Overview: STR Legality in Fairplay, CO

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed within the Town of Fairplay, Colorado, but are strictly regulated.

The Town operates under Ordinance No. 4, Series of 2022, which governs the permitting of STR units (e.g., VRBO units). This ordinance establishes a cap on the total number of permits available, limiting it to 6.5% of the Town's available housing units at the time of adoption, which equals 20 total permits. As of June 2025, 10 of these 20 licenses have been issued. New licenses are only granted as others are revoked, surrendered, or not renewed, or if additional housing units are added, increasing the available permits.

Important Jurisdictional Note: Properties serviced by a well and septic tank are not within the Town of Fairplay's STR jurisdiction. These properties fall under Park County regulations instead.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fairplay

1. Verify Town Jurisdiction: Confirm your property is within Fairplay's town limits and not on well/septic (check with Town if unsure).
2. Check Permit Availability: Determine if a permit is available (currently 10 of 20 issued as of June 2025; availability changes).
3. Confirm Ownership: Only the property owner can apply for a permit and must provide proof of ownership.
4. Obtain Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, permits, and licenses outlined below.
5. Submit Application: Submit a complete application to the Town of Fairplay, as detailed below. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Obtain Business License: Once the STR permit is approved, obtain the required Town of Fairplay Business License.
7. Comply with Ongoing Obligations: Fulfill all renewal, tax, and regulatory requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

You must obtain the following:

1. Town of Fairplay Short-Term Rental Permit Application Form (PDF): This is the core application. (Link)
2. Fairplay Application Checklists Including NWFPD List (PDF): This checklist includes required documents and specific local requirements. (Link)
3. Town of Fairplay Business License Application: Obtained after STR permit approval. (Link)
4. Lodging (Short-Term Rental) Tax Return Form (PDF): For reporting lodging taxes. (Link)
5. Lodging Tax Online Form: Online version for filing and payment. (Link)

Key Requirements Highlighted in the Checklist:

• Proof of Ownership: Deed or equivalent.
• Northwest Fire Protection District (NWFPD) Compliance: This is a specific local requirement within the Fairplay checklist.
• Basic Life Safety: Compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide detector regulations.
• Property Standards: Compliance with Fairplay building codes and any specific safety requirements outlined in the checklist or inspection.
• Business License: A valid Town of Fairplay Business License is mandatory.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Fairplay Regulations

• Permit Cap: A strict cap of 20 permits (6.5% of housing units at adoption).
• License Allocation: Licenses issued first-come, first-served until the cap is reached. No waiting list.
• Eligibility: Only the property owner may apply.
• Application Completeness: Only complete applications are accepted.
• Availability: Licenses become available only when an existing one is revoked, surrendered, not renewed, or the total number increases due to new housing units.
• Jurisdiction: Only applies to properties served by municipal utilities (not well/septic).
• Inspection: Safety inspections are part of the NWFPD requirements listed in the checklist.
• Renewal: Separate renewal application required annually, including a "Renewal Affidavit of Prior Year's Rental History". (Link)
• Ordinance: Governed by Ordinance No. 4, Series of 2022. (Link)

Park County Regulations (For Properties with Well/Septic)

• Licensing Requirement: All STRs in unincorporated Park County must be licensed.
• Application Process: Online application via Park County's portal. No paper applications accepted. (Link)
• Application Fee: $605 (non-refundable if rejected or for reactivation after revocation).
• Completeness: Only complete applications are accepted. Incomplete applications are auto-rejected.
• Renewal Deadline: Renewal application and fee must be submitted at least 30 days before the license expires to avoid revocation. If revoked, a full application with the $605 fee is required to reactivate.
• Required Documents (Extensive Checklist):
  • Parcel/Property info.
  • Recorded Deed (from Clerk & Recorder).
  • Current Tax Receipt (zero balance from Treasurer).
  • State Sales Tax License with the STR property address (from CO Dept. of Revenue).
  • Septic documents or Certificate of Occupancy (CO) date.
  • Detailed STR Floor Plans (all floors, room uses, doors, windows, smoke/CO detector locations).
  • Owner/Contact information.
  • Responsible Agent Form (mandatory).
  • STR Affidavit (mandatory).
  • Statement of Authority (if LLC - signed & notarized).
  • Parking Plan (No parking on county roads!).
  • Trash Removal Plan (Renters cannot pack garbage out!).
  • Snow Removal Plan.
  • Photo of Address Post (visible from both directions, meets driveway requirements).
• Safety Inspections:
  • Required if the original CO is older than 5 years.
  • Required for renewals if there are 3+ complaints and/or emergency response calls.
  • Detailed Fire & Safety Inspection Checklist is provided. (Link)
• Ordinances: Governed by Ordinance No. 20-03 and Ordinance 21-01 (setting fees). (Link, Link)

State of Colorado Regulations

• Sales Tax: STR operators must collect and remit applicable state sales taxes. This requires obtaining a Colorado State Sales Tax License with the rental property address listed. (Link)

Contact Information

For Properties WITHIN the Town of Fairplay (Municipal Utilities):

• Town of Fairplay
• Phone: 719-836-2622
• Email: info@fairplayco.us
• Address: 901 Main Street - P.O. Box 267, Fairplay, CO
• Website: Fairplay Short-Term Rentals

For Properties OUTSIDE the Town of Fairplay (Well/Septic - Park County Unincorporated):

• Park County Development Services - Short-Term Rental
• Email: str@parkco.us
• Phone: 719-836-2771
• Fax: 719-836-3273
• Address: 856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 1598, Fairplay, CO 80440
• Hours: Lobby Open Mon-Thu 7am-5pm
• Website: Park County Short-Term Rentals
• Online Application Portal: Park County STR Application

Source Links

• Town of Fairplay: https://www.fairplayco.us/299/Short-Term-Rentals
• Park County STRs: https://www.parkcountyco.gov/858/Short-Term-Rental
• Park County STR Ordinance Review: https://www.parkcountyco.gov/919/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-Review (For future regulation context)
• Colorado Sales Tax License: https://tax.colorado.gov/how-to-apply-for-a-colorado-sales-tax-license