Guide to Starting a STR#
Download the helpful guide to learn the basics of operating a Short-Term Rental (STR) in the City of Fort Collins. This guide also has FAQ's, requirements, and step by step instructions on applying for your license.
Online Short Term Rental Application
To submit a new license application, or to renew an existing license please click here:
Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System.
**Please note you must first obtain a sales tax/business license before you can submit a STR application. If you do not have a sales tax license, and this is your first time accessing our site, please choose New User and continue with the initial registration process. Once your initial account is approved (3-5 days), you will receive an email from a City staff member letting you know it's time to submit the STR application. Please review our guide for more information.
Short-Term Rental Zoning Map and Zone Verification#
The Short-term rental zoning map indicates where Primary and Non-Primary STRs are allowed in Fort Collins. The green areas indicate only Primary STRs and the yellow areas indicate both Primary and Non-Primary STRs. STRs are prohibited in the zones with no color.
Is my property in a zone that allows STRs?
Application Requirements#
Required documents to be submitted with online application:
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of personal liability insurance coverage
- For Primary STRs – Proof of Residence
- Photos of the rental space combined to one PDF document
- $150 non-refundable application fee (payable online via e-check or credit card)
Required information:
- Physical address of STR
- Mailing address and contact information of owner
- Local contact information (must be able to assist at property if needed within 4 hours of a call)
- Number of bedrooms being rented
- Description of rentable space
- Number of off-street parking spaces
- Ensure there are no open or expired building permits on property
- Ensure your HOA covenants allow STRs
Short Term Rentals (STR’s) are currently only allowed in single-family dwellings. This includes property line townhomes, otherwise known as single-family-attached homes. STR’s are not allowed in multi-family R-2 buildings. R-2 buildings are apartment or condo buildings with 3 or more dwelling units on a single property. The Building Code considers the STR use of the condo/apartment building to be too risky for the renters who are not familiar with the space and trying to exit. Please note there may be a 3 unit building that could be either townhomes or apartments and look the same from the outside but they are not the same. Single-family homes have extra fire wall protection at the property lines and roof areas.
STR’s are also allowed in R-1 hotel/motel occupancies which have many code requirements for fire/life/safety. If you currently own an R-2 condo/apartment building, it must undergo a change-of-occupancy process from R-2 to R-1 to be utilized as a STR. This would require the entire building meet the current R-1 hotel/motel requirements. Those changes could be high impact in terms of costs and construction, such as the installation of a fire sprinkler system.
Before applying for a STR license please verify your building is one of the approved types listed above. To verify, please call the Building Department at 970-416-2757
* Paper application available upon request. Please send an email to afredericks@fcgov.com or call 970.221.6780 for more information.