Larimer County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Larimer County operates one of Colorado's most active county-level STR programs because of tourism around Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Larimer County Land Use Code regulates STRs and lodging facilities in residential dwellings, requiring a county license before advertising. Colorado HB23-1287, codified at C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(j.7), authorized counties to license STRs of fewer than 30 consecutive days in unincorporated areas. Larimer County applies a hard cap of 208 active licenses across the Estes Valley residential zone districts (EV-E, EV-E-1, EV-R, EV-RE, EV-RE-1, EV-RM); when the cap is full, applicants go on a waitlist. License application requires proof of ownership, floor plans showing bedroom and sleeping area locations, and payment of development review, transportation capital expansion, inspection, and any required building permit fees. Occupancy is calculated as 2 individuals per bedroom plus 2 individuals per additional sleeping area, with an absolute maximum of 10 individuals per property regardless of size. Each STR must provide at least 2 paved off-street parking spaces (concrete, asphalt, or similar) from the roadway edge to the right-of-way line. Lots of 2 acres or less may park up to 4 vehicles on-site; larger lots may allow more. All advertisements must list the Larimer County license number in the banner heading and the approved maximum occupancy. The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners adopted a $250 mandatory renewal fee effective January 1, 2026, billed every 2 years on the anniversary of the original license. The town of Estes Park has its own separate Vacation Home License program that applies inside town limits.