Last verified: November 3, 2026

Where These Rules Apply

This ordinance covers short-term rentals in unincorporated Park County. Towns can have their own programs. In Fairplay, for example, the Town issues up to 20 permits, while homes served by a well and septic tank are sent to the County program.

Properties That Can't Get a License

• Condominiums, including condominium-platted lots
• Apartments and units with shared walls
• Structures that don't own the ground around the unit
• Properties whose HOA covenants don't allow short-term rentals
• Yurts, tents, RVs and other temporary or camping structures
• A second license on the same property, lot or parcel
• Properties with open or outstanding permits

Septic and Occupancy

Overnight occupancy can't exceed the design capacity of the septic system and its soil treatment area. If the system isn't documented in County records, the County won't issue a license until a permit is issued, approved and closed, with an inspection report from a certified inspector. A system that doesn't work properly or isn't approved for the proposed use will also stop a license.

Safety and Site Requirements

• Certificates of Occupancy: required for dwellings built or structurally modified after 1974.
• Inspections: homes built before 2006 may need a safety inspection. Lots of 0.75 acre or less need a site inspection.
• Life safety: smoke detectors must be interconnected, and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers must be installed and working.
• Wildfire: properties in areas the County designates as Extreme Wildland-Urban Interface must provide defensible space.
• Fire rules: campfires, outdoor charcoal grills, outdoor fireplaces, fire rings and other ember-producing equipment are not allowed.

Running the Rental

• Responsible Agent: someone must be available around the clock and able to reach the property within one hour.
• Trash: the owner or agent handles curbside trash. This can't be assigned to guests, and guests can't be made to haul trash away.
• Parking: vehicles must stay on the approved driveway, not in vegetation or on the road.
• Advertising: listings must show the Park County license number and maximum occupancy. Dates must stay blocked until the license is issued.
• Guest rules: outdoor amplified music and shooting on the property are prohibited, and ATVs and OHVs have restrictions.
• Security cameras: cameras must be disclosed and are banned from private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Fees and Renewals

Item	Fee
New license application	$850 ($550 fee plus $300 document review)
Renewal license	$300 per year
Document review	$300 when required
Safety inspection	$150 per inspection
Safety re-inspection	$75

Licenses last one year and end if ownership changes, so a buyer needs a new application. File renewals 30 to 60 days before expiration. Missing that window ends the license on its expiration date, and you'd pay new license fees. Owners with 24 consecutive months and a clean record can qualify as a Responsible Owner, which reduces renewal paperwork.

Fines can reach $200 per day for first and second offenses, $300 per day for a third and $1,000 per day after that. A revoked license generally can't be replaced for one year.

Official County Resources

• County STR page
• Ordinance 2026-001
• Fee schedule
• Town of Fairplay STR page

Park County Short-Term Rental Department: 719-836-4248 or 719-836-4353

Back to the Short-Term Rental Guide

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Short-term rental rules, caps and fees change, and HOA covenants can be stricter than local law. Confirm the rules for a specific property with the licensing office, and with your attorney or tax advisor, before you buy or book guests.