Chaffee County, Colorado
Unincorporated Chaffee County, CO vacation rental requirements
Outside town limits, Chaffee County requires a short-term rental license through county planning: $650 to apply plus a $350 license fee the first year, and $400 plus $350 to renew. Stays owe 2.9% state and 2.75% county sales tax.
Checked against official sources November 8, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
We read only the county’s fee schedule. Ask county planning for the current license standards (inspections, occupancy, parking) before you apply.
Your licensing checklist
In order: the state, the county, then the town.
State of Colorado
Get a state sales tax license
If you rent rooms or a home for stays under 30 days, Colorado requires a sales tax license from the Department of Revenue. Platforms like Airbnb collect the state and state-administered taxes on their bookings; you file for anything booked directly.Source
Check for home-rule city taxes
Many cities and mountain towns collect their own sales and lodging taxes. Platforms aren’t required by the state to collect these, so you may need a separate city tax license and returns.Source
Get your county or city rental license
Most Colorado mountain counties and towns, and Denver, require a short-term rental license or permit, often with an inspection, an occupancy limit, posted information, and a local responder. Pick your area for the rules.
Chaffee County, Colorado
Get a state sales tax license
Needed for any rental unless a platform covers all your taxes.Source
Then your town or area
Towns set their own rental licenses and collect their own taxes, and the county’s rules cover only areas outside town limits. Pick your area.
Unincorporated Chaffee County
Apply to county planning
Apply to Chaffee County Planning and Zoning for a short-term rental license. Ask what inspection and septic review your home needs; the county may require an escrow deposit if outside agencies review the application.Source
Taxes on each stay
Stays under 30 days owe 2.9% state plus 2.75% Chaffee County sales tax. Airbnb and other platforms collect the state and state-administered taxes on their bookings; for direct bookings, file with the Colorado Department of Revenue. There is no county lodging tax increase: voters rejected one in November 2025.Source
Fees
$1,000 the first year, $750 a year after
| Initial application review | $650 |
|---|---|
| Renewal application review | $400 |
| License fee (each year) | $350 |
In effect since January 1, 2025. Source
Sources
- Sales & Use Tax Topics: Rooms & Accommodations · Colorado Department of Revenue
- Sales Tax Guide and Colorado Sales/Use Tax Rates (DR 1002) · Colorado Department of Revenue
- Planning and Zoning Application Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2025) · Chaffee County Planning and Zoning
- Short Term Rentals · City of Salida
A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.