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Bailey, CO

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STR Regulations for Bailey, Colorado

Allowed Status and Overview

  • Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Bailey, Colorado. Bailey is an unincorporated community in Park County, not an incorporated city or town, so STRs are regulated under Park County’s Short-Term Rental ordinance rather than any municipal code.
  • Park County’s STR program is operational and requires licensing for any STR operation. As of the current program materials, there are no stated caps on the number of STR licenses and no explicit countywide caps on rental nights for properties within unincorporated Park County (including Bailey).
  • Any STR under 30 consecutive days requires licensing under Park County and compliance with state lodging tax rules. See the state section below for the 30-day rule and associated tax implications.
  • Operationally, STRs must follow parking, trash, snow removal, addressing, and safety requirements detailed in county checklists and ordinances.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Bailey?

Bailey hosts earn a median $49,037/year with $279 ADR and 62% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $74,287+ per year.

See the full Bailey market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Bailey (Step-by-Step)

  1. Confirm zoning and property details
  • Verify the property is in unincorporated Park County (Bailey) and identify parcel information, legal description, and the Schedule/Parcel Number using the Park County beacon map.
  • Confirm any deed restrictions or covenants with the title/HOA (if applicable) before proceeding.
  1. Assemble required documents and information
  • Recorded deed (from Park County Clerk/Recorder).
  • Current property tax receipt (zero balance; Park County Treasurer).
  • State sales tax license that lists the STR address (Colorado Department of Revenue).
  • Septic documents and Certificate of Occupancy (CO), including septic design or Transfer of Title (Building Department).
  • STR floor plans with finished/unfinished spaces, room uses, doors, windows, and locations of smoke/CO detectors.
  • Responsible Agent Form (designated contact), completed and signed.
  • STR Affidavit, completed and signed.
  • Statement of Authority (if property is held by an LLC), signed and notarized.
  • Parking plan (site plan showing parking locations—no parking on county roads).
  • Trash removal plan (renters cannot pack garbage out; identify hauler and schedule).
  • Snow removal plan (identify contractor/contact and timing).
  • Photo of the address post (must show the road; green/white reflective sign visible both directions per Park County driveway standards).
  • Advertising plan:
    • New application: proposed ads with maximum occupancy (links submitted after license issuance).
    • Renewal: current ads and hosting-site links (blocked out/disabled after license expires).
  1. Apply for the Park County STR License
  • Submit an online Application for an STR Permit and pay the application fee at the time of application. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected. The non-refundable application fee is $605. If your application is rejected due to incompleteness or if your license is revoked for non-timely renewal, a new full application and $605 fee are required to reactivate.
  • Note: Park County currently prioritizes processing completed applications and will only accept completed submissions.
  1. Prepare for inspections (if triggered)
  • Safety inspections are required if:
    • The CO for the house was issued more than 5 years ago; or
    • A renewal application has 3 or more complaints and/or emergency response calls.
  • Review and prepare using the Fire & Safety Inspection Checklist.
  1. Launch and maintain compliance
  • Begin advertising only after the license is issued.
  • Maintain and update your hosting site listing(s) with maximum occupancy and license details as required.
  • Maintain operational plans (parking, trash, snow removal) and keep contact information current for the Responsible Agent.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines (Park County)

  • Park County STR License (online application; fee $605). Source: Park County STR program page.
  • Recorded deed. Obtain from the Park County Clerk/Recorder (Recorder Document Search).
  • Property tax receipt (zero balance). Obtain from the Park County Treasurer’s Office.
  • State sales tax license listing the STR address. Apply via Colorado Department of Revenue.
  • Septic documents and Certificate of Occupancy. Request from Park County Building via Request for Public Documents form; include septic design information or Transfer of Title details.
  • STR floor plans showing finished/unfinished spaces, room uses, door and window locations, and smoke/CO detector placements.
  • Responsible Agent Form (designated local contact for code/safety issues).
  • STR Affidavit.
  • Statement of Authority (for LLC ownership), signed and notarized.
  • Parking plan (site plan; no parking on county roads).
  • Trash removal plan (renters packing garbage out is not allowed).
  • Snow removal plan (include timing and contact info).
  • Photo of address post showing the road with green/white reflective signage mounted per driveway standards.
  • Advertising plan:
    • New: proposed ads with maximum occupancy (links provided post-issuance).
    • Renewal: all ads/links (disabled/blocked after license expiration).
  • Safety Inspection (if triggered) per Fire & Safety Inspection Checklist. -Ordinances and fee schedule:
    • Ordinance No. 20-03 (Short-Term Rentals)
    • Ordinance 21-01 (Fixing Fees for Short-Term Rental Property Licenses)

