the process of purchasing a property in unincorporated Summit County. Can I apply for an STR license before closing?
For resort licenses, please email STR@summitcountyco.gov with a letter from the current owner(s) granting the buyer permission to apply for the STR license and then proceed with the application process as usual.
For Neighborhood Licenses, you may apply for a Type I License if you meet the exception criteria for a Qualified Occupant. Otherwise, we are not accepting new licenses in the Neighborhood Overlay Zone until we reach the caps in each basin.
Regulations Shortcuts
Here are some helpful shortcuts referenced in the STR Regulations:
- Summit County STR Ordinance and Code Section 3821: Short-Term Rental Regulations (pdf)
- Summit County Development Code, Chapter 3 (pdf)
- Code Section 3803: Bed & Breakfasts (starting on p. 117)
- Code Section 3700: Parking Requirements (starting on p. 104)
- Section 3505.07 Lighting Regulations (starting on p. 36)
- Figure 3-2: Land Use Matrix (pdf)
- Good Neighbor Guidelines (pdf)
- Definitions (pdf): Loft as a sleeping room, lock-off room, floor area
- CRS 38-45-104: Carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties (starting on p. 555)
- Summit County Building Requirements for a Loft (pdf) (as a sleeping room, p. 7)
- Section 6 CCR 1010-14: Sanitary Standards and Rules for Public Accommodations
- Section 5CCR 1003-5: Swimming Pools and Mineral Baths
- Section 5CCR 100-11: Primary Drinking Water Regulation
- CRS 30-28-124: Penalties (starting on p. 368)
- Sales tax regulations
- Short Term Rental Building Permit Checklist
- STR Acknowledgment Form for new submittals only
- STR Acknowledgement Form for renewals only
- Summit County Noise Ordinance
Contact Us
-
General STR Help
str@summitcountyco.gov
970-668-4186STR Sales Tax Questions
str.finance@summitcountyco.gov
970-453-3437STR Complaints
To submit a complaint click here
Address
Planning Department
0037 Peak One Drive
Frisco, CO 80443Hours
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm