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.

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

1. City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Permit Application
   cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6004363/File/Planning%20&%20Zoning/Short%20term%20rental.pdf

2. City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Permit Application (Alternate Version)
   fountain.colorado.gov/sites/fountain/files/documents/Short%20Term%20Rental.pdf

3. City of Fountain Short-Term Rental Affidavit
   fountain.colorado.gov/sites/fountain/files/documents/Short%20Term%20Rental%20Affidavit.pdf

4. 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