Your Guide to Short-Term Rental Rules and Regulations
Short-Term Rental Guide
Everything you need to know about managing, renting, and thriving in the short-term rental market in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley.
Thinking about renting out your mountain home or purchasing a property as a vacation rental? Short-term rental regulations vary across Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte, Crested Butte South, Gunnison, and unincorporated Gunnison County.
This guide provides an overview of local short-term rental (STR) licensing requirements, operating rules, and tax considerations, along with links to official resources to help you determine what applies to your property.
What Is a Short-Term Rental?
A short-term rental generally refers to renting a property for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Depending on the property's location, owners may need a local STR license, business registration, and applicable tax accounts before advertising or renting their property.
Short-term rental owners should also review occupancy limits, safety requirements, local contact requirements, parking rules, and any HOA or deed restrictions.
Short-Term Rental Rules by Location
1. Town of Crested Butte
Properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days require a Town of Crested Butte vacation rental license.
The Town has different license categories, including Primary Occupant and Unlimited licenses. Eligibility and rental limits depend on the applicable category, property, and current Town regulations.
Owners should confirm current requirements for:
STR licensing and renewal
Primary occupancy and rental-night limits
Property eligibility and zoning
Business licensing and applicable taxes
Advertising, local contacts, and operating requirements
HOA rules and private covenants may also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals.
4. City of Gunnison
Properties within Gunnison city limits are subject to City regulations that differ from those in unincorporated Gunnison County.
Before operating a short-term rental, owners should confirm the current zoning and licensing requirements with the City. Applicable sales taxes, lodging taxes, business registration requirements, and private property restrictions should also be reviewed.
5. Unincorporated Gunnison County
New Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirements Effective January 1, 2027
Gunnison County is introducing a new short-term rental licensing program for applicable properties in unincorporated areas of the County, beginning January 1, 2027.
The program adds a County-level licensing requirement for properties within its jurisdiction. Owners should confirm whether their property is covered and what steps are required to obtain a license.
Key details announced for the new program include:
Effective date: January 1, 2027
License fee: $150
Renewal period: Every three years
License cap: No countywide cap on the number of STR licenses
Routine inspections: The new County licensing program does not require routine property inspections as part of the licensing process
2. Town of Mt. Crested Butte
Mt. Crested Butte has its own short-term rental licensing program. Owners need an STR license before advertising or renting a property for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days.
Requirements may include:
A valid STR license and applicable tax registration
Property inspections and life-safety compliance
Compliance with occupancy and parking requirements
A designated local representative
Good Neighbor policies and complaint-response requirements
License renewal and applicable fees
Requirements and fees may vary based on the property's circumstances and the Town's current regulations.
3. Crested Butte South
Crested Butte South has its own short-term rental rules administered by the Crested Butte South Property Owners Association (POA).
Owners should review the current POA licensing program, applicable rental-night limits, safety requirements, and Good Neighbor Guidelines before advertising or renting a property.
License availability and requirements depend on the applicable license category and current POA policy.
Because Crested Butte South is in unincorporated Gunnison County, owners should also review the County's new STR licensing requirements taking effect January 1, 2027.
Ready to Begin?
Let’s Get Started
Not sure if it’s the right time to buy or sell? Need trusted advice or local expertise? Dawn and her team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s discuss your goals and create a plan tailored just for you!