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

**Yes**, Pagosa Springs requires a Short-Term Rental License for operation. You need to obtain this license annually to legally rent your property for stays under 30 days. Be sure to apply through the city's designated portal and meet all safety requirements. The license costs $750 annually.

What is the TOT tax rate in Pagosa Springs?

**4.9% TOT** is the current tax rate for short-term rentals in Pagosa Springs. You need to collect this tax from guests and remit it to the city on a regular basis. Check with the local finance department for specific filing deadlines and payment methods to remain compliant with local laws.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pagosa Springs?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Pagosa Springs, but with restrictions. The city has a 15% density cap in residential zones, which may limit the number of available licenses. Check with the city's planning department to confirm zoning and density requirements before starting operations.

How much does an STR permit cost in Pagosa Springs?

**$750** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Pagosa Springs. You need to pay this fee each year to maintain your license and legally operate a short-term rental. Failure to renew your license can result in fines and the suspension of your rental privileges.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Pagosa Springs?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb in Pagosa Springs. Only property owners are eligible to apply for and obtain a Short-Term Rental License. Subletting or operating an STR without the owner's consent is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

Pagosa Springs, CO Short-Term Rental Laws

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Pagosa Springs strictly regulates short-term rentals through a 15% density cap in residential zones and a mandatory annual licensing process. Hosts must pay a 4.9% city lodging tax and comply with occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 48 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $750
•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 the City of Pagosa Springs, you must first apply for a Short-Term Rental License from the Planning Department. Be aware that the city limits the number of rentals in residential areas to 15% of the total housing units, so there may be a waitlist. You will need to provide proof of insurance, pass a fire inspection, and pay an annual fee of at least $750. Once licensed, you are required to post your permit number on all online listings and collect both state and local lodging taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$750

Processing Time

30-60 days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Residential zones have a 15% density cap; no new licenses are issued once this is reached.
2.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
3.The annual fee increases to $1,500 if the property is not used to mitigate workforce housing issues.
4.A local contact person must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.
5.Maximum occupancy is strictly calculated as 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 extra, capped at 10 total.
6.Properties near city limits must verify they are truly within the City (not unincorporated Archuleta County).

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Pagosa Springs, CO: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Pagosa Springs: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
•Pagosa Springs, CO: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(18)

•Pagosa Springs STR warning: Residential zones have a 15% density cap; no new licenses are issued once this is reached.
•Pagosa Springs, CO: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Pagosa Springs, CO: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application Process(11)

•Pagosa Springs extended permit requirement: Fee for properties not meeting local workforce housing mitigation requirements
•Pagosa Springs: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of ownership, Liability insurance ($500k minimum), Sales and Lodging Tax License, Floor plan with emergency exits, Local property manager contact info.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Pagosa Springs charges a registration fee of $750 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $1500 (Fee for properties not meeting local workforce housing mitigation requirements).
•Pagosa Springs: The annual fee increases to $1,500 if the property is not used to mitigate workforce housing issues.

Taxes(2)

•Colorado has a state sales tax of 2.9% that applies to STR rentals.
•Pagosa Springs charges a Lodging Tax of 4.9%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 4.9% city lodging tax and the 2.9% state/county tax.

Limits & Restrictions(10)

•Pagosa Springs, CO: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Pagosa Springs: Residential zones have a 15% density cap; no new licenses are issued once this is reached.
•Pagosa Springs, CO occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Pagosa Springs requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Parking plan showing off-street parking, Trash management plan.

Penalties(3)

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

Exemptions(3)

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

Pagosa Springs

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(10)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(10)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen

Pagosa Springs

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 Pagosa Springs?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Pagosa Springs?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Pagosa Springs?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Pagosa Springs?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Pagosa Springs?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen