Short-Term Rental Laws in Vail, Colorado

Vail permits STRs broadly across all residential and lodge zones. As of mid-2024 Vail had ~2,500 licensed STRs, with ~1,560 concentrated in Vail Village, Lionshead, and the Cascade Village resort core. The Town Council has periodically debated a cap or further restrictions but has not yet enacted them — track Vail Town Council agendas for proposed ordinance changes if you're evaluating an acquisition. Eagle County (unincorporated areas: Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum, Avon — wait, Avon is its own town) has parallel registration.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Vail Finance Department administers the registration program. Application requires proof of property insurance, designated local responsible-party contact reachable 24/7, safety certification (smoke + CO detectors, posted occupancy, fire extinguisher), and the property must be currently zoned for residential or lodge use. Annual renewal. Vail Public Safety enforces noise and trash ordinances; persistent violations can trigger license revocation. Code Enforcement also cross-checks platform listings against the registration roster.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Vail is approximately 12.800% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

Colorado State sales 2.9% + Eagle County 1.5% + Vail Town sales 4.0% + Vail lodging tax 1.4% + Vail STR registration fees — combined ~12.8% on STR receipts

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.