Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Manitou Springs, Colorado, but they are tightly regulated and capacity‑constrained. As of 2025, the city limits short‑term rentals to 2% of all residential structures (about 56 units at the 2013 base), requires owner‑occupancy for at least 185 days per year, and enforces a 500‑foot separation rule between STRs. New STRs must secure Planning Commission approval of a Short‑Term Rental Permit before operating and must hold a City business license before listing. Permits are owner‑specific, non‑transferable, expire upon sale or transfer, and must be renewed annually. A city‑hosted STR Web Map is available to check existing STR locations and eligibility.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Manitou Springs

• Confirm eligibility using the Short‑Term Rental Web Map: verify the 500‑foot separation from any existing STR and that you are within the 2% cap.
• Assemble and submit a complete Short‑Term Rental Permit application to the Planning Department. Your application must meet the submittal requirements in the LUDC and Ordinance 1416 and follow the Planning Department’s published checklist and procedures.
• Obtain a City business license before listing or advertising your property as a short‑term rental.
• Secure Planning Commission approval of the STR permit prior to commencement.
• Prepare the unit for compliance (fire and CO safety, occupancy posting, parking, emergency contact).
• List the property with the STR permit number and required compliance statement in each advertisement (listing requirement). Maintain a 24/7 contact person and comply with all posted rules and city regulations.
• Renew the STR permit annually (within the annual term) and maintain continuous compliance to avoid revocation.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Before operation:

• Short‑Term Rental Permit approval from the Planning Commission (per LUDC Section 18.06.4.5).
• City of Manitou Springs business license (must be obtained prior to listing).
• Application submittals typically include:
  • Completed, signed application by the owner.
  • Signed and notarized property checklist acknowledging compliance with all STR regulations.
  • Proof of ownership.
  • Site plan to scale, including: north arrow; existing zone district and surrounding districts; adjoining property owner names; location of all improvements; parking areas/spaces; and proof of distance/density separation (map demonstrating 500‑foot separation).
  • Floor plan of the structure.
  • Parking plan detailing compliance with city parking requirements and oversized vehicle arrangements.
  • Name, address, and 24‑hour contact phone number for the owner or on‑site/local manager who can respond in an emergency.
  • Any additional documents required by the Planning Department’s published checklist.
• Safety and occupancy compliance:
  • Fire extinguisher(s) on each floor level, clearly marked, and CO alarms within 15 feet of bedroom/sleeping room entrances.
  • Occupancy not to exceed building code load; evacuation and emergency information posted; noise and disturbance rules enforced by owner/manager.

Operational requirements:

• Listing disclosure: provide a copy of each listing ad to the City; include the STR permit number and a statement that the unit complies with all Manitou Springs Municipal Code requirements.
• Annual STR permit renewal; failure to renew may result in termination of operating rights.
• Maintain and provide occupancy records upon city request; permit the City to inspect with reasonable notice.

Compliance references:

• LUDC Sections 18.04.5.4 and 18.06.4.5.
• Ordinance 1416 (Chapter 18.89—Vacation Rentals) submittal requirements (Sections 18.89.020–18.89.030).
• All listing, posting, safety, occupancy, and contact requirements per 18.04.5.4 and 18.89.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, state)

City of Manitou Springs (core rules):

• Definition and term: STR/vacation rental is the rental of a dwelling or portion thereof for 1–29 days.
• Cap and density: STRs are limited to 2% of the city’s residential structures (about 56 at 2013 baseline). The city will not accept applications once the cap is reached.
• Separation: New STRs must be at least 500 feet from any other STR, measured from each property’s corners.
• Owner‑occupancy and use: The STR must be the owner’s primary residence and the owner must live there at least 185 days per calendar year. The STR must be occupied by renters for a minimum of 21 days per year.
• Transfer and expiration: The STR permit is issued to the specific owner and does not run with the property; it expires upon sale or transfer of the property and cannot be transferred or assigned (it may be managed by a third party).
• Renewals: Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually to continue operating.
• Room rentals: Individual rooms may be rented only if the owner resides on the property.
• Safety and posting: Post evacuation routes, max occupancy, vehicle/parking rules, trash pickup, owner/manager contact, fire extinguisher and CO alarm locations; must enforce noise and disturbance rules.
• Listing requirements: Provide the City with each listing ad and include the STR permit number and compliance statement in all advertisements.
• Inspection and records: The City may inspect with reasonable notice; owner must maintain occupancy records and make them available.
• Violations and penalties: Non‑compliance may lead to revocation; penalties are enforced per the LUDC.
• Existing permitted STRs: STRs permitted prior to June 7, 2016 may continue under their prior permits (and may be renewed/amended without the 500‑foot rule), but must meet all other applicable standards.

El Paso County:

• No countywide STR permitting or licensing system is in place as of early 2022. STR regulation is primarily municipal. Investors should verify any updates with the county before relying on county‑wide allowances.

State of Colorado (for context):

• Counties may adopt ordinances to license and regulate STRs (HB 20‑1093).
• STRs are generally defined as residential properties rented for fewer than 30 days; local governments may impose occupancy, parking, and listing requirements.
• STR owners and managers must collect and remit applicable sales and lodging taxes; third‑party booking platforms increasingly handle tax collection/remittance under marketplace rules, but owners remain responsible for compliance.

Application and approval process (step‑by‑step)

• Step 1—Eligibility check: Use the Short‑Term Rental Web Map to confirm 500‑foot separation from any existing STR and that the city is below the 2% cap.
• Step 2—Pre‑application preparation: Gather proof of ownership; prepare a scaled site plan and floor plan; design a parking plan; designate a 24/7 local contact; complete the signed checklist; assemble any additional documents required by the Planning Department.
• Step 3—Submit application and fee(s): File the STR permit application following LUDC 18.06.4.5 and the Planning Department checklist procedures. Obtain your City business license prior to listing.
• Step 4—Review and hearing: The Planning Commission reviews for compatibility and neighborhood impacts per LUDC criteria. Be ready to demonstrate compliance with all use standards and submittal requirements.
• Step 5—Decision and activation: Upon approval, your STR permit is issued for one year. You may list the property once you have a City business license and include the permit number and required compliance statements in all advertisements.
• Step 6—Ongoing compliance: Post required notices; maintain occupancy and contact records; enforce noise and disturbance rules; permit inspections; renew annually to avoid cessation of operating rights.

Contact information (Manitou Springs authorities)

• City of Manitou Springs—Main: 606 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829; Phone: (719) 685‑5481.
• Planning Department (STR permits): Phone: (719) 685‑4398.
• Police Department—Noise complaints: (719) 390‑5555.
• Reporting non‑noise STR complaints/concerns: Planning Department at (719) 685‑4398 or via email (as published on the City’s website).
• City website (STR operations and forms): see “Source Links” below.

Note: The City has indicated they no longer use the Host Compliance Complaint Portal for STR complaints; use the phone/email reporting guidance above.

Enforcement, violations, and practical compliance tips

• Enforcement actions include revocation of the STR permit and municipal penalties under the LUDC. Grounds for revocation include failure to meet use standards, non‑compliance with renewal, advertising without permit, and violations of posted rules or safety requirements.
• Be proactive: regularly review your listing ads to ensure the STR permit number and required compliance statements are included; update the City with any contact changes within 24 hours; maintain precise occupancy records.
• Operational controls: enforce quiet hours; manage parking to city standards; respond promptly to complaints; keep fire extinguishers and CO alarms inspected and in place; post all required information inside the unit and in the rental contract.
• Sales and lodging taxes: ensure collection/remittance compliance. Even if a platform collects/remits, owners remain liable for correct remittance and should monitor state and local tax changes.

Links to source pages

• Short‑Term Rental Operations | City of Manitou Springs www.manitouspringsco.gov/450/Short-Term-Rental-Operations
• Ordinance 1416 (Chapter 18.89—Vacation Rentals) | City of Manitou Springs www.manitouspringsco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/580/Ordinance-1416---Vacation-Rentals-PDF
• Short‑Term Rental Web Map | Manitou Springs (ArcGIS) comsgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c942ee72fca8421dbc6f6285296b9b82

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes municipal rules based on published sources as of 2025. Manitou Springs’ STR framework is capacity‑limited and periodically updated. Always verify current requirements, caps, procedures, and fees with the Planning Department before applying or operating.