Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Frisco, CO?

YES — Short-term rentals are permitted in Frisco, Colorado. However, they are strictly regulated to preserve community character and address neighborhood impacts. The Town of Frisco regulates both the quantity and manner of STR operations, with licenses limited to 25% of the residential housing stock (maximum 900 licenses out of 3,600 total residential units).

Important Market Note: As of February 2023, Frisco reached its STR license cap and implemented a waitlist system for new applicants. With approximately 500 traditional hotel/motel rooms and over 40 years of STR activity, short-term rentals remain an important part of Frisco's tourism economy, but expansion opportunities are limited by the quota system.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Frisco

Initial Requirements Assessment

1. Property Eligibility Check: Confirm your property falls within Frisco town boundaries (not unincorporated Summit County)
2. Housing Stock Impact: Understand that Frisco limits STR licenses to 25% of residential housing stock
3. Waitlist Status: Since February 2023, new applications are placed on a waitlist due to reaching the cap

Licensing Application Process

1. Application Submission: Apply through the Town of Frisco's online portal
2. Required Documentation: Submit all mandatory documents simultaneously with application
3. Fee Payment: Pay annual license fee of $250 (no proration available)
4. Review Process: Town staff reviews applications for completeness and compliance
5. License Activation: Upon approval, license becomes active (expires April 30 annually)

Renewal Process

• Annual Window: February 20 through April 30
• Fee: $250 renewal fee
• License Expiration: All licenses expire April 30
• Consequences: Operating with expired license results in violations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary License Requirements

Short-Term Rental License

• Annual Fee: $250
• Validity: One year (expires April 30)
• No Proration: Fees are not prorated for partial-year applications

Mandatory Documentation

1. Parking Plan

• Photograph or illustration showing allowable parking spaces
• Must indicate each parking space location
• Prohibitions: No parking on landscaped areas, public streets, or public right-of-ways
• Guest restrictions: No overnight vehicle occupancy permitted
• Submission requirement: Submit to town and share with guests

2. Life Safety Affidavit

• Signed attestation of property compliance with Town building, technical, and safety codes
• Required installations and maintenance:
  • Smoke detectors (properly installed and operable)
  • Carbon monoxide detectors (properly installed and operable)
  • Fire extinguishers (properly installed and operable)
  • Annual chimney cleaning for all wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and chimneys

3. Information Notice for Guests Must include highly visible placement and cover:

• Emergency contacts (911 for emergencies, 970-668-8600 for non-emergencies)
• Physical property address
• 24/7 emergency contact information
• STR license number
• Fire extinguisher locations and fire escape routes
• Parking locations (with photographs/narratives) and maximum vehicle count
• Alternative parking options for overflow vehicles
• Trash and recycling receptacle locations and disposal rules
• Snow removal instructions
• Noise policy compliance requirements
• Pet policies
• HOA policies (if applicable)

4. Emergency Contact Designation

• Must designate a responsible agent available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Required to respond to and resolve guest-related complaints
• Contact information must be provided to guests

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Frisco Town Regulations (Municipal Code)

Licensing and Operations

• License Cap: Maximum 25% of residential housing stock (900 licenses maximum)
• Definition: STRs are rentals for less than 30 consecutive days
• Universal Application: Regulations apply regardless of marketing method (online platforms, management companies, newspapers, word-of-mouth)

Occupancy Limits

• Formula: Maximum 2 individuals per bedroom plus 4 additional occupants
• Example: 2-bedroom unit = maximum 8 occupants
• Enforcement: Guests may be held responsible for occupancy violations

Operational Prohibitions

• No outdoor overnight camping
• No overnight use of recreational vehicles or trailers
• No parking on landscaped areas, public streets, or public right-of-ways
• No overnight occupancy in parked vehicles

Safety and Maintenance Requirements

• Annual chimney cleaning mandatory for wood-burning fireplaces/stoves/chimneys
• Life safety equipment must be properly installed and maintained
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required

Advertising Requirements

• All advertisements must include Town STR license number
• Must display approved maximum occupancy
• Failure to comply results in violation notices

Compliance Areas

• Trash/Recycling: Must comply with Municipal Code Section 127-17
• Noise: Must comply with Municipal Code Section 127-53
• Nuisance: Various nuisance provisions apply

