Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cañon City/Fremont County?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Fremont County, subject to specific zoning regulations and requirements. The Fremont County Zoning Resolution defines short-term rentals as "rental of a dwelling or lodging unit for less than 30 continuous days" (excluding hotel or motel units). However, the permissibility of STRs depends on the specific zoning district in which the property is located, and investors must comply with all applicable county and state regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Property Research and Zoning Verification

• Determine the exact zoning classification of your target property (R1, R2, R3, LDR, HDR, B, etc.)
• Contact the Fremont County Department of Planning & Zoning to confirm STR permissibility in the specific zone
• Verify property compliance with minimum dwelling unit size requirements (Section 5.01)

Step 2: Application and Permitting Process

• Submit appropriate land use applications based on your property's zoning requirements
• Review procedures follow Chapter 6 of the Zoning Resolution, including:
  • Administrative approvals for permitted uses
  • Conditional Use Permits (CUP) or Special Review Use Permits (SRU) for special exceptions
  • Planning Commission and County Commissioner approvals as needed

Step 3: Compliance Verification

• Conduct pre-application meeting with Planning Department staff
• Prepare required documentation including site plans, building compliance, and operational details
• Address parking, screening, and buffering requirements (Section 5.04 and 5.05)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning and Land Use Permits

• Land Use Permit application (if required for your specific zone)
• Site plan requirements per Section 8.04(b), including:
  • Property boundaries and dimensions
  • Building locations and setbacks
  • Parking areas and access points
  • Utility connections and sewage systems
  • Landscaping and screening details

Building and Safety Compliance

• Building permits for any construction or renovation (Section 5.08)
• Certificate of Occupancy if required
• Compliance with minimum dwelling unit standards (Section 5.01)
• International Residential Code compliance

Operational Documentation

• Business registration with appropriate state and local authorities
• Sales tax registration with Colorado Department of Revenue
• Professional review fees (Section 5.06) as applicable

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Fremont County Zoning Districts

The permissibility of STRs varies by zoning district:

Residential Districts (R1, R2, R3, LDR, HDR):

• Short-term rentals may be allowed as principal or accessory uses depending on specific zone requirements
• Bed & Breakfast definition: Single-family dwelling with no more than 5 rooms for short-term lodging, operated by residents (Section 1.05, #33)

Business Districts:

• Commercial STR operations may require Conditional Use Permits
• Hotel/Motel definition: Facility offering guest rooms/suites with lodging compensation, no cooking facilities in individual units (Section 1.05, #103)

Operating Requirements

• 30-day minimum rental period for classification as short-term rental
• Exclusion of hotel/motel units from STR definition
• Compliance with all district-specific requirements including parking, setbacks, and compatibility standards

Non-Conforming Use Provisions

• Properties with existing STR use established before zoning restrictions may qualify for non-conforming use rights (Section 5.06)
• Continuation of use permitted under specific conditions
• Change of ownership provisions for non-conforming STRs

State-Level Regulations (Colorado)

Colorado Short-Term Rental Statutes

While specific state statutes aren't detailed in the provided document, Colorado generally requires:

• State business registration for STR operators
• Sales tax collection and remittance
• Compliance with Colorado Vacation Rental Act requirements
• Local licensing as required by jurisdiction

Contact Information

Fremont County Department of Planning & Zoning

• Address: 615 Macon Avenue, Room #210, Cañon City, CO 81212
• Phone: (719) 276-7360
• Primary Authority: Administering zoning regulations, land use permits, and STR compliance

Additional Contacts

• Fremont County Building Department: For building permits and inspections
• Colorado Department of Revenue: For state business registration and tax requirements
• Local Fire and Safety Departments: For safety compliance requirements

Key Compliance Considerations

Parking and Access

• Off-street parking requirements per Section 5.05
• Minimum parking spaces based on use type and intensity
• Surfacing, lighting, and landscaping standards for parking areas

Screening and Buffering

• Landscaping requirements per Section 5.04
• Screening standards for compatibility with adjacent uses
• Maintenance obligations for approved landscaping

Violations and Enforcement

• Complaint procedures established under Section 1.06(a)
• Notice of Violation process detailed in Section 1.06(c)
• Penalty structure for non-compliance per Section 1.06(b)

Source Documentation

Primary Source: Fremont County Zoning Regulations - Final Regulations

Important Note: This document contains Fremont County-wide regulations. Cañon City may have additional municipal ordinances or specific overlay districts that aren't reflected in this county resolution. Investors should verify with both county and city authorities for complete regulatory compliance.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available documentation from Fremont County Zoning Regulations. Given the complexity of zoning law and frequent regulatory updates, investors should consult directly with the Fremont County Department of Planning & Zoning and legal counsel before making investment decisions or commencing STR operations.