Ault, Colorado Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals are not explicitly addressed in the Ault Municipal Code as of the most recent revisions shown in the provided content. The town of Ault, Colorado (population ~1,800, located in Weld County) does not appear to have specific ordinances governing short-term rental operations. This means that while STRs are not explicitly prohibited, they also are not specifically permitted under clear regulatory frameworks.

Bottom Line for Investors: STR operations in Ault exist in a regulatory gray area. Investors should proceed with caution and consult with local authorities before establishing operations, as general business licensing, zoning, and building code requirements may still apply.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Ault?

Ault hosts earn a median $25,394/year with $198 ADR and 60% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $44,392+ per year.

See the full Ault market breakdown

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

Given the absence of specific STR regulations, the process follows general business establishment procedures:

Phase 1: Due Diligence

Property Zoning Verification: Confirm that short-term rental use is permitted in your property's zoning district
HOA/Property Restrictions: Review any homeowners association covenants or property deed restrictions
Building Code Compliance: Ensure the property meets all applicable building and safety codes
Insurance Assessment: Verify coverage for rental operations with your insurance provider

Phase 2: Local Authority Consultation

Zoning Compliance Review: Submit property details to the Town Administrator for zoning use determination
Business License Inquiry: Contact the Town Clerk regarding any required business licensing
Safety Requirements: Coordinate with the Building Department for any required inspections

Phase 3: Operational Setup

Guest Management Systems: Establish reservation and check-in procedures
Tax Registration: Register for applicable sales and use taxes
Emergency Contacts: Develop relationships with local service providers
Legal Documentation: Prepare rental agreements and house rules

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on available information, the following may be required:

Business Licensing

Potential Requirements (to be confirmed with local authorities):

General Business License: If required by the town
Sales Tax License: For collecting/remitting Colorado sales tax
State Sales Tax Registration: Through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Building and Safety Compliance

Potential Requirements:

Building Occupancy Inspection: To verify appropriate residential use
Fire Safety Compliance: Meeting fire code requirements for rental properties
Health Department Approval: If applicable to your property type
Parking/Parking Permit: If on-street parking regulations apply

Documentation Standards

Recommended Documentation:

Property Insurance: Enhanced coverage for rental operations
Emergency Response Plan: Contact information and evacuation procedures
Guest Information Packet: Local ordinances, utility information, emergency contacts
Property Condition Documentation: Pre/post rental inspection records

Tax Requirements

Potential Tax Obligations:

Colorado State Sales Tax: Currently 2.9% on accommodations
Weld County Sales Tax: May apply at county level
Town Sales Tax: Currently 3% according to the municipal code
Lodging Tax: State-level lodging tax may apply

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Level (Ault, CO)

No specific STR regulations found in the provided municipal code. The following general provisions may apply:

Business Operations

General Business License: The town operates a business licensing system for various establishments
Zoning Compliance: Property must conform to zoning district permitted uses
Nuisance Abatement: Properties must not create public nuisances

Building and Safety

Building Code Compliance: Properties must meet adopted building codes (NEC, Fuel Gas Code referenced)
Fire Prevention: Fire code requirements apply to all buildings
Health and Safety: General health and safety ordinances apply

County Level (Weld County)

No specific Weld County STR regulations are detailed in the provided content. County zoning and health department regulations may apply.

State Level (Colorado)

Colorado has several state-level regulations that may apply:

Accommodation Regulations

Colorado Vacation Rental Act: Governs short-term rental operations statewide
Sales Tax Collection: State sales tax on accommodations
Lodging Tax: State lodging tax requirements
Consumer Protection: Requirements for guest information and emergency procedures

Insurance and Liability

Property Insurance: Enhanced coverage recommendations for rental operations
Liability Protection: Property management and guest injury protocols

Contact Information

Ault Town Hall

Primary Contact for STR Inquiries:

Physical Address: Town Hall, Ault, CO (specific address not provided in content)
Regular Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at town hall

Key Administrative Contacts

Town Administrator

Role: Primary administrative official for business inquiries
Responsibilities: Overseeing non-appointed town employees and business operations
Contact: Through Town Hall for current contact information

Town Clerk

Role: Administrative and clerical duties, licensing administration
Key Functions:
- Custody of ordinances and municipal records
- Meeting minutes and public record management
- Business license processing