Specific Regulations (Park County and Colorado)

Park County regulations (unincorporated Bailey):

  • Licensing required for any STR under 30 consecutive days.
  • No stated limits on the number of STR licenses or rental nights in unincorporated Park County.
  • Operational requirements:
    • No parking on county roads; submit a site plan with parking locations.
    • Renters cannot pack garbage out; trash removal must be arranged by the owner/manager.
    • Snow removal plan required, including contact info for plowing.
    • Address signage must be visible from both directions on the road; follow driveway cut standards.
  • Inspections:
    • Safety inspection required if CO > 5 years old.
    • Safety inspection required for renewals with 3+ complaints/emergency calls.
  • Licensing deadlines:
    • Renewal application and fee must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration. Failure to do so results in license revocation. A revoked license requires a full new application and $605 fee to reactivate.
  • Complaints and enforcement:
    • Public complaint process and GIS map are available; repeated issues can trigger inspections and compliance actions.

State-level (Colorado):

  • 30-day rule for lodging taxes: Rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days are generally taxable lodging; 30+ consecutive day stays may be exempt from lodging tax when properly documented under Colorado’s sales tax guide. Confirm tax obligations and licensing with the Colorado Department of Revenue before listing.

Contact Information (Local Authority)

Park County Short-Term Rental Program

  • Email: str@parkco.us
  • Phone: 719-836-2771
  • Fax: 719-836-3273
  • Address: 856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 1598, Fairplay, CO 80440
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday, Lobby open 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Application portal: CivicGov online STR Application for Park County

Source Links (for verification and downloads)

Notes for investors

  • Park County is actively reviewing STR policy; monitor the STR Ordinance Review page for updates that could affect licensing caps, fees, or operational requirements. If major changes are proposed, consider how they might impact acquisition timing and pro formas.
  • Where the county references future advertising links (post-issuance), plan your listing workflows accordingly to remain compliant with the submission timing requirements.
  • Where this guide references state tax rules, confirm current interpretations with the Colorado Department of Revenue given the nature of multi-month stays, consecutive-day counting, and potential exemptions.

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Bailey

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
5/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Bailey Market Analysis

Photos of Bailey

Overview of Bailey

Bailey is a small unincorporated community in Park County, Colorado, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along U.S. Highway 285 and the South Platte River. With a population of roughly a few hundred residents, it has the feel of a tight-knit mountain hamlet rather than a destination resort town. Bailey is best known as a gateway to the surrounding national forest and wilderness lands, drawing outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, fishing, and scenic drives without the crowds of Colorado's more famous mountain destinations. The nearest major city is Denver, located approximately 35 to 40 miles to the northeast, typically about a 45 to 60 minute drive via Highway 285.

Just west of Bailey lies Staunton State Park, Colorado's newest state park, which opened in 2013. About a 10 to 15 minute drive from town, it spans more than 3,800 acres and offers a network of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing routes, and picnic areas set against dramatic cliff faces. The park is also home to the historic Staunton Ranch House, giving visitors a glimpse into the area's nineteenth century homesteading past. Families and day-trippers from Denver frequently make the short trip here for an accessible mountain experience.

A bit farther south and west, accessible in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, the Lost Creek Wilderness spreads across a striking expanse of granite domes, unusual rock formations, and rare alpine tundra-like meadows found at relatively low elevation. The wilderness, part of the Pike National Forest, earned its name from the creek that vanishes underground and resurfaces miles away. It is a popular destination for backpacking, horseback riding, and solitude seekers looking to explore an uncrowded corner of Colorado's high country.

For travelers willing to venture a bit farther, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs from the Highway 285 corridor toward the summit of one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners, reaching elevations above 14,000 feet. The drive, which begins roughly an hour north of Bailey, is one of the highest paved roads in North America and offers sweeping views, alpine lakes, and frequent wildlife sightings including mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Bailey itself is also a convenient base for activities along the South Platte River, which winds through the community and provides popular spots for fly fishing, kayaking, and tubing in the warmer months. Local landmarks like the long-running Coney Island hot dog stand give the town its small dose of personality.

For short-term rental investors, Bailey offers a compelling combination of small-town character, year-round outdoor recreation, and easy access from the Denver metro area. Guests looking for a quieter, more affordable alternative to the busier mountain towns can enjoy proximity to state parks, wilderness areas, and scenic byways, all while being close enough to the city for a comfortable weekend escape.

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