Apply for a Short Term Rental License#
Short Term Rental (STR) License Applications are processed through the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System.*
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.
*Paper application available upon request. Please send an email to afredericks@fcgov.com or call 970.221.6780 for more information.
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
Detailed Instructions to Apply#
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If you are in a zone that allows STR, move on to Step 2.
NOTE: If you own a multifamily building with 3+ units, you are prohibited from renting a STR regardless of being in an allowable zone.
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If you live in an HOA, verify that your HOA covenants allow STRs. If yes, move on to Step 3.
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Call the Building Department at 970-416-2740 to make sure there are no expired or open building permits that need to be addressed. Expired permits can delay the process. If there are none, proceed to Step 4.
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Visit the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System to create an account and apply for a Sales Tax/Business License.
This step can take 5-7 days to be approved. While this step is pending, you can gather these required documents:
- Proof of Personal Liability Coverage (found in your homeowner’s insurance).
- For Primary STRs: A copy of your Driver’s License, Car Registration, or Voter Registration to prove you reside at the property for at least 9 months out of the year.
- Proof of ownership (example: a print off from the Larimer County Assessor’s Page. Only the owner of the property may operate a STR).
- Photos of the rental space.
Once the Sales Tax/Business License is approved, you will receive an email from a City staff member letting you know you can proceed in applying for your STR License.
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Log in to the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System to complete the STR application. When you log in, you will see an open task in your business center. Click on the task to complete your STR application.
The application includes uploading required documents and paying the $150 license fee.
Required Documents:#
- Proof of Personal Liability Coverage (found in your homeowner’s insurance).
- For Primary STRs: A copy of your Driver’s License, Car Registration, or Voter Registration to prove you reside at the property for at least 9 months out of the year.
- Proof of ownership (example: a print off from the Larimer County Assessor’s Page. Only the owner of the property may operate a STR).
- Photos of the rental space.
When you log in to the Fort Collins Online Sales Tax System, you will see an open task in your business center. Click on the task to complete your STR application.
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Once your application has been submitted and documents uploaded, it will be processed and sent to the zoning department for approval.
Processing time ranges from 7-10 business days. You will receive a final email from a City staff member when your license is approved.
A printed copy of your license must be posted in your rental AND your STR license number should be included on all online listings.