Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Berthoud, CO?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Berthoud, Colorado. The Town of Berthoud adopted formal STR regulations in August 2024 that permit short-term rental operations through a licensing process. STRs are defined as "a principal dwelling rented to transient guests who are part of one party for short-term lodging (30 days or less) when not occupied by the owner/operator."

The town has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes:

• A maximum cap of 50 active STR licenses town-wide
• Zoning restrictions allowing STRs in specific residential and commercial districts
• Strict safety and operational standards
• Annual licensing and renewal requirements

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Berthoud

Step 1: Pre-Application Assessment

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility: Confirm your property is located in an allowed zoning district (AG, TN, R1, R2, R3, R4, C1, C2, M1, M2, CD, SR, SC, UR, UC)
2. Check Covenants: Obtain written confirmation from your HOA/Metro District that STRs are permitted per covenants
3. Site Analysis: Ensure your property meets the 200-foot separation requirement from other STRs
4. Capacity Planning: Verify you can accommodate the maximum 10 guests and required parking

Step 2: Application Submission

Submit complete application to STR@berthoud.org including all required documents and fees (check payments only). Applications can be mailed or dropped off to:

Town of Berthoud Planning Division 807 Mountain Avenue P.O. Box 1229 Berthoud, CO 80513

Step 3: Inspection Process

1. Life Safety Inspection: Schedule with Town Building Official
2. Address Modifications: Complete any required building permits for safety improvements
3. Re-inspection: Obtain approval if modifications were required

Step 4: License Issuance

Upon approval, receive:

• STR Business License (valid for one year)
• Lodging Tax License
• Annual renewal requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Town of Berthoud Requirements

Business License Application

• Completed application form
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Proof of Ownership (Ownership & Encumbrance report)
• HOA/Metro District letter (if applicable)
• Operations Manual
• Proof of Liability Insurance
• Neighbor notification letter and mailing list
• Lodging Tax License application
• Application fees and review deposit

Safety and Compliance

• Life Safety Inspection: Required at initial licensing and annually
• Fire Safety: Approved fire extinguishers or automatic sprinkler system
• Detection Systems: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in working order
• Egress: Adequate building egress from sleeping rooms with posted egress maps
• Emergency Information: Posted signs with property address, guest limits, emergency contacts

Operational Requirements

• Property Manager: Local manager within 20-mile radius, available 24/7, respond within one hour
• Insurance: Property liability insurance adequate for STR operation
• Neighbor Notification: Written notice to all property owners within 500 feet within 10 days of approval

State of Colorado Requirements

• State Sales Tax License: Required for collecting and remitting sales and lodging taxes
• Tax Compliance: STR subject to lodging, sales, and other applicable taxes

Specific Regulations

City of Berthoud Regulations

Zoning Compliance

STRs are permitted as principal uses by right in the following districts:

• Agricultural (AG)
• Traditional Neighborhood (TN)
• Residential R1, R2, R3, R4
• Commercial C1, C2
• Industrial M1, M2
• Conservation Development (CD)
• Suburban Residential (SR)
• Suburban Commercial (SC)
• Urban Residential (UR)
• Urban Commercial (UC)

Operational Limits

• Maximum Guests: 10 or fewer guests from one party
• Occupancy Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons per property (max 10)
• Parking Requirements:
  • 1-2 bedrooms: 1 off-street space minimum
  • 3-4 bedrooms: 3 off-street spaces minimum
  • 5 bedrooms: 4 off-street spaces minimum
  • One on-street space within one block may count toward requirement for properties without garage/driveway

Prohibited Activities

• Use as event space (weddings, commercial/corporate events)
• Overnight stays in vehicles, RVs, tents, or outdoor structures
• Changes to exterior appearance that alter neighborhood character
• Operation in multifamily apartment dwellings
• More than one STR per property

License Restrictions

• Maximum 2 STR licenses per property owner
• Licenses non-transferable (person-specific, not property-specific)
• Annual renewal required
• Failure to collect/remit lodging taxes results in 2-year renewal prohibition

Larimer County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

For properties outside Berthoud town limits but within Larimer County:

License Categories

• Unhosted STR: Principal dwelling rented when owner not present (1-10 guests)
• Hosted STR: Owner-resident present during rental (1-10 small, 11-16 large)
• Bed and Breakfast: Up to 20 guests with meal service
• Resort Lodge/Cottage: Destination-focused with on-site management

Application Process

• Pre-application meeting required
• Building permit for conversion to lodging use
• Life safety inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
• Administrative Special Review for most STRs
• Fire suppression sprinklers required for large hosted STRs/B&Bs

Compliance Framework

• Biennial renewal (every two years)
• Property manager contact required
• Neighbor notification within 500 feet
• "Three Strike" complaint system leading to code compliance review

State of Colorado Regulations

Tax Requirements

• Sales tax collection and remittance
• Lodging tax compliance
• State Sales Tax License acquisition required

Contact Information

Town of Berthoud

Short-Term Rental Licensing

• Phone: 970.532.2643
• Fax: 970.532.0640
• Email: STR@berthoud.org
• Address: 807 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 1229, Berthoud, CO 80513
• Website: www.berthoud.org/178/Planning-Department

Larimer County Planning Division

Short-Term Rental Licensing (Unincorporated Areas)

• Phone: 970.498.7679 (Planning Division)
• Phone: 970.498.7683 (License Transfer Inquiries)
• Email: planning@larimer.org
• Email: PlanningCIRT@co.larimer.co.us (License Renewal)
• Address: 200 W. Oak Street, Third Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521
• Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8am-4pm; Wed: 10am-4pm
• Website: www.larimer.gov/short-term-rentals

Code Compliance and Complaints

• Berthoud: Contact Planning Division for STR-specific complaints
• Larimer County:
  • STR Complaints: 970.236.7574
  • Online Complaint Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/larimer-county-co/complaints/type
  • Noise Complaints: Larimer County Sheriff 970.416.1985

Colorado Department of Revenue

State Sales Tax Licensing

• Website: tax.colorado.gov/
• Form DR1917: tax.colorado.gov/sites/tax/files/DR1917_2020.pdf

Source Links

• Town of Berthoud Development Code: www.berthoud.org/DocumentCenter/View/5387
• Berthoud STR Business License FAQ: berthoud.org/DocumentCenter/View/5364/STR-Business-License-FAQ-Document?bidId=-
• Berthoud Planning Department: www.berthoud.org/178/Planning-Department
• Berthoud Weekly Surveyor Analysis: berthoudsurveyor.com/breakdown-of-berthouds-first-draft-for-short-term-rental-policy/
• Larimer County STR Regulation Updates: www.larimer.gov/planning/short-term-rentals-regulation-updates
• Larimer County STR Main Page: www.larimer.gov/short-term-rentals
• Larimer County Land Use Code: www.larimer.gov/planning/land-use-code
• Colorado Sales Tax License Form: tax.colorado.gov/sites/tax/files/DR1917_2020.pdf

Important Note: Regulations may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with STR operations. The town cap of 50 STRs means availability is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.