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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Hartsel, Colorado. Hartsel is a census-designated place located within unincorporated Park County, Colorado. Since Hartsel is not an official city or town, homeowners seeking to operate short-term rentals must comply with the regulations of unincorporated Park County. Unlike some municipalities that may restrict STR operations, unincorporated Park County does not impose limitations on the number of available short-term rental licenses or the number of rental nights, making it a relatively unrestricted market for STR investors.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hartsel

Starting an STR business in Hartsel requires obtaining a Park County Short-Term Rental License. The process involves:

1. Complete Online Application: Submit your application through Park County's online portal at Application for an STR Permit

2. Gather Required Documentation: Collect all required documents (detailed below) and submit them electronically with your application

3. Pay Application Fee: Remit the non-refundable application fee of $605 at the time of submission

4. Submit Complete Application: Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected and require resubmission with full fees

5. Prepare for Safety Inspection: If your Certificate of Occupancy was issued more than 5 years ago, a safety inspection will be required

6. Advertising: Submit links to proposed advertisements after license issuance (for new applications)

Important: Failure to file a renewal application and fee less than 30 days prior to license expiration will result in revocation. If revoked, you must submit a full application packet with fees to reactivate.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents for Application:

1. Parcel Information and Property Address:

   • Property details using the Beacon - Park County Certificate of Occupancy Search

2. Copy of Recorded Deed:

   • Obtain from Park County Clerk's Office through the Recorder Document Search

3. Property Tax Receipt:

   • Zero balance statement from Park County Treasurer's Office (agree to statement and access as public user)

4. State Sales Tax License:

   • Required from Colorado Department of Revenue with property address listed

5. Septic Documents and Certificate of Occupancy:

   • Original septic documents with design information, or recent Transfer of Title
   • Certificate of Occupancy from Building Department via Request for Public Documents

6. STR Floor Plans:

   • Must include all floors (finished/unfinished), room uses, door/window locations, smoke and CO detector placements

7. Responsible Agent Form:

   • Completed and signed Designation of Responsible Agent Form

8. STR Affidavit:

   • Signed and available Short-Term Rental Affidavit

9. Statement of Authority (if LLC involved):

   • Signed and notarized document available here

10. Operational Plans:

    • Parking Plan: Site plan with parking locations - NO PARKING ON COUNTY ROADS
    • Trash Removal Plan: Renters cannot pack garbage out
    • Snow Removal Plan: Include removal schedule and contact information

11. Address Sign Photo:

    • Must show road, green/white reflective sign visible from both directions, meeting Park County driveway requirements per Driveway Cut Information

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Park County

Occupancy and Structural Requirements:

• Maximum One STR Unit per Lot: Cannot operate both main dwelling and guest house simultaneously
• Certificate of Occupancy Required: Must have CO consistent with proposed use
• Septic System Compliance: Occupancy cannot exceed soil treatment area capacity
• Life Safety Standards: Must meet current adopted ordinances including smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, structural soundness

Operational Restrictions:

• Prohibited Equipment: No portable outdoor charcoal grills, fireplaces, fire rings, or ember-producing equipment
• No Camping: Temporary structures, RVs, or trailers cannot be used for overnight purposes
• Firearm Restrictions: No recreational shooting on STR property
• Vehicle Restrictions: No ATVs/OHVs on county roads or non-designated trails

Guest Information Requirements:

Posted Sign Required in Each STR Unit:

1. Emergency evacuation plan
2. STR license number
3. Maximum overnight occupancy
4. Physical address
5. Emergency contact information (law enforcement, fire, towing, ambulance)
6. Owner/responsible agent contact info (24-hour response)
7. Fire extinguisher/electrical panel/propane shut-off locations
8. Emergency egress map
9. Good neighbor guidelines (boundaries, noise, parking, etc.)

Written Information Required:

1. Parking locations and maximum vehicles
2. Alternative parking options
3. Trash/recycling rules and locations
4. Snow removal instructions/contact
5. Noise policies
6. Pet/wildlife policies
7. HOA policies (if applicable)

Parking Requirements:

• Driveway-Only Parking: All vehicles must park on approved driveway only
• No County Road Parking: Violation of ordinance
• Group Size Limit: No vehicles with 16+ passenger capacity allowed
• Plan Compliance: Must match approved parking plan

Safety Inspections:

• Required if CO issued more than 5 years ago
• Required if renewal applications have 3+ complaints/emergency calls
• Review Fire & Safety Inspection Checklist for preparation

License Types and Renewal:

1. Original License: Valid for 1 year from issuance
2. Standard Renewal: Valid for 1 year, requires renewal 30-45 days before expiration
3. Responsible Owner Renewal: Valid for 3 years if no violations for 24+ consecutive months

Violations and Penalties:

• Graduated Fine Schedule:
  • First/Second Offense: Up to $200/day
  • Third Offense: Up to $300/day
  • Subsequent Offenses: Up to $1,000/day
• License Revocation: 1-year revocation for violations on 3+ occasions within last year
• Non-Refundable Fees: Application fees not refunded upon denial/revocation

Contact Information

Primary Contact:

Park County Development Services - Short-Term Rental Department

• Email: str@parkco.us
• Phone: 719-836-2771
• Fax: 719-836-3273
• Address: 856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 1598, Fairplay, CO 80440
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, Lobby open 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Additional Resources:

• Colorado Department of Revenue: For sales tax licensing
• Park County Treasurer: For tax clearance documentation
• Park County Clerk/Recorder: For deed documentation

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents:

• Park County Short-Term Rental Information
• STR Ordinance No. 20-03 (Current)
• Revised STR Ordinance (Draft for 2025)
• STR Fee Resolution

Application Resources:

• STR Application Portal
• Application Checklist
• Fire & Safety Inspection Checklist

Supporting Resources:

• Park County GIS Map
• Park County Zoning Map
• STR Map of Current Properties
• STR Complaint Form

Market Analysis Resources:

• BuyBreck Hartsel STR Overview
• STR Community Survey Results
• Community Meeting Notes - Hartsel

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Regulations may change, and investors should contact Park County directly to verify current licensing requirements and compliance standards for any specific property in Hartsel. The revised ordinance posted in August 2025 indicates ongoing review and potential updates to regulations.