Overview: Are short-term rentals (STRs) allowed in Cripple Creek?

Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Cripple Creek, but only with a valid City of Cripple Creek business license and in full compliance with local ordinance and zoning. The City requires licensing for all STRs operating inside city limits and enforces strict proximity rules between STR properties. A prior moratorium on new STR openings was adopted and extended in 2022 (Ordinance 2022-09), and the City has since adopted a comprehensive STR licensing framework (Ordinance 2022-10). The City’s business licensing program remains active for 2025–2026 with STR-specific requirements and proximity enforcement.

Key points for investors:

• Licensing: Required for all STRs operating within city limits.
• Fees: Annual business license fees apply; several fee tiers are referenced in City materials.
• Zoning: STRs must be located in zones where lodging uses are permitted; verify zoning before acquiring a property.
• Proximity: The City enforces a strict proximity policy to limit clustering of STRs (referenced in Ordinance 2022-10; confirm exact distance in the ordinance text).
• Taxes: A Lodging Tax Packet is provided; detailed rate and filing cadence should be verified directly with the City.

How to start an STR business in Cripple Creek

• Step 1: Verify zoning and parcel eligibility with the City (Planning & Community Development) to confirm STRs are permitted at your target address.
• Step 2: Prepare your property to meet adopted building and fire codes (including safety equipment standards). The Fire Department page provides compliance information for the adopted fire code.
• Step 3: Complete and submit the City’s Business License Application:
  • 2026 Business License Application (PDF).
  • 2025 Business License Application (PDF).
• Step 4: Include STR-specific information and required supporting documents per the City’s STR licensing materials. The City enforces a strict proximity policy—confirm spacing rules for your proposed location prior to licensing.
• Step 5: Remit applicable licensing fees and complete any required inspections.
• Step 6: Collect and remit lodging taxes in accordance with the City’s Lodging Tax Packet; the City provides a packet for new businesses (verify current rate and filing cadence with the City).
• Step 7: Keep your license current and renew annually. The license covers a one-year period ending December 31; late renewals incur fees per City code.
• Step 8: Maintain ongoing compliance (proximity rules, tax remittances, inspections, and code updates).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Licensing and Permits:

• Business License Application (annual). Submit either the 2025 or 2026 PDF depending on timing.
• Business License: Required for all businesses operating inside city limits, including STRs. Licenses are nontransferable from person to person.
• License Fees: Annual license fees are referenced by the City; fee tiers include an initial fee, a reduced fee in the second year, and a lower fee thereafter. Confirm the exact amounts and fee schedule with the City Clerk.
• STR Ordinance: Ordinance 2022-10 governs STR licensing and operations (proximity enforcement policy included).
• Lodging Tax Packet: Provided by the City; contains tax collection/remittance requirements for lodging providers.

Compliance and Inspections:

• Building and Fire Codes: Properties must comply with adopted building codes and the City’s adopted fire code. Inspections may be required prior to licensing or upon renewal.
• Historic Preservation: The City’s Historic Preservation page provides applications and guidelines; additional approvals may apply for properties in historic districts or landmarked structures.

Zoning and Land Use:

• Development Code (PDF): Primary reference for land uses, zones, and permitted lodging activities.
• Zoning Map: Helps determine whether STRs are permitted at a specific address.
• Development & Special Use Permitting: Page detailing permitting workflows for development and special uses.

Operational Requirements:

• License Renewal: Annual renewal ending December 31; late fees apply for delinquent renewals.
• Proximity Enforcement: Strict limits on spacing between STRs are enforced; confirm the exact proximity threshold in Ordinance 2022-10.

Specific STR regulations: City, County, and State

City of Cripple Creek:

• Licensing is mandatory for all STRs operating inside city limits.
• Ordinance 2022-10 sets out the current STR regulatory framework, including proximity enforcement, application requirements, and compliance standards.
• Zoning restrictions apply; STRs must be located where lodging uses are permitted. Use the Development Code and Zoning Map to verify eligibility before purchase or conversion.
• The City provides a Lodging Tax Packet for new lodging businesses. Confirm the current lodging tax rate and filing cadence directly with the City Clerk’s Office.

Teller County (unincorporated areas):

• The provided sources focus on City of Cripple Creek regulations. Unincorporated county STR rules may differ and are not detailed in the provided materials. Investors operating outside city limits should consult Teller County directly.

State of Colorado:

• The provided City sources do not include Colorado statewide STR regulations. At a high level, Colorado municipalities generally rely on local licensing and zoning for STR oversight. Investors should consult the Colorado State Legislature and the Division of Local Affairs for any statewide statutes, safety requirements, or tax obligations that may apply in addition to local rules.

Contact information for local authority (City of Cripple Creek)

City Clerk’s Office (Business Licensing and STRs)

• Address: 337 East Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813
• Phone: (719) 689-2502
• Email: Clerk’s Office – [at] cripple-creek.co.us
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Municipal Court (associated with Clerk’s Office): 337 E Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO; (719) 689-2502
• Main City Website: see References below

Departments (for zoning, building, fire, and compliance):

• Planning & Community Development: Development Code, Zoning Map, and permitting guidance
• Building Department: Forms, requirements, codes, and housing study
• Fire & Emergency Services: Adopted fire code compliance and safety resources

Source pages and key documents

Use the following authoritative City links and PDFs to obtain current application forms, ordinances, and compliance materials. Where exact proximity thresholds or lodging tax rates are required, consult the referenced ordinance and the Lodging Tax Packet directly.

• Business Licensing and Short-Term Rentals (City Clerk)
• STR Ordinance 2022-10 (PDF)
• Lodging Tax Packet for New Businesses (PDF)
• 2025 Business License Application (PDF)
• 2026 Business License Application (PDF)
• City Municipal Code (Municode)
• Development Code (PDF)
• Zoning Map (image file)
• Development & Special Use Permitting (site page)
• Fire & Emergency Services – Adopted Fire Code Compliance (page)
• City Website (Homepage)

Investor checklist:

• Confirm your property’s zoning allows STRs.
• Review Ordinance 2022-10 and understand the proximity enforcement policy.
• Complete the Business License Application and pay the required fee.
• Ensure building and fire code compliance; schedule any required inspections.
• Set up lodging tax collection and monthly remittance procedures.
• Track license renewal deadlines and maintain ongoing compliance records.