Overview: STR Status in Woodland Park

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Woodland Park, Colorado, but with significant restrictions and requirements. The city operates under a voter-approved ordinance that permits STRs primarily as owner-occupied primary residences or in commercially zoned areas. A landmark legal battle concluded in 2025 with the court upholding the city's STR regulations, meaning the current restrictions are fully enforceable.

Key Points:

• STRs must comply with both zoning regulations and business licensing requirements
• Owner-occupied STRs in residential zones are permitted
• Non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones are prohibited under the 2023 voter-approved ordinance
• Commercial zoning areas may allow non-owner-occupied STRs
• A moratorium on new business licenses existed through April 2024 but has since been resolved

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Woodland Park

Starting an STR in Woodland Park requires a two-step process:

Step 1: Zoning Approval (Planning Department)

• Verify your property can legally host an STR based on its zoning classification
• Confirm whether your property qualifies as a Primary Residence STR or Non-primary Residence STR
• Establish guest occupancy limits based on property size and zoning requirements
• Verify parking space requirements (number and placement)
• Submit zoning approval documentation

Step 2: Business License (Finance Department)

• Apply for an annual Business License ($35.00)
• Provide proof of zoning approval from Step 1
• Set up tax remittance accounts for monthly filing
• Complete registration in the city's online tax filing system (MuniRevs)

Critical Timeline Considerations:

• The licensing process must be completed annually
• Business license renewals are due December 31st each year
• Monthly tax filings are due on the 20th of each month
• Late filings incur a 10% penalty plus 0.75% interest

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

1. 2025 Short-Term Rental Application - Available through the city's Planning Department
2. Business License Application - Required annually
3. Zoning Approval Documentation - Must be provided to Finance Department
4. MuniRevs Account Registration - For online tax filing and license management

Good Neighbor Guidelines

• Must be posted in an easily accessible location at each STR property
• Should be provided to guests during check-in or booking
• Guidelines cover noise, parking, trash, occupancy limits, and community behavior expectations
• Owners are responsible for ensuring guests comply with these standards

Tax Registration Requirements

• Sales Tax Account (3.00%)
• Lodging Tax Account (5.70%)
• Online filing through MuniRevs platform
• Monthly remittance by 20th of following month

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Restrictions

• Primary Residence STRs: Allowed in residential zones if owner occupies the property
• Non-primary Residence STRs: Prohibited in residential zones under current ordinance
• Commercial Zoned Properties: May allow non-owner-occupied STRs (contact Planning Department for specific requirements)

Occupancy and Parking Limits

• Guest limits established through zoning approval process
• Parking requirements vary by property size and neighborhood characteristics
• Compliance with residential parking standards mandatory

Tax Obligations

City Tax Rate: 8.70% total

• Sales Tax: 3.00%
• Lodging Tax: 5.70%
• Important: Platform providers (Airbnb, VRBO) do NOT pay city taxes - property owners are directly responsible

Operating Standards

• Must comply with all city codes and ordinances
• Adherence to Good Neighbor Guidelines required
• Proper waste management and noise control
• Compliance with fire safety and building codes

Enforcement and Penalties

• Code enforcement actively monitors STR compliance
• Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation
• Late tax filings incur 10% penalty plus interest
• Zoning violations may result in cease and desist orders

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

Grant Ahtye - Permit Technician

• Email: gahtye@woodlandpark.gov
• Phone: 719-687-5282

Richard Dieter - Code Compliance Specialist

• Email: rdieter@woodlandpark.gov

Anita Riggle - Economic Development and Budget Analyst

• Email: ariggle@woodlandpark.gov (Note: Email appears to have typo - should be ariggle@woodlandpark.gov)
• Phone: 719-687-9246

Elly Enamorado - Tax Questions

• Email: eenamorado@city-woodlandpark.org
• Phone: 719-687-5214

Megan Anthony - MuniRevs/Online Account Setup

• Email: manthony@city-woodlandpark.org
• Phone: 719-687-5214

City Hall Information

• Address: 220 W South Avenue, P.O. Box 9007, Woodland Park, CO 80866
• Phone: 719-687-9246
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

MuniRevs Support

• Phone: 1-888-751-1911
• Email: support@lodgingrevs.com
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Source Links

Official City Resources

• Short-Term Rental Resource Center
• 2025 Short-Term Rental Application
• Business License Application
• Good Neighbor Guidelines
• MuniRevs Online Portal

Legal and Regulatory Documents

• Ordinance 1469, Series 2023 - STR Citizen Election
• STR Ordinances & Legislation
• Court Order on Preliminary Injunction

Planning and Zoning Resources

• Current STR License List
• STR Property Map

Community Engagement and Updates

• What's Up Woodland Park - STR Project Page
• STR Community Engagement Report

Important Investment Considerations: Given the complex regulatory environment and ongoing legal challenges, prospective STR investors should carefully evaluate property zoning compliance before acquisition. The city's enforcement of the 2023 voter-approved ordinance means that properties previously operating as non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones may no longer be viable for that purpose. Due diligence should include verification of current licensing status, zoning compliance, and adherence to all city requirements.