Windsor, Colorado Short-Term Rentals (STRs) — Investor Guide

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Windsor, CO?

• Yes. Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are permitted in the Town of Windsor, Colorado, as of 2025. Windsor defines an STR as any home or dwelling unit located in a zone district that allows residential uses and is rented for 29 days or less. Both hosted and non-hosted STRs are currently allowed in residential zones, with an amortization period for non-hosted STRs in residential areas that expires on July 1, 2025. After that date, non-hosted STRs in residential zones will be prohibited.

How to Start an STR Business in Windsor, CO

• Confirm zoning and legal eligibility. The property must be in a zone district that allows residential use.
• Obtain a Town of Windsor Business License (required before the STR permit).
• Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit.
• Complete required inspections (Fire and Building) with Windsor Severance Fire Rescue and SAFEbuilt (Windsor’s contracted Building Department).
• Set up your online registration and renewals through Windsor’s platform at windsor.munirevs.com.
• Display a written copy of the Operating Standards inside the STR for guests.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Town of Windsor Business License (pre-requisite before STR permit).
• STR Permit (issued via the online registration platform).
• Proof of completion of Fire and Building inspections prior to permit issuance.
• Written copy of Operating Standards available in the STR at all times.

Permit & Licensing Pathway

• Platform: Windsor’s registration and licensing portal (windsor.munirevs.com) supports business licensing and STR permit applications.
• Business License: Must be active prior to STR permit issuance.
• STR Permit: Required annually; use the portal to submit, schedule inspections, and renew.

Inspections

• Fire Inspection: Conducted by Windsor Severance Fire Rescue.
• Building Inspection: Conducted by SAFEbuilt (Windsor’s contracted Building Department).
• Timing: Fire and Building inspections must be completed during the New Permit application. Renewals for standard STRs require inspection prior to issuance of the renewal permit.
• Note: All inspection and renewal permit fees are non-refundable.

Fees

• New Permit Application Fee: $162 (one-time, non-refundable).
• Fire Inspection Fee: $100.
• Building Inspection Fee: $100.
• Renewal Permit Fee: $54 (every two years).
• Total new permit cost (application + two inspections): $362.
• All fees are non-refundable once paid.

Windsor STR Operating Standards (key rules)

• Noise and quiet hours: Mandatory compliance; quiet hours must be observed. Detailed quiet hours are defined in town code and should be verified directly with the Planning Department if not provided in your guest materials.
• Maximum occupancy: Must be observed and posted; specific numeric limits are in Windsor’s code documents.
• Minimum age of renter: Enforced; verify the exact minimum age requirement with the Planning Department (numeric requirement not included in the provided content).
• Parking: STR guests must park legally and comply with town parking requirements.
• Events/parties: Prohibited.
• Written Operating Standards: Must be kept on-site and available to guests at all times.

Additional Licensing Requirements

• Ownership structure: STR license must be held by a natural person(s); licenses held by legal entities (e.g., LLCs, corporations) are not allowed.
• Transferability: STR license is non-transferable and does not run with the land.
• Ownership limits: No person may own more than three (3) STRs.
• Annual renewal: Required for continued operation.
• Notice to neighbors: An approved STR license requires notice to occupants within 300 feet, identifying the property owner, host/manager, and contact information.
• Compliance and penalties: Violations may result in fines, denial, or revocation of the STR license.

Amortization Period for Non-Hosted STRs in Residential Zones

• Status: Non-hosted STRs in residential zones are currently allowed during an amortization period that expires on July 1, 2025.
• After July 1, 2025: Non-hosted STRs in residential zones are prohibited; only hosted STRs will be permitted in residential zones after this date.
• Operating requirement: During the amortization period, non-hosted STRs in residential zones must comply with all operating standards and licensing requirements.
• Practical implication: Investors should plan for this transition. Ensure any residential-zone, non-hosted strategy has a clear exit or conversion plan before July 1, 2025.

Zoning & Allowed STR Types

• Residential zones: Hosted STRs are allowed; non-hosted STRs are allowed until July 1, 2025 (then prohibited).
• Commercial districts: Both hosted and non-hosted STRs are allowed (verify specific commercial districts on the town’s zoning maps).

State-Level (Colorado) Considerations (for context)

• State lodging tax: STR operators in Colorado are generally required to collect and remit state lodging taxes. Consult Colorado Department of Revenue guidance for specifics and current rates.
• Local taxes: Windsor may impose local lodging taxes in addition to state taxes; verify the current local lodging tax requirements with the Town of Windsor Finance/Tax Division.

County-Level (Weld County)

• No Weld County-specific STR regulations were provided in the content. County rules may apply to unincorporated areas (outside Windsor town limits). If you are considering properties outside town limits, consult Weld County planning/zoning.

Support, Complaints, and Compliance

• Hotline: 706-739-7375 (note: this appears to be an external GovOS hotline for STRs; confirm applicability to Windsor, CO).
• Online complaint portal: str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=986
• Windsor strongly emphasizes safety, neighborhood compatibility, and enforcement. Maintain high standards to avoid penalties.

Local Authority Contacts (Windsor, CO)

• Planning Department (primary authority for STRs and zoning questions):
  • Address: 200 N. 11th St., Windsor, CO 80550
  • Phone: 970-674-2400
  • Fax: 970-674-2456
• General Town Contacts:
  • Town of Windsor, 301 Walnut Street, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Phone: 970-674-2400
  • Fax: 970-674-2456
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Links to Source Pages

• Windsor STR program overview (fees, definitions, inspections, portal): windsorgov.com/1427/Short-Term-Rentals
• Online registration and licensing portal: windsor.munirevs.com
• STR complaint portal: str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=986
• Windsor STR ordinance reference: windsorgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/28781 (Ordinance No. 2024-1697)

Strategic Notes for STR Investors

• Residential-zone non-hosted STRs: Plan for the July 1, 2025 cutoff. Reassess portfolio exposure and consider shifting to hosted operations or acquiring properties in commercial districts where non-hosted STRs remain permissible post-cutoff.
• Licensing timeline and costs: Budget $362 for initial permitting (application plus Fire/Building inspections), plus $54 every two years for renewal, in addition to ongoing compliance costs.
• Operational discipline: Implement guest-facing materials that cover quiet hours, occupancy, parking, and prohibition on events. Keep the written Operating Standards visibly available inside each STR.
• Documentation and renewals: Track inspection dates and renewal deadlines in the Windsor portal. Maintain proof of annual license renewals and any required notices to neighbors within 300 feet.

This guide reflects the Town of Windsor’s STR framework as of the provided materials. For numeric values (e.g., specific occupancy limits, quiet hour times, minimum renter age), consult the Planning Department directly and review Windsor Municipal Code Section 16-3-60 (Short-Term Rentals).