Short-Term Rentals in Manitou Springs, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Manitou Springs or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Manitou Springs has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.
Occupancy Limits
Manitou Springs ties STR occupancy to the building code occupant load rather than a fixed guest count. Permits are limited to 2% of the city's residential structures (about 56 units), STRs must be the owner's primary residence (185+ days/year), and new STRs must be at least 500 feet from any other STR.
Key details: Max Occupants: Building-code occupant load (no flat guest cap). Permit Cap: 2% of residential structures (~56 units). Owner Occupancy: 185+ days/year primary residence. Minimum Rental Activity: 21 days/year. STR-to-STR Spacing: 500 ft minimum radius.
Operating without a permit, exceeding the building-code occupant load, or violating the owner-occupancy or 21-day rental minimum can result in permit revocation, denial of renewal, daily code-enforcement citations, and back-collection of city lodging tax.
This is one of the stricter rules in Manitou Springs's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Insurance Requirements
Manitou Springs requires every short-term rental permit applicant to carry liability insurance, but the city has not published a specific dollar minimum in its public STR materials. Hosts should confirm the current required amount with the Planning Department at (719) 685-5481 before submitting a permit application; STR carriers commonly write $500,000 to $1,000,000 per-occurrence policies for Colorado mountain markets.
Key details: Insurance Required: Yes, with city STR permit application. City-Stated Minimum: Confirm with Planning Dept (719) 685-5481. Common Carrier Range: $500K-$1M per occurrence (CO market). Permit Term: One year, annual renewal. State Mandate: None - Colorado has no statewide STR insurance law.
Submitting an STR application without proof of insurance, allowing the policy to lapse mid-term, or operating after permit expiration can lead to permit denial, suspension, or revocation, code-enforcement citations, and back collection of city lodging tax. Continuing to advertise or accept bookings while uninsured is treated as a continuing violation.
Permit Requirements
Manitou Springs requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all rentals of 1–29 days. All new STRs must be owner-occupied (185 days/year), within a 500-foot buffer from other STRs, and are capped at 2% of residential structures citywide.
Key details: Permit Required: Yes — Planning Commission approval required. Owner-Occupied: Required — 185 days/year minimum. Buffer Requirement: 500 feet from all existing STRs. Citywide Cap: 2% of residential structures. Annual Renewal: Required — permit expires if not renewed.
Operating without permit or violating conditions may result in permit revocation (appealable to Planning Commission within 90 days). Fines under LUDC.
Compared to other cities, Manitou Springs takes a harder line on permit requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Noise Rules
STR owners in Manitou Springs are required to actively enforce noise and disturbance rules on their guests. Noise complaints are handled by MSPD at 719-390-5555 and can lead to STR permit revocation.
Key details: Host Obligation: Must enforce noise rules on guests — posted in unit. 24/7 Contact: Required — owner must be reachable at all times. Noise Complaint: MSPD: 719-390-5555. STR Complaints: Planning Dept: 719-685-4398. Permit Risk: Noise violations can lead to permit revocation.
STR permit revocation is possible in addition to noise citations under Chapter 6.08. Report to MSPD: 719-390-5555.
This is one of the stricter rules in Manitou Springs's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Parking Rules
STR permits in Manitou Springs require vehicle allowances to be posted in the unit (City Code §18.03.8.3). Manitou Springs is a pedestrian-oriented historic town with very limited parking; STR guests must comply with posted parking rules.
Key details: Vehicle Rules: Must be posted in unit per §18.03.8.3. Parking Limitation: Very limited — historic canyon-town layout. RV Parking: Hiawatha Gardens Lot, Manitou Ave, Fields Park. No Overnight Camping: Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited. LUDC Reference: §18.03.8.3.
Parking plan non-compliance may affect permit renewal. Street parking violations per city code.
Taxes & Fees
STR stays in Manitou Springs are subject to Colorado state sales tax (2.9%), El Paso County lodging tax, and Manitou Springs city sales/lodging taxes. Marketplace platforms collect and remit automatically.
Key details: State Sales Tax: 2.9% on stays under 30 days. El Paso County Tax: Lodging/accommodations tax applies. City Tax: Manitou Springs city taxes also apply. Platform Remittance: Airbnb/VRBO collect and remit automatically. Permit Fee Info: Planning Dept: 719-685-4398.
Non-remittance: penalty + interest. Colorado DOR audit. Tax evasion: misdemeanor charges.
The Bottom Line
Manitou Springs is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Manitou Springs, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Manitou Springs's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.