Saguache County, Colorado
Crestone, CO vacation rental requirements
Inside Crestone’s town limits, each short-term rental needs a $175 yearly business license and a town STR permit, a guest parking plan, a notarized life-safety inspection each year, and a local representative living in the 81131 ZIP code. Up to 3 guests per bedroom and 6 per home.
Checked against official sources November 8, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
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.
Saguache County, Colorado
Then your town or area
Cities and towns make their own rental rules inside their limits; the county’s rules apply only outside them. Pick your area.
Town of Crestone
Prepare the parking plan and inspection
Draw a guest parking plan that meets the residential zone rules, and have the life-safety inspection done on the town’s form and notarized, dated within 60 days before you apply or renew.Source
Apply for the license and STR permit
Send the business license application with proof of property and liability insurance, your Colorado sales tax license number, and your local representative, and pay $175. You also need a current STR permit from the Town Clerk.Source
Renew by June 1
Licenses run July 1 to June 30. Late renewals pay 25% extra for the first 15 days and 50% after. Post your representative’s contact inside and outside the home.Source
Taxes on each stay
Stays under 30 days owe 2.9% state plus Saguache County and town sales and lodging taxes. Airbnb and other platforms collect the state and state-administered taxes on their bookings; for direct bookings, file with the Colorado Department of Revenue. The town requires you to collect and remit lodging and sales tax on all rental income.Source
Fees
$175 a year per rental
| Business license (each STR property, yearly) | $175 |
|---|---|
| Late renewal | 25% of the fee (first 15 days), then 50% |
Inspection checklist
What the inspector looks for, from Town of Crestone’s published checklist.
- Notarized life-safety inspectionOn the town form, within 60 days before renewal.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
- Business License Application 2026-2027 · Town of Crestone
- Colorado Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
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.