Telluride Short-Term Rental Regulations
Last verified: 2026-04-07
TL;DR
Telluride requires an STR permit — 3 types available (fees from $288+). See below for eligibility by type.
Combined tax rate is ~16%.
Annual day limit: 29 days–unlimited (varies by permit type). Key Requirements at a Glance
| Permit | ✓ Required — Classic License ($453+) — See below for other permit types |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | 29 days–unlimited (varies by permit type) |
| Tax Rate | ~16% |
| Max Penalty | $1,000 per day |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Which permit type applies to you?
- Classic License — Commercial/non-residential zones — unlimited rentals, no annual cap ($453+/year plus $857/bedroom regulatory fee)
- Limited License — Residential zones — limited to 29 nights/year maximum ($370.50+/year plus regulatory fee)
- Residential License — Residential zones with community benefit — limited to 29 nights/year, max 3 rentals/year ($288+/year plus regulatory fee)
Classic License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $453+ |
| Renewal | $453+ / Annual |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Limited License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $370.50+ |
| Renewal | $370.50+ / Annual |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Residential License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $288+ |
| Renewal | $288+ / Annual |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Application Process
Online only via Town of Telluride STR portal. Annual self-inspection checklist required. License non-transferable.
Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Telluride sales tax | 4.5% | City of Telluride |
| Town Lodgers' Tax | 2% | City of Telluride |
| Lodging excise tax (airline guarantee) | 2% | City of Telluride |
| Affordable Housing STR Tax | 2.5% | City of Telluride |
| Colorado state sales tax | 2.9% | State of Colorado |
| San Miguel County sales tax | 1.0% | County |
| San Miguel Co RTA TR | 1.07% | County |
Combined rate: ~16% of gross rental income.
Collection: Self-remit
Filing: Monthly
Rental Limits
Telluride annual day limit: 29 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).
Zoning & Restrictions
Non-residential zones only
Insurance & Safety
Safety & Operating Requirements
- Annual self-inspection checklist certifying basic life and safety features
- Random inspections may occur throughout the year
- License must be posted prominently on the property
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Maximum penalty: $1,000 per day.
Platform Requirements
- Platforms have no tax agreements with the Town
- Hosts must self-remit. License number must be displayed in all advertisements.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Telluride:
- Determine your permit type. Telluride has 3 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Classic License, Limited License, Residential License).
- Meet safety requirements. Annual self-inspection checklist certifying basic life and safety features. Random inspections may occur throughout the year. License must be posted prominently on the property.
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $453+ fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Town of Telluride.
- Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
- Collect and remit taxes. ~16% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($453+ / $370.50+ / $288+). See permit types above.