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

**Yes**, Buena Vista requires a Short-Term Rental License for all rentals. You need to apply and undergo a safety inspection to obtain this annual license. The license fee is $500 per year. Operating without a license can result in fines, so ensure compliance.

What is the TOT tax rate in Buena Vista?

**2% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals. You are responsible for collecting this tax from guests. You must remit it to the Town of Buena Vista. Check with the local finance department for payment schedules and reporting requirements.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Buena Vista?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Buena Vista, but with restrictions. There is a cap on non-owner-occupied licenses in certain residential zones. This aims to preserve housing stock. Check with the town's planning department to confirm zoning regulations and restrictions.

How much does an STR permit cost in Buena Vista?

**$500** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Buena Vista. This fee covers the cost of the application process and annual safety inspection. You need to renew this license each year to continue operating legally. Contact the town for payment options.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Buena Vista?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Buena Vista. The regulations require that the property owner obtain the short-term rental license. Renters are not eligible to apply for or hold a short-term rental license. Ensure you comply with all local rules.

Buena Vista, CO Short-Term Rental... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The Town of Buena Vista requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual license and undergo a safety inspection. The town enforces a cap on non-owner-occupied licenses in certain residential zones to preserve housing stock.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 48 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $500
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Buena Vista, you must first get a town license which costs $500 for the first year. You'll need to pass a fire safety inspection and prove you have at least $1 million in liability insurance. Only one STR property is allowed per person. You are also responsible for collecting a 2% Lodging Tax and a 4% City Sales Tax on top of state taxes, and you must file these returns with the town monthly.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$500

Processing Time

30-45 days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.You can only hold one STR license per individual or entity in Buena Vista.
2.Non-owner occupied units (Type 2) are subject to a density cap in residential neighborhoods; you may be placed on a waitlist.
3.A local contact person who lives within 30 minutes of the property must be available 24/7.
4.The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, but never more than 10 people.
5.ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are allowed to be STRs but only if the property owner lives on-site.
6.Your license number must be clearly displayed in the first line of your Airbnb or VRBO listing title or description.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Buena Vista: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Buena Vista does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Buena Vista: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(21)

•Buena Vista, CO: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
•Buena Vista: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Buena Vista: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are allowed to be STRs but only if the property owner lives on-site.

Application Process(11)

•Buena Vista STR permit - Step 1: Zoning Verification. Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STRs and check if the 'cap' for non-owner occupied units in your neighborhood has been reached. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Buena Vista charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Buena Vista charges a Lodging Tax of 2%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 2.9% State sales tax, but the 2% local Lodging Tax and 4% City Sales Tax must be remitted by the host unless a specific agreement exists.
•Colorado has a state sales tax of 2.9% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(9)

•Buena Vista, CO occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Buena Vista, CO: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Buena Vista limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Buena Vista requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Working landline or VOIP phone required if cell service is unreliable, Egress windows in all sleeping areas.

Penalties(3)

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

Exemptions(3)

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

Buena Vista

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(21)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

Create a free account

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen

Buena Vista

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Buena Vista?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Buena Vista?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Buena Vista?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Buena Vista?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen