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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Buena Vista, CO, but under highly regulated conditions with strict caps and limitations. The Town of Buena Vista has implemented a comprehensive licensing system that governs STR operations within town limits, with different rules applying to different ownership categories and property types. While the municipality permits STRs, they have imposed significant restrictions on out-of-county ownership and established various cap categories to balance the needs of the tourism economy with concerns about housing availability for local residents.

The regulations are codified through multiple ordinances (Ordinance No. 15, Series 2021; Ordinance No. 26, Series 2022; Ordinance No. 18, Series 2024; and Ordinance No. 9, Series 2025) and are enforced through a competitive licensing process with annual caps that vary based on ownership status and property location.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Buena Vista

Starting an STR business in Buena Vista requires navigating a structured process with strict eligibility requirements and compliance measures. The following step-by-step approach will help you understand the complete requirements:

Step 1: Verify Property Location and Zoning

Before proceeding, confirm that your property is within Buena Vista town limits using the Official Zoning Map. Properties outside town limits fall under Chaffee County regulations. Additionally, verify your property's zoning district, as certain areas have different rules:

• R-1 and R-1 OT zones: Prohibited for out-of-county owners/entities
• MU-MS zone (East Main Street): Exempt from caps but requires special use permit
• South Main PUD: Exempt from caps
• Other zones: Subject to standard regulations

Step 2: Understand Ownership Requirements and Wait Times

Buena Vista has implemented strict ownership prerequisites and application timelines:

For Out-of-County Owners/Entities:

• Must own the property for at least two (2) years before applying
• Limited to 119 licenses (2025) and 119 licenses (2026 under current policy)
• Zero licenses currently available for 2025
• No applications accepted for out-of-county owners in R-1/R-1 OT zones

For In-County Residents (Non-Primary Residence):

• Limited to 30 units (2026 projected) from the previous 59
• 30 licenses available for 2026
• Must provide residency documentation

For Primary Residence Owners:

• No cap on licenses
• Must reside on the same property as the STR unit
• Must complete Primary Resident Affidavit

Application Timeline:

• 2026 new applications accepted starting November 17, 2025
• In-person submissions begin at 8:00 AM
• Mailed submissions opened at 2:00 PM (random order)
• No new applications accepted in October (renewal period)

Step 3: Complete the Licensing Process

The licensing process requires careful attention to documentation and deadlines:

Pre-Application Requirements:

• Hold property for required ownership period (if applicable)
• Obtain Certificate of Occupancy from Chaffee County
• Ensure property meets all zoning requirements
• Review private covenants (applicants responsible for compliance)

Application Submission:

• Complete application packet (available for 2025 and 2026)
• Submit via mail or drop-off (no email submissions)
• Include all required documentation
• Pay application fee ($250 new, $150 renewal)

Post-Approval Requirements:

• Pass fire inspection within 60 days of conditional approval
• Complete setup as operational STR before inspection
• Include STR number in all online advertisements
• Display license and Good Neighbor Guide in unit

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Documents

The following documents are mandatory for all STR applications:

Core Application Components:

• Completed 2026 NEW Short-term Rental Application Packet
• Mitigation Plan (trash, recycling, parking, snow removal, weed removal)
• Primary Resident Affidavit (if applicable)
• Copy of driver's license (natural person ownership)
• Proof of property ownership (warranty deed, special warranty deed, or quit claim deed only)

Required Plans and Diagrams:

• Site Plan (can be hand-drawn, must be legible):
  • Structure footprint with dimensions
  • Sidewalks, parking, road locations
  • Clear notation of entrances, pathways, and STR access
• Floor Plan (can be hand-drawn, must be legible):
  • Interior layout with windows, doors, emergency exits
  • Square footage of STR area
  • Location of all sleeping rooms and bathrooms

Special Permits and Approvals

For MU-MS Zone Properties (East Main Street):

• Special Use Permit required (contact Town Planning Department at 719-581-1166)
• Submit Special Use Application Form with associated fees

Fire Inspection Requirements:

• Must pass inspection within 60 days of conditional approval
• Contact Chaffee County Fire Protection District
• Complete Fire Inspection Checklist requirements:
  • Visible address numbers (4+ inches tall)
  • Clear exit access and obstruction-free doors
  • Proper electrical installations and safety equipment
  • Smoke detectors in sleeping areas and adjacent spaces
  • Carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of sleeping areas
  • Fire extinguishers (2A ABC type) in required locations

Sales Tax Licensing

Colorado State Sales Tax License Requirements:

• Required if advertising anywhere other than Airbnb, VRBO, or Evolve
• Apply through Colorado Department of Revenue
• Include sales tax number in STR application

Additional Compliance Documents

Local Contact Requirements:

• Two contacts required who are not the owner
• At least one contact must live within 30 minutes of Buena Vista
• Contacts must have access to all property areas including locked spaces
• Must be available for communications regarding snow removal, bear activity, and emergencies

Operational Documentation:

• Good Neighbor Guide (provided with license)
• Emergency contact information for owner/manager and all emergency services
• Fire escape routes (multi-story buildings)
• Smoking policy documentation
• Trash disposal and recycling procedures
• Quiet hours notice (7pm-7am)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Buena Vista Municipal Regulations

License Caps and Categories (2025):

• Out-of-County Residents/Entities: 119 licenses (0 available in 2025)
• In-County Residents (Non-Primary): 59 licenses (30 available for 2026)
• Primary Residence Owners: Unlimited licenses
• MU-MS and South Main PUD Zones: Unlimited licenses (3 per structure)

Property Restrictions:

• One license required per unique address
• Certificate of Occupancy required before application
• No licenses for RVs, RV spaces, camping spots, sheds, garages, or temporary structures
• Homes under construction cannot apply until certificate of occupancy issued

Geographic Restrictions:

• Out-of-county owners/entities prohibited in R-1 and R-1 OT zones
• MU-MS zone properties require special use permit
• Properties must be taxed as residential, not commercial

Ownership Transfer Rules:

• Licenses are non-transferable with property sale
• Existing license voided upon ownership transfer
• New owner must apply for new STR license
• Two-year ownership requirement for out-of-county applicants

Inspection and Compliance:

• Fire inspection mandatory within 60 days of conditional approval
• Re-inspection required if corrections needed
• Applicants responsible for private covenant compliance
• No refunds for covenant violations

Chaffee County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

For properties outside Buena Vista town limits, Chaffee County regulations apply:

Key County Rules:

• Maximum 310 STR licenses available annually
• License does not transfer with property sale
• Chaffee County residents prioritized on waitlists
• Out-of-county residents must rent property long-term to local workforce for 3 years before STR eligibility
• Only one STR permit per property (primary residence OR ADU, not both)
• Septic system properties limited to 2 people per bedroom
• Accessory Dwelling Units eligible for STR permits

County Contact Information:

• Phone: 719-530-5570
• Email: str@chaffeecounty.org

Colorado State-Level Regulations

Sales Tax Requirements:

• State sales tax license required for properties advertising outside Airbnb, VRBO, or Evolve
• Application process through Colorado Department of Revenue
• Collection and remittance requirements for state and local sales taxes

General Property Rights:

• Right to rent property for short terms subject to local zoning
• Compliance with state health and safety codes
• Adherence to Colorado landlord-tenant laws for short-term arrangements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Buena Vista - Primary Contacts

Deputy Town Clerk (Primary STR Contact):

• Email: deputyclerk@buenavistaco.gov
• Phone: 719-581-1026
• Responsibilities: STR licensing questions, application status, general inquiries

Town Hall:

• Email: deputyclerk@buenavistaco.gov
• Phone: 719-395-8643
• Fax: 719-395-8644
• Physical Address: 210 E Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211
• Mailing Address: PO Box 2002, Buena Vista, CO 81211
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Town Planning Department (Special Use Permits):

• Phone: 719-581-1166
• Responsibilities: MU-MS zone special use permits, zoning compliance

Building Permits:

• Phone: 719-581-1028
• Responsibilities: Certificates of occupancy, building compliance

Chaffee County - Unincorporated Area Contact

Chaffee County STR Administration:

• Phone: 719-530-5570
• Email: str@chaffeecounty.org
• Responsibilities: Unincorporated area STR licensing, county regulations

Chaffee County Clerk:

• Phone: 719-530-5602
• Responsibilities: Property deed copies, ownership verification

Fire Protection District

Chaffee County Fire Protection District:

• Address: 499 Antero Circle, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
• Responsibilities: Fire inspections, safety compliance for STR units

Links to Source Pages

Primary Buena Vista STR Information:

• Short-Term Rental Main Page

Legal Documents and Ordinances:

• Ordinance No. 15, Series 2021
• Ordinance No. 26, Series 2022
• Ordinance No. 18, Series 2024
• Ordinance No. 9, Series 2025
• Chapter 6, Section 6 - Municipal Code

Application Forms and Resources:

• 2026 NEW Short-term Rental Application Packet
• 2026 Short-term Rental Renewal Packet
• Special Use Application Form (MU-MS Zone)
• Short-Term Rental Site Plan Example
• Short-Term Rental Floor Plan Example
• Short Term Rental Cap Exemption Zones Map

Zoning and Mapping Tools:

• Town of Buena Vista Official Zoning Map

State Resources:

• Colorado Department of Revenue - Sales Tax License

Chaffee County Resources:

• Chaffee County STR Regulations Information

This comprehensive guide provides all necessary information for investors considering short-term rental investments in Buena Vista, Colorado. The town's regulatory environment is complex but manageable with proper planning and understanding of the requirements. Potential investors should carefully review all regulations, verify property eligibility, and budget appropriately for the licensing process and ongoing compliance requirements.