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

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in La Veta, Colorado. The Town of La Veta has enacted comprehensive regulations through Ordinance #TBD, which created Chapter 18.35 in the La Veta Municipal Code governing short-term rentals. These regulations became effective on January 1, 2024.

STRs are permitted by permit in all zoned areas within the Town of La Veta with the specific exceptions of the Industrial District and Railroad Support District.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in La Veta

Starting a short-term rental business in La Veta requires following a structured process that ensures compliance with local regulations:

Step 1: Initial Assessment

• Determine eligibility: Verify your property is in an allowed zone (all zones except Industrial and Railroad Support Districts)
• Verify ownership: You must be the fee simple owner of the property
• Consider residency requirement: Unless your property is in a Commercial zone, you must live in the unit or an adjacent unit on the same property for a minimum of 180 days per calendar year

Step 2: Application Process

• Timeline: Submit your application at least 60 days prior to advertising the property or intended use
• Submit to: Town of La Veta, 209 S. Main Street, La Veta, CO 81055
• Complete both: Business License application AND Short-Term Rental Permit application

Step 3: Public Hearing Requirements

• Mandatory public hearing will be held before the La Veta Town Board
• Property posting: Notice must be posted on the property, clearly visible from the street, for minimum 10 days prior to hearing
• Newspaper publication: Notice must be published in local newspaper at least 7 days prior to hearing
• Adjacent property owner notification: You must notify all adjacent property owners (those whose property physically touches your boundaries) either in person or by certified mail

Step 4: Compliance Verification

• Complete self-inspection worksheet and safety checklist
• Ensure property meets all zoning requirements
• Verify all taxes will be collected and remitted as required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses

1. Business License

   • Obtained from Town of La Veta
   • Required for all STR operations
   • Must be current for permit renewal

2. Short-Term Rental Permit

   • Specific permit for STR operations
   • Valid for one year from issuance date
   • Must be renewed annually (45 days before expiration)

3. Colorado State Sales Tax License

   • Required for tax collection and remittance
   • Essential for compliance with state requirements

Required Documentation

1. Completed Application Forms

   • Short-Term Rental Permit Application
   • Business License Application
   • Adjacent Property Owners notification forms

2. Property Information

   • Proof of ownership (fee simple title document)
   • Property address and description
   • Number of bedrooms and sleeping areas
   • Parking information (minimum 1 spot per bedroom, off-street)

3. Local Contact Person Information

   • 24/7 availability requirement
   • Name, address, phone, and email
   • Written designation by property owner

4. Tax Compliance

   • Colorado Sales Tax Number
   • Acknowledgment of tax collection responsibilities

5. Safety Documentation

   • Completed Self-Inspection Safety Checklist
   • Completed Self-Inspection Worksheet
   • Floor plan indicating bedrooms and egress routes

Safety Requirements Checklist

Your STR unit must meet the following safety standards:

• Address numbers visible and readable from street
• All exit doors free of obstructions
• Proper electrical safety (UL listed adaptors, covered switches/outlets)
• Labeled circuit breakers in English
• Pressure relief valve on water heaters
• Gas shut-off valves on gas appliances
• Combustibles stored 3+ feet from gas appliances
• Functional smoke detectors in all sleeping areas (less than 5 years old)
• Carbon monoxide detectors on every level (less than 5 years old)
• Printed floor plan showing bedrooms and ingress/egress
• Recommended: ABC fire extinguisher near cooking equipment

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (La Veta Municipal Code 18.35)

Property Type Restrictions:

• Prohibited in apartment buildings, condominiums, or multiple-family units
• Single-family detached homes, cabins, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes allowed
• Portions (rooms) within dwellings permitted for STR

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum occupancy established during permitting based on sleeping areas
• Must be clearly defined and posted

Operational Restrictions:

• Events Prohibited: Concerts, weddings, and similar events hosted in STRs are strictly prohibited
• Nuisance Prohibition: Cannot be operated in a way that constitutes a nuisance
• Advertisement Requirements: Must display permit number clearly on all advertisements

Parking Requirements:

• Off-street parking mandatory for all guest vehicles
• Minimum 1 parking space per bedroom
• Parking locations must be identified in permit application

Signage Restrictions:

• No signs allowed on property or in windows except in Commercial zones
• Commercial zones may have different signage allowances per Chapter 18.28

Owner Residency Requirements:

• Owner must live in unit or adjacent unit on same property for minimum 180 days per year
• Exception: Commercial zone properties are exempt from this requirement

County-Level Regulations

The provided materials do not contain specific Huerfano County STR regulations beyond what is required for state tax compliance. County property taxes and other general regulations apply.

State-Level Regulations (Colorado)

Tax Requirements:

• Collect and remit Colorado state sales tax
• Collect and remit Huerfano County sales tax
• Collect and remit local sales tax
• Collect and remit lodging taxes
• All taxes must be remitted to Colorado Department of Revenue

Business Licensing:

• Colorado state business sales tax license required
• Ongoing compliance with state business regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of La Veta

Physical Address:
209 South Main Street
La Veta, CO 81055-0174

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 174
La Veta, CO 81055-0174

Phone: (719) 742-3631
Fax: (719) 742-5420

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

For Water/Sewer Emergencies (after hours): (719) 782-0244

Law Enforcement:
Marshal Harold Willburn
Phone: (719) 742-3344

Contact Person for Applications:
Town Clerk (for form assistance and application questions)

Source Links

1. La Veta Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Original PDF)

2. La Veta Short-Term Rental Application Documents

3. Town of La Veta Forms & Permits Page

4. Background Article: La Veta to explore possible regulation of Airbnb rentals

Key Investment Considerations

Pro-Investment Factors:

• Clear regulatory framework with explicit permission for STRs
• Reasonable application process with defined timelines
• Reasonable fees ($300 new permit, $150 renewal)
• Allowed in most zones with basic safety requirements
• Strong tourism market potential

Challenges to Consider:

• Owner residency requirement (180 days/year) unless in Commercial zone
• Mandatory public hearing process adds time and complexity
• Adjacent property owner notification requirements
• Strict prohibition on events (weddings, concerts)
• Limited signage options in residential areas
• Annual renewal requirements with 45-day advance notice

Timeline Expectations:

• Minimum 60 days advance application required
• Additional time needed for public hearing scheduling and notification
• Total process typically 2-3 months from application to permit issuance

This comprehensive regulatory environment provides clear guidelines for STR investment in La Veta while maintaining neighborhood character and ensuring public safety and tax compliance.