How Do You Get a Short-Term Rental License in Mount Crested Butte?

Any rental in Mount Crested Butte of fewer than 30 consecutive days needs a town license. The Town's current FAQ lists a $400 new license fee, a $325 annual renewal, and a $10-per-person occupancy fee, with no cap on license numbers and no zoning restriction.

This post covers the Town of Mt. Crested Butte. The Town of Crested Butte and unincorporated Gunnison County have separate rules. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Who needs a license?

Anyone renting a dwelling unit for less than 30 consecutive days per occurrence needs a license, and each dwelling unit needs its own. A property manager can submit the application, but the owner must complete and sign the documents.

How do you apply?

Applications are submitted online through the town's MUNIRevs portal. Paper applications are not accepted. The town's FAQ says to start by emailing proof of ownership, either a warranty deed or the latest property tax statement, to the town's contact listed on the FAQ page, and you then receive setup directions. Processing the application and property inspection takes up to 60 days, and licenses are typically issued one to three weeks after that. The inspection takes about 30 minutes, and the owner or a local representative must attend.

What does it cost?

• New license: $400
• Annual renewal: $325
• Occupancy fee: $10 per person the property is advertised to sleep

What taxes apply to short-term rentals?

Per the town, rentals are subject to the town's 5 percent retail sales tax plus a 4.9 percent excise tax on gross short-term rent. State, county and district lodging taxes total 8.9 percent, for a combined 18.8 percent. Returns are filed monthly, quarterly or annually and are due by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb collects and remits taxes directly, VRBO does too unless a listing is managed through integrated property management software, and bookings through other sites are the owner's responsibility. Late filings carry a penalty of the greater of $15 or 10 percent of the deficiency plus interest. Confirm with the town or a tax professional.

When do licenses renew?

Licenses expire December 31. According to the town's FAQ, renewal applications are accepted from August 1 through November 2 and must be submitted 60 days before expiration. Renewals do not require a new inspection, though spot-check life-safety inspections can occur at any time. If you miss the renewal window, you must complete a new application and inspection.

What are the penalties?

The town lists a $200 fine for leaving the license number out of online advertisements, and fines of up to $1,000 per day for operating without a valid license. Display the license near the front door and include the number in every listing.

What should you check before buying a rental in Mount Crested Butte?

• HOA rules. Many condo associations set their own rental policies, separate from the town license.
• License status. Ask whether the seller holds a current license and whether it transfers or must be reapplied for under new ownership. Confirm with the town.
• Rental history and taxes. Ask for tax filings and rental records.
• Total cost. Add the license, occupancy fee, taxes and HOA dues to your income projections.

Does a license mean the rental will make money?

Not by itself. Income depends on location, condition, seasonality, management and price. Build conservative projections and talk with a tax professional.

What does a rental license mean for the property you buy?

Before you make an offer on a condo or home with rental history, ask the seller for their current license, recent tax filings and the HOA's rental rules. Ask the town whether a license must be reapplied for when ownership changes, and plan for the inspection timeline of up to 60 days plus the one to three weeks it can take to issue a license. If you close in the fall, also keep the August 1 to November 2 renewal window in mind so you don't lose the ability to renew. Building these questions into your due diligence helps keep your rental plan realistic.

What is the bottom line for Mount Crested Butte owners?

The town process is clear: apply online, pass a brief inspection, pay the fees, display your license number, file your taxes on time and renew in the window. The costs are manageable, but they add up with HOA dues and lodging taxes, so run your numbers carefully before you buy for rental income. When in doubt, ask the town directly, since rules and fees can be updated.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a short-term rental license in Mt. Crested Butte?

$400 for a new license and $325 for annual renewal, plus $10 per person the property is advertised to sleep.

Is there a cap on short-term rental licenses in Mt. Crested Butte?

The town states there is no cap and no zoning restrictions.

What is the combined lodging tax rate?

The town lists a combined 18.8 percent.

When is the renewal window?

August 1 through November 2, per the town's FAQ. Licenses expire December 31.

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

Source: Town of Mt. Crested Butte, Short-Term Rental FAQs (mtcb.colorado.gov), reviewed October 19, 2026.