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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Johnstown, Colorado. However, they are highly regulated and require proper licensing, permits, and ongoing compliance with both municipal and county regulations. Johnstown defines a short-term rental as "the rental of a residential dwelling, or a portion thereof, for less than thirty (30) days for residential purposes."

All short-term rental units must be licensed with the Town Clerk's Office and must adhere to specified Rules and Regulations as outlined in Johnstown Municipal Code Chapter 6, Section 6-61.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Johnstown

Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Jurisdiction

• Confirm your property is within Johnstown town limits
• Determine if you need county permits (if property is in unincorporated areas)
• Contact the Town Clerk's Office to verify eligibility: 970-587-4664

Step 2: Pre-Application Planning (For County Properties)

If your property is in unincorporated Larimer County:

• Required: Schedule a pre-application meeting with planning staff
• Contact planning@larimer.org or call (970) 498-7683
• Include parcel number and address for eligibility verification
• Be prepared to wait 2-3 months for meeting scheduling

Step 3: Complete Required Applications

• Complete the Short-Term Rental License Application
• Complete the Lodging Tax Certification Application
• Ensure all required documents are attached

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees

• Submit applications to the Town Clerk's Office
• Pay required license fee (amount not specified in provided content)
• Provide copies of sales tax and county lodging tax licenses to hhill@johnstownco.gov

Step 5: Undergo Review Process

• Application review by Town Clerk's Office
• Potential inspection requirements
• Annual license renewal process

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (Town of Johnstown)

Required Documents for Application:

1. Property and Liability Insurance listing the property as a short-term rental
2. Photo of designated parking spaces
3. Proof of ownership (deed, mortgage statement, etc.)
4. Lodging Tax Registration Form
5. Sales tax license copy
6. County lodging tax license copy

Key Application Information Required:

• Applicant/property owner contact details
• Property address and ownership verification
• Emergency contact information
• Maximum occupancy and number of bedrooms
• Detailed parking plan with photo documentation
• Business name and address

County Requirements (Larimer County - Unincorporated Areas)

Building and Safety Permits:

• County building permit for conversion to STR use
• Life safety survey inspection
• Certificate of Occupancy for new use

Occupancy Classification:

• 10 or fewer occupants: Reviewed under International Residential Code
• 11+ occupants: Reviewed under International Building Code as R (residential) occupancies

Enhanced Requirements for Large Hosted STRs/B&Bs (11-16 guests):

• Fire suppression sprinklers
• Accessibility features
• Additional life safety measures

License Types and Definitions

Short-Term Rental (STR):

• Principal dwelling rented to transient guests for 30 days or less
• Maximum 10 guests per party/single group
• Not occupied by owner/operator during rental

Hosted Short-Term Rental:

• Owner/operator occupied dwelling
• Small: 10 or fewer guests
• Large: 11-16 guests maximum

Bed and Breakfast Inn:

• Owner/operator occupied establishment
• Maximum 20 guests
• May provide meal service to guests only

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Johnstown Regulations

• Annual License Renewal Required
• Must comply with Municipal Code Chapter 6
• Lodging tax registration mandatory
• Parking plan required and enforceable
• Maximum occupancy limits strictly enforced

Larimer County Regulations

Use Standards (Article 3.3.5.B):

• Only one STR allowed per property
• Pre-application meeting mandatory before any STR application
• Property manager contact information must be provided to all neighbors within 500 feet

Life Safety Inspection Requirements:

• Cannot be scheduled until conversion permit is issued
• Approved plans and permit card must be on-site
• Adult must be present during inspection
• Detailed life safety survey covers multiple categories

Complaint and Enforcement System:

• "Three Strike" system: 3 valid complaints trigger code compliance case
• Advertising STR without prior approval is violation subject to fines and injunction
• County maintains approved STR map for reference

Waitlist Restrictions:

• Estes Valley Residential Zone Districts subject to 208-STR license cap
• Waitlist maintained for these districts
• Other zoning districts not subject to waitlist but license still required

State of Colorado Regulations

Short-Term Rental Definitions:

• Rentals for 30 days or less trigger STR regulations
• State-level lodging tax requirements may apply
• Sales tax registration required for business operations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Town of Johnstown (Municipal Licensing)

Town Clerk - Meghan Martinez

• Email: msmartinez@johnstownco.gov
• Phone: 970-587-4664
• Address: 450 South Parish Avenue, Johnstown, CO 80534
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Town General Contact:

• Phone: 970-587-4664
• Website: johnstownco.gov
• Municipal Code: library.municode.com/co/johnstown/codes/municipal_code

Larimer County (County Planning and Permits)

Planning Division Contact:

• Email: planning@larimer.org
• Phone: (970) 498-7679
• Address: 200 W. Oak Street, Third Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521
• Hours: Mon 8am-4pm, Tue 8am-4pm, Wed 10am-4pm, Thu 8am-4pm, Fri 8am-4pm

STR Specific Contacts:

• Pre-application meeting requests: planning@larimer.org
• License transfers: PlanningCIRT@co.larimer.co.us
• Phone: (970) 498-7683

Complaint Contacts:

• STR complaints: (970) 236-7574
• Noise complaints: Larimer County Sheriff (970) 416-1985
• Online complaint portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/larimer-county-co

Building Division:

• Online portal: onlineportal.larimer.org
• Permit scheduling through online customer portal

Links to Source Pages

Town of Johnstown

• Short-Term Rental License Overview
• Short-Term Rental Application Form
• Municipal Code
• Lodging Tax Registration

Larimer County

• Lodging Facilities in Residential Dwellings Overview
• STR Regulation Updates and Timeline
• Pre-Application Meeting Request
• Life Safety Inspection Checklist
• Land Use Code
• Approved STR Map

Important Process Documents

• Administrative Special Review Process Guide
• STR Ordinance (Latest Version)
• License Renewal Forms

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for STR investment in Johnstown, CO, emphasizing the critical distinction between municipal and county requirements while highlighting the essential compliance steps necessary for successful operation.