City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Fort Collins, CO
How Fort Collins regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Rules here limit which homes may operate as short-term rentals, how many, where, or for how many nights a year.
- Non-primary (whole-home, non-owner-occupied) STRs permitted only in zones that allow lodging establishments; excluded from residential zones
- Primary STRs require owner residence at least 9 months per year
- STR license required (city Chapter 15) with primary vs non-primary categories
- Buildings with 3+ units cannot operate an STR regardless of zone; R-2 multi-family excluded
Based on: Code of the City of Fort Collins Ch. 15, Art. XVIII (STR licensing) + Land Use Code Art. 4 (permitted-use/zoning); STR
Summary of the rule
Primary STRs are permitted in zones that currently allow all hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts (green zones); non-primary STRs are permitted only in zones that currently allow lodging establishments (yellow zones); STRs are prohibited in all other (uncolored) zones, which include most residential zone districts.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 14, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Fort Collins · system last checked Nov 9, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.