Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Minturn, CO, but they are heavily regulated through a comprehensive licensing system. The town has established detailed requirements and restrictions to balance the economic benefits of STRs with the preservation of long-term housing stock. Short-term rentals are defined as any residential property or portion thereof rented for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days, including entire dwelling units, individual rooms, or portions of rooms.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Minturn

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Assess whether your property qualifies under Minturn's zoning and ownership requirements
2. Gather Required Documentation: Compile all necessary permits, licenses, and supporting documents
3. Submit Application: File your STR license application with the Town Clerk
4. Schedule Inspections: Arrange for required fire, CO, and parking compliance inspections
5. Pay Fees: Submit the $300 license fee
6. Maintain Compliance: Adhere to ongoing requirements including annual inspections and tax obligations

New Ownership and Occupancy Requirements (Effective February 26, 2025)

Minturn has recently updated its STR regulations with significant changes to ownership and occupancy requirements:

For Properties Using 33% or Less of Floor Area:

• May obtain STR license without prior ownership requirements
• Must comply with all other licensing provisions
• More accessible pathway for homeowners wanting to STR a portion of their home

For Properties Using More Than 33% of Floor Area:

• Must own the property for at least 2 years before applying
• During those 2 years, owner must either: a. Live in the property as primary residence, OR b. Lease the property as long-term rental to tenant who uses it as primary residence

100-Block Zones Exception:

• Exempt from 2-year ownership requirement
• Can be licensed immediately only on second floors and above
• Must have active, licensed sales tax revenue generating commercial use on ground floor

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents and Licenses

State and Local Tax Licenses:

• Colorado sales tax license (active)
• Local lodging tax license (active)

Property Documentation:

• Proof of property ownership
• Site plan showing number of on-site parking spaces and bedrooms
• Bedroom count as determined by Eagle County Assessor records

Management Requirements:

• Contract/agreement with Local Property Manager residing within 50 road miles of Minturn
• If using third-party property manager, they must be properly licensed under Colorado law

Required Inspections and Compliance

Initial Inspection Requirements:

• Fire and CO detection system inspection by Building Official/Code Enforcement
• On-site parking compliance inspection
• Comprehensive building and zoning code compliance verification

Annual Inspection Requirements:

• Must be completed at least 60 days prior to license renewal
• Fire and CO detector inspection
• Parking compliance verification
• Building and zoning code compliance check
• Inspection fee included with license fee

Posting Requirements

Within the Unit:

• Local license number
• License conditions (maximum occupancy, parking limitations)
• Physical property address
• Working fire extinguisher

In All Advertisements:

• License number
• Maximum occupancy
• Parking limitations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location

• Zoning: STR licenses may be issued in all zone districts
• Parking: Must comply with Article 16 parking requirements
• Historic Properties: If constructed before 1982 zoning codes and doesn't meet parking requirements, staff may approve without parking compliance at their discretion

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum Occupancy: No more than three (3) people per bedroom, including children
• Determination: Based on bedroom count as recorded by Eagle County Assessor

Property Ownership and Transfers

• Minimum Ownership Period: 2 years before application (with recent occupancy requirements as detailed above)
• Transfer Restrictions: STR license is non-transferable with property sale
• Ownership Structures: Transfers to trust or corporate entity where owner remains beneficiary/majority owner do not break ownership period

Housing Stock Limitations

• Cap: No more than 10% of total residential units or 50 units, whichever is fewer, can be licensed as STRs at any time

Tax Obligations

• Must collect and submit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes
• Specific requirements for local sales and lodging taxes under Chapter 4 of Minturn Municipal Code
• License holder bears responsibility for all tax compliance

License Duration and Renewal

• Validity: Until March 31 of the succeeding year
• Renewal: Application may be submitted no more than 30 days before expiration
• Materials: May rely on same application materials unless circumstances have materially changed
• Rights: License does not convey property interest in renewal

Enforcement and Penalties

Code Violations:

• Property owner liable for violations of multiple municipal code chapters (4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 18)
• Must abate any nuisance or violation as required under the Code

Revocation Triggers:

• Three (3) or more violations of the Code or license conditions
• Revoked properties ineligible for STR license for 2 years following revocation

Appeal Process:

• Appeals follow Section 6-1-80 of the Municipal Code for administrative decisions

Special Considerations

Bedroom and Parking Determination:

• Bedroom count based on Eagle County Assessor records
• Site plan must show both bedroom count and parking spaces
• Pre-1982 properties may receive parking requirement waivers at staff discretion

Management Requirements:

• Local Property Manager must be within 50 road miles of Minturn
• Must serve as contract person for maintenance, trash removal, and complaint handling
• Third-party managers must maintain any required Colorado business licenses

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Minturn

• Address: PO Box 309, 302 Pine St, Minturn, CO 81645
• Phone: (970) 827-5645
• Website: www.minturn.org
• Email: info@minturn.org
• Town Clerk: Jay Brunvand (for licensing questions)
• Building Official: For inspection scheduling and compliance questions
• Code Enforcement: For violation reporting and compliance issues

Additional Contacts:

• Mayor: Earle Bidez
• Town Council: Meets regularly at Minturn Town Hall, 302 Pine Street

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

1. Original STR Ordinance (2017)

   • cmlresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Town-of-Minturn-Short-term-rental-ordinance-2017.pdf
   • Contains the foundational STR regulations established in 2017

2. Updated STR Ordinance (2025) - Enacted Version

   • mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/18219/1345529/pdf
   • Contains the most recent amendments with occupancy requirements effective February 26, 2025

3. Alternative 2025 Ordinance Version (Draft)

   • mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/minturnco-meet-50a18cdf30254542a68aa7cce24a72ff/ITEM-Attachment-001-49c450e817f545a0aba684fcebb73962.pdf
   • Shows different versions of the 2025 amendments

Town Resources

• Town Website: www.minturn.org
• Municipal Code: Available through town website and municipal offices
• Council Meetings: Regular meetings held at Minturn Town Hall, 302 Pine Street

Important Note for Investors: Minturn's STR market is highly regulated with strict caps on the number of properties allowed and significant barriers to entry through ownership and occupancy requirements. The town's focus on preserving long-term housing stock through these regulations means successful STR operations require careful planning, significant upfront investment, and strict compliance with ongoing requirements. The recent 2025 amendments have made the regulatory landscape more complex, requiring investors to thoroughly understand their specific circumstances before proceeding.