Woodland Park, Colorado Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Status in Woodland Park

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Woodland Park, Colorado, but with significant restrictions and requirements. The city operates under a voter-approved ordinance that permits STRs primarily as owner-occupied primary residences or in commercially zoned areas. A landmark legal battle concluded in 2025 with the court upholding the city's STR regulations, meaning the current restrictions are fully enforceable.

Key Points:

STRs must comply with both zoning regulations and business licensing requirements
Owner-occupied STRs in residential zones are permitted
Non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones are prohibited under the 2023 voter-approved ordinance
Commercial zoning areas may allow non-owner-occupied STRs
A moratorium on new business licenses existed through April 2024 but has since been resolved

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Woodland Park?

Woodland Park hosts earn a median $38,002/year with $224 ADR and 64% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $61,144+ per year.

See the full Woodland Park market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Woodland Park

Starting an STR in Woodland Park requires a two-step process:

Step 1: Zoning Approval (Planning Department)

Verify your property can legally host an STR based on its zoning classification
Confirm whether your property qualifies as a Primary Residence STR or Non-primary Residence STR
Establish guest occupancy limits based on property size and zoning requirements
Verify parking space requirements (number and placement)
Submit zoning approval documentation

Step 2: Business License (Finance Department)

Apply for an annual Business License ($35.00)
Provide proof of zoning approval from Step 1
Set up tax remittance accounts for monthly filing
Complete registration in the city's online tax filing system (MuniRevs)

Critical Timeline Considerations:

The licensing process must be completed annually
Business license renewals are due December 31st each year
Monthly tax filings are due on the 20th of each month
Late filings incur a 10% penalty plus 0.75% interest

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

2025 Short-Term Rental Application - Available through the city's Planning Department
Business License Application - Required annually
Zoning Approval Documentation - Must be provided to Finance Department
MuniRevs Account Registration - For online tax filing and license management

Good Neighbor Guidelines

Must be posted in an easily accessible location at each STR property
Should be provided to guests during check-in or booking
Guidelines cover noise, parking, trash, occupancy limits, and community behavior expectations
Owners are responsible for ensuring guests comply with these standards

Tax Registration Requirements

Sales Tax Account (3.00%)
Lodging Tax Account (5.70%)
Online filing through MuniRevs platform
Monthly remittance by 20th of following month

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Restrictions

Primary Residence STRs: Allowed in residential zones if owner occupies the property
Non-primary Residence STRs: Prohibited in residential zones under current ordinance
Commercial Zoned Properties: May allow non-owner-occupied STRs (contact Planning Department for specific requirements)

Occupancy and Parking Limits

Guest limits established through zoning approval process
Parking requirements vary by property size and neighborhood characteristics
Compliance with residential parking standards mandatory

Tax Obligations

City Tax Rate: 8.70% total

Sales Tax: 3.00%
Lodging Tax: 5.70%
Important: Platform providers (Airbnb, VRBO) do NOT pay city taxes - property owners are directly responsible

Operating Standards

Must comply with all city codes and ordinances
Adherence to Good Neighbor Guidelines required
Proper waste management and noise control
Compliance with fire safety and building codes

Enforcement and Penalties

Code enforcement actively monitors STR compliance
Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation
Late tax filings incur 10% penalty plus interest
Zoning violations may result in cease and desist orders

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

Grant Ahtye - Permit Technician

Email: gahtye@woodlandpark.gov
Phone: 719-687-5282

Richard Dieter - Code Compliance Specialist

Email: rdieter@woodlandpark.gov

Anita Riggle - Economic Development and Budget Analyst

Email: ariggle@woodlandpark.gov (Note: Email appears to have typo - should be ariggle@woodlandpark.gov)
Phone: 719-687-9246

Elly Enamorado - Tax Questions

Email: eenamorado@city-woodlandpark.org
Phone: 719-687-5214

Megan Anthony - MuniRevs/Online Account Setup

Email: manthony@city-woodlandpark.org
Phone: 719-687-5214

City Hall Information

Address: 220 W South Avenue, P.O. Box 9007, Woodland Park, CO 80866
Phone: 719-687-9246
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

MuniRevs Support

Phone: 1-888-751-1911
Email: support@lodgingrevs.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Source Links

Official City Resources

Legal and Regulatory Documents

Planning and Zoning Resources

Community Engagement and Updates

Important Investment Considerations: Given the complex regulatory environment and ongoing legal challenges, prospective STR investors should carefully evaluate property zoning compliance before acquisition. The city's enforcement of the 2023 voter-approved ordinance means that properties previously operating as non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones may no longer be viable for that purpose. Due diligence should include verification of current licensing status, zoning compliance, and adherence to all city requirements.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Woodland Park

Woodland Park is a small mountain city in Teller County, Colorado, with an approximate population of 7,900 residents. Known locally as the "City Above the Clouds," it sits at an elevation of around 8,465 feet among the pine-covered ridges of the southern Rocky Mountains, giving the town a crisp alpine character and panoramic views of the surrounding Pikes Peak region. The community functions as a popular gateway to high-country outdoor recreation west of Colorado Springs, which lies roughly 20 miles to the southeast and is reachable by car in about 30 minutes.

Just a short drive south of Woodland Park rises Pikes Peak, one of the most famous fourteeners in the American West, towering to 14,115 feet. Visitors can experience the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway, which begins near Cascade and reaches the top in roughly 20 to 25 minutes from town, or by riding the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The mountain is celebrated for inspiring the song "America the Beautiful" and draws sightseers, hikers, and cyclists year-round.

About 20 minutes southwest of Woodland Park lies Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, a quiet but remarkable preserve known for its petrified redwood stumps and exceptionally well-preserved insect and plant fossils from the Eocene era. The monument's paved and easy walking trails wind through meadows and former lake beds, making it a comfortable stop for families and casual visitors interested in natural history.

A few miles southwest of town, near the community of Divide, Mueller State Park spans more than 5,000 acres of rolling evergreen forest and open meadows. The park offers over 40 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with campgrounds, picnic areas, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk, mule deer, and wild turkeys. It is a favored local escape and an easy day trip for anyone staying in Woodland Park.

A short drive further southwest brings visitors to the historic mining town of Cripple Creek, once the heart of a major gold rush and now a preserved Victorian district dotted with casinos, museums, and narrow-gauge railroad attractions. The roughly 25-minute drive offers a striking contrast to Woodland Park's forested setting, transporting guests into the weathered architecture and high-desert scenery of the old West.

Woodland Park's combination of cool mountain air, walkable small-town amenities, and immediate access to some of central Colorado's most recognizable natural landmarks makes it a compelling base for short-term rentals. Travelers can settle into a quiet alpine community while staying within easy reach of Pikes Peak, Florissant Fossil Beds, Mueller State Park, and Cripple Creek, enjoying a year-round calendar of hiking, sightseeing, and seasonal events.