Fountain, Colorado Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Fountain, Colorado. The city has established a comprehensive permitting and regulatory framework for short-term rentals, with rentals defined as accommodations for 30 days or less. Fountain's regulations provide a clear pathway for investors and property owners to legally operate short-term rental businesses within city limits, subject to specific requirements, inspections, and ongoing compliance obligations.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Fountain?

Fountain hosts earn a median $37,366/year with $183 ADR and 73% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $53,169+ per year.

See the full Fountain market breakdown

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Fountain, CO

To initiate a short-term rental operation in Fountain, follow this structured approach:

1. Property Assessment and Compliance Verification

Ensure your property is located within Fountain city limits
Verify the property is in an area zoned for residential occupancy
Confirm sleeping quarters meet building code requirements for such use
Assess maximum occupancy potential (Code permits two people per bedroom plus two, maximum 15)

2. Business Structure Planning

Determine if you will operate as primary residence or investment property
Decide whether renting entire unit or individual rooms
Consider liability insurance needs ($500,000 minimum coverage required)
Evaluate hosting platform partnerships (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)

3. Permit Application Submission

Complete the four-page Short Term Rental Application
Submit to City of Fountain Planning Department at 116 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817
Include all required documentation (detailed below)
Pay $100 permit fee (check, cash, card, or phone payment at 719-322-2031)

4. Inspection and Approval Process

Schedule required inspection with city building inspector
Complete inspection prior to permit issuance
Address any compliance issues identified
Receive annual permit upon successful inspection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses

City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Permit

Cost: $100 (renewable annually)
Validity: One year from issuance
Transferability: Non-transferable (issued to specific owner)
Application Location: City of Fountain Planning Department, 116 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817

Short Term Rental Affidavit

Must be signed and notarized
Acknowledges understanding of city ordinances and compliance requirements
Designates 24/7 emergency contact person
Public record with penalty of perjury clause

Required Documentation

Primary Residence Verification (two of the following):

Valid driver's license or State ID Card
Valid vehicle registration
Military ID
Conceal carry permit
Dependent's school registration
Note: Mail does not count as proof of residency

Insurance Requirements:

Minimum $500,000 liability insurance coverage
Proof can be provided through:
- Hosting platform contract (Airbnb/VRBO)
- Individual insurance policy
- Other acceptable documentation
Homeowner insurance endorsement/rider for short-term rental

Business Licensing:

City of Fountain Business License required
Note: Some documents reference sales tax license requirement, but note states it's not required if only posting on Airbnb

Property and Operational Documents:

Proof of listing on hosting platform (email link or screenshot)
Weekly residential trash collection service confirmation
Property tax schedule number
Zoning verification

Emergency Contact Requirements

Primary Local Emergency Contact:

Must be available 24/7
Must respond to emergencies within one hour
Contact information becomes public record
Can be property owner

Secondary Emergency Contact:

Recommended but not required
Different phone number from primary contact
Same response time requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Fountain, CO

Operational Standards

Property Limits:

Maximum one short-term rental unit per lawful dwelling unit
Maximum four short-term rental units per property
Condominiums/common ownership: maximum two units per property
Entities under common control considered single owner

Occupancy and Use Restrictions:

Maximum occupancy determined by building/fire/health codes
Two people per bedroom plus two maximum (cap at 15 total)
No meals prepared or served to tenants by owner or agents
Sleeping quarters must be building inspector-approved

Property Maintenance Requirements:

Weekly residential trash collection service mandatory
Garbage containers cannot remain at collection point more than 24 hours post-collection
Property must remain free of trash and debris
Compliance with all city planning, zoning, building, fire, health, and life-safety regulations

Parking Regulations:

Off-street parking in private driveways or authorized areas required
No parking in prohibited areas including:
- Front yard areas
- Parkways
- Rear yards
- Non-driveway areas

Marketing and Display Requirements

City-issued permit number must be used in all rental marketing materials
Permit must be prominently displayed within rental unit
Include local police, fire, and emergency contact information with permit display

