I'll provide you with a comprehensive guide based on Larimer County's regulations, which would be the applicable framework for short-term rentals in and around Bellevue, Colorado:

Short-Term Rental Investor's Guide: Larimer County, Colorado (Including Bellevue Area)

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Larimer County, Colorado, including unincorporated areas such as the Bellevue vicinity. The County Board of County Commissioners adopted comprehensive revised regulations on April 3, 2023, which became effective June 1, 2023. These regulations specifically govern short-term rentals in unincorporated portions of Larimer County, including the Estes Valley area.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Bellvue?

Bellvue hosts earn a median $22,074/year with $149 ADR and 57% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $36,533+ per year.

See the full Bellvue market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Understand Your Property's Classification

Determine if your property is within unincorporated Larimer County
Verify zoning district compatibility with short-term rental operations
Identify if your property falls under standard county regulations or Estes Valley specific provisions

Step 2: Application Process

Submit application through the Community Development Portal
Complete required documentation including site plans and compliance materials
Submit to Administrative Special Review Process as required
Pay applicable fees and submit liability insurance documentation

Step 3: Compliance Verification

Undergo building inspections for safety compliance
Verify parking and access requirements
Ensure adherence to density and use standards
Submit to renewal requirements as specified

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Approvals:

Short-Term Rental Application - Submitted through Larimer County's online portal
Administrative Special Review - Required process under Section 6.4.3 of Land Use Code
Building Safety Inspection - Annual or as required for compliance verification
Liability Insurance Documentation - Minimum coverage requirements as specified
Site Plan and Property Documentation - Including access, parking, and safety features

Zoning and Use Standards:

Compliance with Section 3.3.5.B - Short Term Rental Use Standards
Adherence to district-specific requirements for Rural (Section 3.2.6) and Urban (Section 3.2.7) areas
Estes Valley specific provisions under Section 13.6.1.C for properties within that area

Operational Requirements:

Registration with county systems
Annual renewal processes
Compliance monitoring and reporting
Guest accommodation standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Larimer County):

Applicable to unincorporated areas including Bellevue vicinity:

Use Standards: Governed by Section 3.3.5.B of Larimer County Land Use Code
Density Requirements: As specified in countywide STR regulations and maps
Zoning Compliance: Must comply with district-specific allowances
Operational Limits: As defined in the 2023 adopted ordinance
Inspection Requirements: Regular compliance verification

Estes Valley Specific Provisions:

Properties within the Estes Valley area are subject to additional specific regulations under Section 13.6.1.C, including:

Enhanced protection for residential character
Specific density and concentration limitations
Additional operational restrictions and requirements

State-Level Regulations (Colorado):

While not specifically detailed in the provided content, Colorado state regulations would apply in conjunction with local county rules, including:

State taxation requirements for short-term rentals
Safety and building code compliance at state standards
Consumer protection and business operation regulations

Municipal Integration:

For properties that may be within municipal boundaries rather than unincorporated areas, municipal regulations would supersede county provisions. Properties should verify their exact jurisdiction before proceeding.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Larimer County Community Development Department

Primary Contact:

Phone: (970) 498-7000
Website: www.larimer.gov/planning/short-term-rentals
Email: Contact through county website contact form

Specific STR Information:

STR Regulation Page: www.larimer.gov/short-term-rentals
Application Portal: onlineportal.larimer.org/
Building Permits: onlineportal.larimer.org/

Office Location:

Address: 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (general office hours)
Parking: Available on-site

For Hearing Impaired:

711 (Relay Colorado)

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Information:

Main STR Regulations: www.larimer.gov/planning/short-term-rentals-regulation-updates
Current STR Information Hub: www.larimer.gov/short-term-rentals

Legal and Regulatory Documents:

Zoning and Use Tables:

Additional Resources:

Application and Compliance:

Note: For properties specifically within Bellevue city limits (if incorporated), additional municipal regulations may apply. Properties should verify their exact jurisdiction before proceeding with applications.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Bellvue

Bellvue is a small unincorporated community nestled in the foothills of Larimer County, Colorado, sitting along the Cache la Poudre River just west of Fort Collins. With a population of approximately 1,500 residents, the community has a quiet, rural character that appeals to visitors looking to escape the busier Front Range cities. Bellvue serves as a gateway to the Poudre Canyon, one of Northern Colorado's most beloved outdoor recreation corridors, and lies roughly ten miles northwest of downtown Fort Collins.

The Cache la Poudre River and the canyon that follows it upstream from Bellvue is one of the area's most distinctive natural attractions. Designated as the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, the corridor offers whitewater rafting, fly fishing, hiking, and a scenic byway that climbs into Roosevelt National Forest. The drive into the upper canyon reaches small mountain communities and trailheads within thirty to sixty minutes, depending on how far one travels up the road, and the river itself draws kayakers and anglers from across the region during the warmer months.

Just south of Bellvue, Lory State Park stretches across the ridges and valleys above Horsetooth Reservoir, with miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park is roughly a fifteen-minute drive from the community and offers panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and the reservoir below. It pairs naturally with a visit to Horsetooth Reservoir, a popular spot for boating, swimming, paddleboarding, and rock climbing on the surrounding sandstone cliffs, all within easy reach of Bellvue.

To the east, Fort Collins anchors the region with its lively Old Town district, the campus of Colorado State University, and a thriving craft brewing scene that has earned it national recognition. The drive from Bellvue into downtown Fort Collins typically takes around twenty minutes, giving visitors easy access to restaurants, galleries, and seasonal events while still enjoying the slower pace of the foothills at the end of the day.

For short-term rental owners, Bellvue offers an appealing combination: a genuinely rural, nature-oriented setting that still sits within easy striking distance of Fort Collins and the broader Northern Colorado recreation network. Guests who come for the Poudre River, the state parks, and the canyon scenery often appreciate having a quiet, scenic base rather than a busy urban hotel, making the area well suited to travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility in equal measure.

Bellvue, Colorado

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Bellvue, Colorado