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

**Yes**, Breckenridge requires a Short-Term Rental License to operate legally. You need to apply for and receive a license through the town's designated portal, and the annual fee is $400. Ensure compliance with zone regulations, as neighborhoods (Zone 3) are subject to a hard cap on licenses.

What is the TOT tax rate in Breckenridge?

**12.27%** is the total lodging tax rate that applies to short-term rentals in Breckenridge. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the town. This total includes all applicable local and state taxes. Check the official Breckenridge website for specific filing deadlines.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Breckenridge?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Breckenridge, but the town enforces strict zoning regulations. Breckenridge operates under a three-zone system. Notably, neighborhoods designated as Zone 3 are subject to a hard cap on the number of available licenses. Check zoning maps to confirm your property's eligibility.

How much does an STR permit cost in Breckenridge?

**$400** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Breckenridge. You need to renew this license each year to maintain compliance. This fee helps fund the town's regulatory oversight and enforcement efforts related to short-term rentals. Ensure you factor this expense into your operating budget.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Breckenridge?

**No**, tenants cannot legally operate short-term rentals in Breckenridge. The town's regulations require that the property owner hold the Short-Term Rental License. Renters are not eligible to obtain this license. Subleasing a rental property for short-term purposes is a violation of town ordinances.

Breckenridge, CO Short-Term Rental Laws

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The Town of Breckenridge strictly regulates short-term rentals via a three-zone system where neighborhoods (Zone 3) are subject to a hard cap on licenses. All hosts must obtain an annual license, appoint a 60-minute local responder, and collect a total lodging tax of 12.27%.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 41 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Moderate permit fee: $400
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$400

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Waitlists for Zone 3 (Neighborhoods) can be extremely long; do not buy a home assuming you can rent it.
2.The 60-minute response rule for your local agent is strictly enforced; failing to respond to a noise complaint within an hour is a violation.
3.A 1% Town Excise Tax was added recently for affordable housing, bringing total local taxes higher than many neighboring towns.
4.The license is NOT transferable; if you sell the property, the new owner must apply for a new license (and potentially join a waitlist).
5.Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with an absolute maximum of 20 people regardless of home size.
6.You must post your Town License Number on every online listing (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
7.Outdoor hot tubs and fire pits have specific quiet hour and safety requirements.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Breckenridge limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Breckenridge: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Breckenridge allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Condo, Townhome.
•Breckenridge, CO: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(19)

•Breckenridge: Waitlists for Zone 3 (Neighborhoods) can be extremely long; do not buy a home assuming you can rent it.
•Breckenridge, CO: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
•Breckenridge, CO: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(12)

•Breckenridge: The license is NOT transferable; if you sell the property, the new owner must apply for a new license (and potentially join a waitlist).

Fees & Costs(1)

•Breckenridge charges a registration fee of $400 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $150 ($150 fee is for 'Studio' or '1 Bedroom' units; 2BR: $200; 3BR: $250; 4+BR: $300 (per bedroom fee tiers).).

Taxes(3)

•Breckenridge: A 1% Town Excise Tax was added recently for affordable housing, bringing total local taxes higher than many neighboring towns.
•Colorado has a state sales tax of 2.9% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Breckenridge, CO occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional (capped at 20 max). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Breckenridge: Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with an absolute maximum of 20 people regardless of home size.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Breckenridge: Outdoor hot tubs and fire pits have specific quiet hour and safety requirements.
•Breckenridge requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Self-inspection affidavit required, Parking plan posted in unit, Trash instructions posted.

Penalties(3)

•Breckenridge, CO: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Breckenridge: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Breckenridge exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Breckenridge, CO: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Breckenridge: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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

Breckenridge

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(19)

Application Process(12)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen

Breckenridge

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 Breckenridge?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Breckenridge?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Breckenridge?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Breckenridge?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Breckenridge?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen