KEYSTONE

Short-Term Rental (STR) Licenses


Keystone regulates short-term vacation rentals (STRs) to address neighborhood impacts and life safety issues. Keystone regulations for STRs are applicable to properties within the town limits of Keystone.


If you are unsure of whether or not your property is within Town limits, please utilize the Summit County GIS parcel query tool. This tool will allow you to enter your address and determine whether it is within Keystone or unincorporated Summit County.


If you own property within Keystone and are interested in renting it out for periods of less than 30 consecutive days, you must obtain a short-term vacation rental (STR) license and remit all applicable taxes.

All short term vacation rental properties must receive an STR license prior to advertising or operation.

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Sunburst overlooking frozen river with pine trees.

Short -Term Rental Guidelines


A Short-Term Rental is defined as the rental of any dwelling unit for a period less than thirty consecutive days. Regulations for Short-Term Rentals do not apply to the furnishing of lodging services in hotels, motels, lodges, or units within a building operating akin to that of a hotel or motel with a central check-in located within such facility.


If you are unsure whether or not these regulations apply to your property, please inquire with the Town Clerk’s Office at 970-450-3500x1 or clerk@keystoneco.gov.

This page provides a basic overview of requirements and regulations related to Short-Term Rentals. To view the full details surrounding Short-Term Rental regulations in the Town of Keystone, you will need to reference two places. First, is in the  Town’s Land Use and Development code in section 3821. Second is in Ordinance 2024-O-07, Regulating Short-Term Rentals.

Keep in mind that individual homeowner’s associations (HOAs) might have their own set of rules and regulations concerning short-term rentals. Receiving a license from the Town of Keystone does not exempt you from having to comply with the requirements of your HOA.


Whether you're spreading the word through management companies, online platforms like VRBO and Airbnb, newspaper ads, or just a casual chat, the license is a non-negotiable requirement. The license number should be listed in all property advertisements.

If you’re considering purchasing a property in Keystone, note that STR licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable. When you purchase a property, you must apply for and receive a new license before listing the property as a STR.

STR licenses in Keystone cost $285 for both new and renewal licenses. Licenses are valid until September 30 in the year following the year they were issued. Renewals in 2024 will be available from August 30, 2024, to September 30, 2024. Failure to apply for a renewal license during this time period will result in the expiration of your license.

Are you considering hosting paid guests for 29 nights or less at a time in any residential dwelling or dwelling unit? If you answered yes, then welcome to the short-term rental scene! Before you list your property online or accept a paid reservation, make sure you have received a valid STR license from the Town of Keystone. In order to rent the property, you must be the owner of the property.
To track the progress of your application, applicants have the convenience of checking the status through the online application portal. In the case of a complete and pending renewal, applicants can continue their short-term rental operations during the renewal process. All official correspondence, including requests for additional information, will be directed to the email address linked to the application.

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If you believe someone is short term renting a property within the Keystone town boundaries without a license or someone is violating Keystone Short Term Rental guidelines you should report the violation.

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