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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Monument, Colorado. However, the regulatory landscape is relatively light compared to many other jurisdictions. Neither the Town of Monument nor El Paso County (where Monument is located) has enacted comprehensive short-term rental ordinances with strict permitting requirements or occupancy limits.

The town operates under a business-friendly approach where short-term rentals are treated as standard business activities requiring basic business licensing, while El Paso County explicitly states they have no codified short-term rental ordinance and no specific regulations for the principal structure used as a short-term rental.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Monument, CO

Starting a short-term rental business in Monument follows a straightforward process:

Step 1: Business License Registration

• All short-term rental operators must obtain a business license from the Town of Monument
• This requirement applies to all businesses operating within town limits, including contractors and out-of-town operators
• Business licenses are obtained through the Town Clerk
• This must be completed before any permit applications can be submitted

Step 2: Compliance Verification

• Confirm your property zoning allows for short-term rental use
• Review any applicable HOA or condo association restrictions
• Ensure compliance with El Paso County Land Development Code and County Ordinances

Step 3: Registration Process

• Apply through the Town's Community Connect portal
• The review process typically takes 3-5 business days from acceptance
• Incomplete applications will be returned, potentially delaying your start date

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Collect and remit Colorado state sales tax on short-term rental income
• Maintain compliance with Good Neighbor Guidelines
• Monitor any changes in local regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Town of Monument Requirements:

1. Business License - Required for all STR operators

   • Obtained through Town Clerk
   • Must be active before permit applications
   • Applies to businesses, contractors, out-of-town contractors, subcontractors, and mobile vendors

2. Building Permits - If structural modifications are planned

   • Commercial and Residential Alteration permits
   • Commercial & Residential New Build permits
   • Demolition permits if applicable

El Paso County Requirements:

1. No STR-specific permits required for principal structures
2. Zoning approval needed if using accessory structures as STRs
3. Compliance with Land Development Code and County Ordinances

State of Colorado Requirements:

1. Sales Tax Registration and Remittance
   • Short-term rentals are subject to Colorado state sales tax
   • Must be collected and remitted by the host

Recommended Guidelines:

1. El Paso County Good Neighbor Guidelines (non-enforceable but recommended)
   • Be respectful to neighbors and their property
   • Minimize music and noise
   • Drive slowly through neighborhoods
   • Keep property clean and free of trash
   • Wildlife safety precautions
   • Limit parking to driveway
   • No disruptive gatherings
   • Provide neighbors with local contact
   • Check for fire restrictions

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Monument:

• Business License Requirement: All STR operators must obtain and maintain an active business license
• General Business Compliance: Must comply with all applicable town business regulations
• Construction Hours: If making improvements, construction must adhere to specified hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • No work permitted on Sundays and National Holidays
• Use Tax: Construction materials are subject to use tax for permitted work

El Paso County:

• No Codified STR Ordinance: County has no specific short-term rental regulations for principal structures
• Accessory Structure Rules: Zoning approval required if using accessory structures as STRs
• Land Development Code Compliance: Must comply with general zoning and development requirements
• Event Restrictions: Cannot advertise property for events like weddings or business retreats (violates Business Event Center definition)
• Noise and Parking Enforcement: Contact El Paso County Sheriff's Office (719-390-5555) for noise or parking concerns

State of Colorado:

• Sales Tax Collection: Required on all short-term rental income
• Business Registration: May need state-level business registration depending on entity structure

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Town of Monument - Primary Contact:

Address: 645 Beacon Lite Road, Monument, CO 80132
Phone: 719-481-2954
Fax: 719-884-8046
Police Phone: 719-481-3253
Email: planning@tomgov.org
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Website: www.townofmonument.org/433/Permits

Business License Contact: Town Clerk through main phone number

El Paso County - Planning and Development:

Planner of the Day: dsd-pod@elpasoco.com
Phone: 719-520-6944
Website: planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/short-term-rentals/

Code Enforcement: For reporting violations
Website: epcdevplanreview.com/Applications/Create_Complaint/

Sheriff's Office (Noise/Parking Concerns):
Phone: 719-390-5555

Platform Reporting:

Airbnb:

• Online reporting: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3290
• Phone: (855)-635-7754

VRBO:

• Online reporting: www.stayneighborly.com/formpage

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources:

1. El Paso County Short-Term Rentals: planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/short-term-rentals/
2. Town of Monument Permits: www.townofmonument.org/433/Permits
3. Town of Monument Business Licenses: www.townofmonument.org/162/Business-Licenses
4. Good Neighbor Guidelines (PDF): epc-assets.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/Misc/Good-Neighbor-Guidelines-updated.pdf

Supporting Resources:

5. El Paso County Code Enforcement: planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-code-enforcement/
6. Community Connect (Permit Portal): app.communitycore.com/app/account/register/87905ecc-4021-4bb3-bc07-ce44a15878b0/select-user-type?name=Monument
7. Town of Monument Land Development Code: www.townofmonument.org/460/Land-Development-Code
8. Pikes Peak Regional Building Department: www.pprbd.org/

Platform Policies:

9. Airbnb Community Guidelines: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3051
10. VRBO Stay Neighborly Program: help.vrbo.com/articles/prevent-house-parties

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of short-term rental regulations in Monument, Colorado. The regulatory environment is relatively permissive, with the primary requirements being business licensing at the town level and compliance with basic good neighbor standards. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before commencing operations.