Compliance and Enforcement

Permit renewal requires updated application, affidavit, and fee
Annual inspection required before renewal
No permit suspensions or revocations in preceding 24 months
Permit non-transferable to different individuals, entities, or addresses
Contact information changes must be updated within 3 days

Processing Times and Renewals

Initial Application Processing:

Owner-occupied applications submitted in-person (8 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday): Over-counter processing
Non-owner occupied or applications submitted outside business hours: 3 business day processing

Annual Renewal Process:

Submit updated application and affidavit
Pay $100 renewal fee
Complete annual inspection prior to renewal
Maintain continuous compliance with all regulations

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

City of Fountain Planning Department

Physical Address: 116 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817
Phone: 719-322-2031 (also accepts permit fee payments)
Email: Information not provided in source documents
Website: fountain.colorado.gov
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM

Application Submission:

Location: City of Fountain Planning Department
Address: 116 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817
Processing: Planning Department handles all short-term rental permits and inspections

Source Links

City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Permit Application
cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6004363/File/Planning%20&%20Zoning/Short%20term%20rental.pdf
City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Permit Application (Alternate Version)
fountain.colorado.gov/sites/fountain/files/documents/Short%20Term%20Rental.pdf
City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Affidavit
fountain.colorado.gov/sites/fountain/files/documents/Short%20Term%20Rental%20Affidavit.pdf
Fountain City Council Meeting Discussion on STR Regulations
citizenportal.ai/articles/3097771/Fountain-City/El-Paso-County/Colorado/City-Council-discusses-short-term-rental-regulations-amid-community-frustration

Important Notes for Investors:

Fountain is actively reviewing and potentially strengthening STR regulations as evidenced by recent City Council discussions
The regulatory environment is evolving, with consideration of additional measures such as lodgers taxes
Compliance with all current requirements is essential, as permits can be revoked for violations
Contact the Planning Department directly for the most current requirements and any pending regulatory changes

Next step

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Ask the AI Advisor about Fountain

Fountain is a small but growing city in El Paso County, Colorado, situated along Fountain Creek just south of Colorado Springs. With a population of approximately 30,000, Fountain offers a quieter, small-town atmosphere while remaining within easy reach of the larger Colorado Springs metropolitan area, which lies about ten miles to the north. Originally established in the 1850s as a trading post and later developed as a coal mining hub, Fountain retains a connection to its pioneer-era past, particularly in its compact historic downtown. Its proximity to Fort Carson, one of the U.S. Army's largest installations, gives the city a steady community rhythm, while its location along the Front Range makes it a practical base for travelers exploring southern Colorado.

Fountain Creek Regional Park, located within the city limits, offers hundreds of acres of open space, wetlands, and trails along the creek corridor. Visitors can enjoy walking, biking, and wildlife viewing, and the park serves as a peaceful natural counterpoint to the surrounding neighborhoods. Additional trails and greenways follow Fountain Creek both north and south, extending the recreational options close to home for guests who prefer to stay local.

Just a short drive northwest of Fountain, Cheyenne Mountain State Park covers roughly 2,700 acres at the base of Cheyenne Mountain and features miles of hiking and biking trails, camping, and panoramic views of the plains and the Front Range. It is a popular spot for outdoor recreation within about twenty minutes of the city, and its mix of beginner-friendly paths and more challenging climbs makes it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

To the north, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the region, with towering red sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. About twenty to twenty-five minutes from Fountain, it draws visitors year-round for hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing, and it pairs naturally with a drive up the Pikes Peak Highway for those wanting a fuller Front Range experience.

A bit farther afield but well within day-trip distance, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Cañon City is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, spanning the Arkansas River about an hour south of Fountain.

Fountain's appeal for short-term rental owners lies in its balance of small-town character, regional accessibility, and proximity to some of Colorado's most celebrated outdoor destinations. Travelers seeking a quieter, more affordable base than central Colorado Springs often find Fountain an attractive alternative, particularly given its easy access to military family visits at Fort Carson, the attractions of Colorado Springs, and the outdoor recreation spread across El Paso and Fremont counties.