Planning Commission/Zoning

Role: Zoning interpretation and master planning
Composition: 5 members (Mayor + Board member + 3 appointed members)
Responsibility: Zoning compliance determination and land use planning

Municipal Court

Sessions: Second Tuesday of each month at 3:00 PM
Jurisdiction: Code violations and municipal ordinance enforcement
Bond Requirements: $200 bond for appearance

Emergency Contacts

Police Department: Chief of Police oversees law enforcement
Fire/Medical: Contact through emergency services (911)
Building Inspections: Through Public Works Supervisor

Links to Source Pages

Municipal Code Documentation

Primary Source: Ault Municipal Code

Key Sections Reviewed:

Title 1: General Provisions
Title 2: Administration and Personnel
Title 3: Revenue and Finance
Title 5: Business Licenses and Regulations
Title 15: Buildings and Construction
Title 16: Land Use
Title 20: Fee Schedule

Specific Code Sections of Interest

Business Licensing Framework: Title 5, Chapter 5.04
Zoning Regulations: Title 16, Chapter 16.03
Building Codes: Title 15, Chapter 15.04
General Penalties: Title 1, Chapter 1.12
Municipal Court: Title 2, Chapter 2.36

Official Town Resources

Town Website: aultcolorado.gov
Municipal Code Access: Through town website or clerk's office
Meeting Records: Available through Town Clerk
Public Records: Available upon request through administrative offices

Important Notes for STR Investors

Regulatory Uncertainty

No Explicit STR Laws: The absence of specific regulations creates uncertainty
Zoning Interpretation Critical: Property use compliance is essential
Future Regulation Risk: Municipal authorities may adopt STR-specific ordinances

Compliance Recommendations

Proactive Communication: Work with town administrators before operation
Insurance Consultation: Ensure comprehensive coverage
Legal Review: Consider attorney consultation for complex operations
Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all compliance efforts

Market Considerations

Rural Location: Limited commercial infrastructure and services
Tourism Demand: Limited tourism infrastructure may affect booking potential
Competition: Currently limited STR market presence

This analysis is based solely on the provided municipal code content. STR investors should verify all information with current local authorities and consider the evolving nature of short-term rental regulation in Colorado.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Ault

Ault is a small town in Weld County, in the agricultural plains of northern Colorado, with a population of approximately 1,800 residents. It sits along U.S. Highway 85 and has the unhurried character of a farming community rooted in the South Platte River valley. The town is best known as a quiet stopover between larger regional centers, and it serves as a convenient base for travelers exploring northern Colorado's open spaces, university towns, and the High Plains. It lies about fifteen minutes north of Greeley and roughly twenty-five minutes east of Fort Collins, with Denver approximately eighty miles to the south.

East of Ault, the Pawnee National Grassland spreads across roughly 190,000 acres of short-grass prairie managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors come for birding, stargazing under famously dark skies, and drives along quiet roads that reveal sweeping views of the Rockies to the west. The grassland is one of the most accessible slices of the western plains in Colorado and a popular destination for those hiking toward the Pawnee Buttes, a pair of sandstone formations rising above the otherwise level terrain.

West of Ault, about a half-hour drive, Fort Collins offers a college-town mix of craft breweries, the historic Old Town district, and the campus of Colorado State University. Visitors can walk the Old Town streets, take in a show at the Lincoln Center, or tour the original home of New Belgium Brewing. The Poudre River Trail, which traces the Cache la Poudre River corridor, also begins in the Fort Collins area and follows one of Colorado's few designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, with walking and biking paths winding through cottonwood groves and riverside parks.

To the south, about fifteen minutes from Ault, Greeley serves as the Weld County seat and anchors the regional dining and shopping scene. The town hosts the Greeley Stampede, one of the country's older professional rodeos, every summer, and the downtown area features attractions like the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. From Greeley, it is also a short drive to the Windsor area, where Windsor Lake provides easy outdoor recreation for families looking to swim, fish, or picnic.

Together, these offerings make Ault a practical base for travelers who want small-town quiet without sacrificing access to the northern Colorado Front Range. The town's central position between Fort Collins and Greeley, paired with its proximity to public lands like the Pawnee National Grassland, gives short-term rental owners a steady audience of road-trippers, university visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and rodeo travelers looking for an affordable, well-located place to stay.

Ault, Colorado

Challenging To Investors

STR Regulations for Ault, Colorado