Do You Need a Short-Term Rental License in Gunnison County?

If your rental is in unincorporated Gunnison County and you rent for fewer than 30 days at a time, you will need a county license starting January 1, 2027. Commissioners approved the program on October 6, 2026. The license costs $150 and must be renewed every three years.

What did Gunnison County approve?

According to the Crested Butte News (October 7, 2026), the Gunnison County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the county Land Use Resolution creating a short-term rental licensing program. It takes effect January 1, 2027. County staff described it earlier in the year as centered on licensing rather than heavy regulation, with the goal of giving the county a count and location of short-term rentals and supporting collection of local marketing district lodging taxes.

Who needs the license?

The program applies to short-term rentals in unincorporated Gunnison County. It does not replace the rules of incorporated towns. Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte have their own short-term rental systems, and you should check directly with the City of Gunnison if your property is inside city limits.

According to the October report, hotels, lodges and bed and breakfasts, long-term rentals, and home exchanges or house sitting are exempt. Staff also recommended that units approved and assessed as residential structures on mixed-use properties comply for any short-term listings. Because that article is a news summary, confirm exact definitions with the county.

How much does it cost and how long does it last?

The fee is $150. The license is good for three years, and renewals open ahead of expiration. In January 2026, staff described the three-year term and a renewal window opening 60 days before expiration.

What will the county look at?

Per the October report, applicants may need to provide their Colorado state account number, and staff may check for active code violations, the number of permitted legal bedrooms, and septic system capacity. Properties must also follow applicable county regulations and any municipal or private covenant restrictions, such as HOA rules. The program does not include property inspections and does not cap the number of licenses.

What is still unclear?

Two details are worth confirming with the county before January. Staff recommended a one-time 30-day grace period to obtain a license, but the article does not confirm commissioners kept it. Commissioners also changed the wording of the recommended 24-hour response window for local agents responding to complaints, and the final language was not reported. Penalties were not covered in the article.

What should owners do now?

• Confirm you are in the county, not a town. Your parcel's jurisdiction determines the rules.
• Check your covenants. HOA and subdivision rules can prohibit rentals regardless of the county license.
• Verify your bedroom count and septic. The county may check permitted legal bedrooms and septic capacity.
• Get your state tax account ready. Have your Colorado sales or lodging tax account number on hand.
• Watch for the application. Check the county's Community and Economic Development page for the form and instructions.

Does this affect buying a home in Gunnison County?

It can. If you plan to rent a property short-term, the license is only one piece. Ask for the septic records, confirm legal bedrooms, read the covenants, and learn whether the property sits in a town or the unincorporated county. A local agent can help you ask those questions before you write an offer. This post is general information, not legal advice.

How does this compare with other jurisdictions in the valley?

Short-term rental rules vary a lot from one jurisdiction to the next. For example, the Town of Mt. Crested Butte requires a license for any rental under 30 consecutive days, with a $400 new license fee, a $325 renewal and a $10-per-person occupancy fee, and it lists no cap on license numbers. Gunnison County's new program is lighter by comparison: $150, three years, no inspections and no cap, according to the reports above. The takeaway for owners and buyers is simple. Always confirm which jurisdiction a specific parcel is in before you underwrite rental income, because the address on the listing may not tell you whether town or county rules apply.

What is the bottom line for Gunnison County owners?

The new license is a modest step in cost and effort, but it is still a step: you will need the right paperwork, a clear picture of your legal bedrooms and septic, and an eye on the dates. If you already operate a rental, put January 1, 2027 on your calendar and watch for the county's application. If you are shopping for a rental property, make the license, covenants and septic part of your offer strategy rather than an afterthought.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Gunnison County STR license start?

January 1, 2027, per the Crested Butte News (October 7, 2026).

How much is the Gunnison County STR license?

$150, renewed every three years.

Does it apply in Crested Butte?

No. The program covers unincorporated Gunnison County. Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte have their own rules.

Is there a limit on how many licenses the county will issue?

The reported program has no cap on license numbers.

Do long-term rentals need the license?

Long-term rentals were reported as exempt.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Gunnison, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties.
Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: Crested Butte News, "County establishes licensing for STRs" (Oct. 7, 2026) and January 2026 coverage of the proposal.