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
GIS Summit County Tool. This tool will allow you to enter your address and determine whether it is within Keystone or unincorporated Summit County.
All short term vacation rental properties must receive an STR license prior to advertising or operation.
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 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. Failure to apply for a renewal license during this time period will result in the expiration of your license.
If you're eyeing the sale of your property, note that short-term rental licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable.
To navigate the landscape effectively, check out the searchable GIS map of Short-term Rental Areas available HERE. This tool allows you to identify a specific property's zone by searching for its address, subdivision, or schedule number. Stay informed and enjoy the short-term rental adventure!
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.
Legal documents and tax assessment records are cross-referenced to verify consistency with the short-term rental address. The applicant's business engagements, employment, income sources, and other financial ties are examined to determine if the short-term rental serves as their primary residence for tax and residence purposes. The duration of the short-term rental's occupancy throughout the calendar year plays a crucial role. This, combined with factors like military deployment status and any other relevant information brought to light by the director or the applicant, aids in the determination of primary residence status. For a more nuanced understanding, consider the scenarios listed below. While not exhaustive and not to be taken as legal advice, these scenarios offer insights into whether a single residential dwelling unit qualifies as the primary residence for short-term rental purposes.
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.
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. Report a Violation
Keystone regulates Short Term Rentals, defined as dwellings or rooms rented for less than a consecutive 30-day period.
If you own an STR property, you are required to obtain an STR license.
Learn the code of ethics for Keystone visitors staying in a short-term vacation rental.
STRs in unincorporated Keystone are subject to our short-term rental regulations.
