Permit Requirements: Fountain vs Manitou Springs
How do permit requirements rules compare between Fountain, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Fountain has fewer restrictions than Manitou Springs.
Fountain, CO
El Paso County
Fountain has been evaluating short-term rental regulations as of 2021–2023 but had not fully implemented a formal STR permit system at the time of this review. Colorado state sales tax applies. STR operators should contact the Fountain Planning Department for current requirements.
View full Fountain rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
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.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fountain | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Local Permit Status | Confirm current requirements with Planning Dept | - |
| State Sales Tax | 2.9% on stays under 30 days (CO state) | - |
| El Paso County Tax | Applies to STR stays | - |
| State Authority | HB 20-1093 authorizes local STR licensing | - |
| Planning Dept | 719-322-2017 | fountain.colorado.gov/planning-department | planning@manitouspringsco.gov | 719-685-4398 |
| 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 |
| Permit Transfer | - | Non-transferable — expires on property sale |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fountain FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Fountain?
Fountain has been evaluating short-term rental regulations as of 2021–2023 but had not fully implemented a formal STR permit system at the time of this review. Colorado state sales tax applies. STR operators should contact the Fountain Planning Department for current requirements.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Fountain?
Local Permit Status: Confirm current requirements with Planning Dept. State Sales Tax: 2.9% on stays under 30 days (CO state). El Paso County Tax: Applies to STR stays. State Authority: HB 20-1093 authorizes local STR licensing.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Manitou Springs?
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.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Manitou Springs?
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.
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