El Paso County does not have a codified short term rental ordinance/Code and there are no specific regulations or permit requirements for short term rentals. However, El Paso County recommends hosts and guests use the below Good Neighbor Guidelines to minimize potential negative impacts on neighboring properties. Please note the Good Neighbor Guidelines are a recommendation and not an enforceable document.
El Paso County Good Neighbor Guidelines
- Be respectful to your neighbors and their property.
- Minimize music and noise. Be considerate of your neighbors’ right to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their home and property.
- Drive slowly through neighborhoods and watch for pedestrians and children playing.
- Keep the property clean and free of trash and debris.
- Colorado is home to wildlife such as black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions. Do not leave trash receptacles outside in areas that are prone to wildlife encounters. Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Limit parking to the driveway. Do not allow guests to park in front of driveways, mailboxes, or fire hydrants.
- Do not hold disruptive gatherings such as parties or events.
- Provide neighbors with a local contact to report their concerns.
- Check for fire restrictions in El Paso County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Paso County regulate short term rental properties?
El Paso County does not have a codified short term rental ordinance/Code and there are no specific regulations or permit requirements for short term rentals; however, properties used as short term rentals must comply with the El Paso County Land Development Code and County Ordinances.
Who do I contact to report a concern about a short term rental property?
In addition to contacting Airbnb and/or VRBO, citizens may report the following concerns to the departments/agencies listed below:
- Noise: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 719-390-5555.
- On-street parking and traffic hazards: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 719-390-5555.
- Feeding wildlife: Colorado Parks & Wildlife at 719-227-5200.
- Commercial events occurring on the property: please submit a complaint to El Paso County Code Enforcement. Please leave your contact information when submitting a complaint so a Code Enforcement Officer can contact you if needed.
What do I need to do if I want to use my property as a short term rental?
If a primary residence will be used as the short term rental, then no approval from Planning and Community Development is needed. We do recommend you use the above Good Neighbor Guidelines to minimize impact on surrounding neighbors.
If an accessory structure will be used as a short term rental, then zoning approval is needed. Please contact us at Planner of the Day or at 719-520-6944 to discuss the application process.
Are commercial events allowed?
The El Paso County Land Development Code defines a Business Event Center as “a for-profit business whose purpose is to provide a place for people to assemble for events in nature of, but not limited to, recreational, social, cultural, political, or educational purposes.” Property owners and/or Hosts must refrain from advertising their property as a place to hosts events such as weddings, business retreats, etc. to avoid a violation of the Land Development Code.
To report a business event center operating at a short term rental property, please submit a complaint to Code Enforcement.