Summit County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

Note: Summit County regulates STRs in unincorporated areas (outside town boundaries). If your property is in unincorporated Summit County:

• STRs are permitted but require county STR license
• Different application process and requirements
• Tax obligations also apply
• Contact Summit County Community Development for details

State of Colorado Regulations

Taxation Requirements

• STR operators must collect and remit lodging taxes
• Total tax rate in Frisco: 15.725% of booking value
• Monthly remittance required
• Separate from license fees and federal/state income taxes

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contacts - Town of Frisco

Short-Term Rental Support

• Phone: 970-668-2571
• Email: Contact through Frisco.gov website

Kyle Ottinger, Community Development Specialist

• Phone: 970-668-2571
• Email: Contact through Frisco.gov website
• Role: Primary contact for STR licensing questions

Town Hall Main Line

• Phone: 970-668-5276
• Address: PO Box 4100, 1 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443

Complaint Reporting

24-Hour STR Complaint Hotline

• Phone: 970-668-8600 (non-emergency police line)
• Use for: Parking, noise, trash, occupancy violations, suspected unregistered properties
• Emergency: 911

Summit County Contacts (Unincorporated Areas)

General STR Help

• Email: str@summitcountyco.gov
• Phone: 970-668-4186

STR Sales Tax Questions

• Email: strsales@summitcountyco.gov
• Phone: 970-453-3439

STR Complaints (County)

• Method: Online reporting system available on county website
• Address: Planning Department, 0037 Peak One Drive, Frisco, CO 80443
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Links to Source Pages

Official Frisco Government Sources

• Main STR Page: www.friscogov.com/departments/community-development/short-term-rentals-in-frisco/
• STR Guide & FAQs: www.friscogov.com/departments/community-development/short-term-rentals-in-frisco/short-term-rental-guide-and-faqs/
• License Application Process: www.friscogov.com/departments/finance/sales-and-lodging-tax/short-term-rental-license-application-process/
• Tax Information: www.friscogov.com/departments/community-development/short-term-rentals-in-frisco/short-term-rental-taxes-and-payments/
• Complaint Filing: www.friscogov.com/departments/finance/sales-and-lodging-tax/short-term-rental-license-application-process/file-a-short-term-rental-complaint/

Summit County Sources (Unincorporated Areas)

• County STR Information: www.summitcountyco.gov/services/community_development/short_term_rentals/index.php
• STR Regulations (County): www.summitcountyco.gov/services/community_development/short_term_rentals/str_regulations.php
• License Applications (County): www.summitcountyco.gov/services/community_development/short_term_rentals/license_applications.php
• STR Tax Information (County): www.summitcountyco.gov/services/community_development/short_term_rentals/tax_information.php
• STR Mapping Tool: summitcountyco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=9f5eb23df8b343ee8621c17f5fa634b9

Important Documents (PDFs)

• Frisco STR Guide: www.friscogov.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-STRs-11OCT2022.pdf
• Frisco STR FAQs: www.friscogov.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/STR-FAQ-1.pdf
• Good Neighbor Guidelines: www.friscogov.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Good-Neighbor-Guidelines-September-2025.pdf
• Frisco STR Ordinance: www.friscogov.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ORD-22-10.-110-39._13JAN23-2.pdf

Informational Resources

• Rent Responsibly Frisco Page: www.rentresponsibly.org/co/frisco/ (Note: This is for informational purposes only; always refer to official government sources)

Key Investment Considerations

Market Constraints: The 25% housing stock cap and waitlist system significantly limit new market entry opportunities in Frisco. Existing licenses represent valuable assets with transfer restrictions that should be thoroughly investigated.

Compliance Costs: Beyond the $250 annual license fee, budget for 15.725% tax collection/remittance, annual chimney cleaning, life safety equipment maintenance, and potential enforcement costs.

Operational Requirements: The 24/7 emergency contact requirement and comprehensive guest information mandates create ongoing operational obligations that must be planned for in your business model.

Enforcement Risk: Violations can result in license suspension (up to 150 days) or revocation (up to 1 year), with appeal rights limited to 5 working days following adverse actions.

Always verify current regulations directly with the Town of Frisco Community Development Department before making investment decisions, as municipal codes and enforcement practices may evolve.