Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Basalt?

**Yes**, Basalt requires a Short-Term Rental Business License to operate legally. You need to apply for this license through the town's official channels. The licensing process ensures compliance with local regulations, safety standards, and tax requirements. Operating without a valid permit may result in fines.

What is the TOT tax rate in Basalt?

**6% TOT** (Transient Occupancy Tax) is the rate that applies to short-term rentals in Basalt. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the town. Ensure you are registered with the appropriate authorities to properly collect and remit these taxes to stay compliant.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Basalt?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Basalt, but are subject to certain regulations. Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 nights per year. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and deed-restricted housing typically prohibit short-term rentals, so verify your property's eligibility before listing it. Check local zoning laws.

How much does an STR permit cost in Basalt?

**$450** is the fee for the Short-Term Rental Business License in Basalt. This is an annual fee that covers the cost of administering and enforcing the regulations. Submit your application and payment through the town's designated portal. Ensure you renew your license annually to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

How many nights per year can I rent my property in Basalt?

**120 nights** is the annual cap for unhosted short-term rentals in Basalt. This night cap does not apply to hosted rentals where the host is present during the guest's stay. Carefully track your booking calendar to avoid exceeding this limit, as violations can result in fines or loss of your license.

Basalt, CO Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Summary

The Town of Basalt regulates short-term rentals through a tiered licensing system based on whether the property is a primary residence. STRs are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays and are prohibited in most Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and deed-restricted housing.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 56 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Moderate night cap: 120 nights/year
•Moderate permit fee: $450
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Basalt, you must first verify your zoning; residential zones like RE and R-1 are off-limits. You'll need to apply for a town business license which costs $450 if it's your main home or $1,000 if it's an investment property. Keep in mind there's a 120-night annual limit for unhosted rentals, and you must collect a 6% town lodging tax in addition to state taxes. ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

120/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$450

Processing Time

14-30 business days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.STRs are prohibited in all Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) regardless of zone.
2.Most Single-Family (R-1) and Residential Estate (RE) zones prohibit STRs.
3.There is a strict 120-night annual cap for Tier 2 (non-primary) rentals.
4.A local 24/7 contact person must be able to respond to the property within 60 minutes.
5.A total lodging tax of 6% (2% general + 4% excise) must be paid to the town.
6.One owner is limited to only one STR license within town limits.
7.Basalt spans two counties; ensure you are within 'Town Limits' and not unincorporated Eagle/Pitkin county.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

•Basalt limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Basalt prohibits STRs in the following property types: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), Community Housing, Deed-restricted units, Tents/RVs.
•Basalt allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Condo, Townhome.
•Basalt: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(20)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Basalt: 1. STRs are prohibited in all Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) regardless of zone. 2. Most Single-Family (R-1) and Residential Estate (RE) zones prohibit STRs. 3. There is a strict 120-night annual cap for Tier 2 (non-primary) rentals. 4. A local 24/7 contact person must be able to respond to the property within 60 minutes. 5. A total lodging tax of 6% (2% general + 4% excise) must be paid to the town. 6. One owner is limited to only one STR license within town limits. 7. Basalt spans two counties; ensure you are within 'Town Limits' and not unincorporated Eagle/Pitkin county.

Application Process(11)

•STR regulations overview for Basalt: The Town of Basalt regulates short-term rentals through a tiered licensing system based on whether the property is a primary residence. STRs are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays and are prohibited in most Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and deed-restricted housing.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Basalt charges a registration fee of $450 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $1000 ($450 for Tier 1; $1,000 for Tier 2 properties.).

Taxes(3)

•Basalt charges a Lodging Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect state and local taxes, but hosts must verify remittance for the 4% additional excise tax.
•Basalt: A total lodging tax of 6% (2% general + 4% excise) must be paid to the town.

Limits & Restrictions(11)

•Basalt limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 8.
•Basalt: One owner is limited to only one STR license within town limits.
•Basalt: Basalt spans two counties; ensure you are within 'Town Limits' and not unincorporated Eagle/Pitkin county.
•Basalt: There is a strict 120-night annual cap for Tier 2 (non-primary) rentals.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Basalt requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Visible address numbers, Snow removal plan, Trash management plan.

Penalties(5)

•Basalt: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. STRs are prohibited in deed-restricted and affordable housing units.

Exemptions(5)

•Basalt, CO: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
•Basalt exempts the following from STR regulations: hosted rentals (where host is present), long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Basalt: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Colorado

Moderate

Unincorporated Summit County has strictly regulated STRs via a two-tier overlay system: 'Resort' zones have unlimited permits, while 'Neighborhood' zones are subject to strict precinct caps and a 35-night annual rental limit. All hosts must obtain an annual permit and collect a 2% STR Excise Tax in addition to standard sales taxes.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Eagle County

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Eagle County require an annual license and are subject to a 2% County Lodging Tax. The regulations, established in 2022, focus on parking, life safety, and ensuring a local contact is available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

La Plata County

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated La Plata County require a Vacation Rental Permit and must comply with Chapter 90, Article IV of the Land Use Code. Permits are tied to specific occupancy limits based on septic capacity and require wildfire mitigation and bear-proof trash containment.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

Aspen

Colorado

Strict

The City of Aspen requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit categorized into three types: Classic, Lodge, or Investment. Stricter regulations and a significant STR excise tax (5-10%) were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.2% total tax

Basalt

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

Requirements(20)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(11)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(5)

Exemptions(5)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen

Basalt

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Basalt?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Basalt?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Basalt?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Basalt?

5How many nights per year can I rent my property in Basalt?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen