One of the provisions in Summit County’s short term rental (STR) regulations put in place in 2023 was to cap the number of STR licenses that could be issued in each of their identified areas. Some of those caps were actually below the number of licenses that were already in place. That meant they could not issue any new licenses until the number of license holders dropped below the cap. The 2023 ordinance also specified that there is no wait list until the number of licenses is within 10% of the cap. At the last license count at the beginning of 2025, it happened. The existing licenses were low enough in two of the basins. That triggered Summit County to create and implement the wait list procedures. Those homeowners wanting STR licenses have been waiting for the opening of the wait list. Well that day has finally come. Summit County’s short term rental wait list is set to open at 8am MT on July 22, 2025 for both the Upper Blue Basin and the Lower Blue Basin.
Where is my property located?
It’s important you know which jurisdiction your property is in. If it is within town limits, each town has their own STR rules. Properties outside of town limits fall in the county’s jurisdiction. The county has been split into 4 basins. Only 2 of those basins are eligible for the wait list.
How to apply to be on the short term rental wait list
The property owner must apply. Applications will not be accepted from Realtors or property managers on an owner’s behalf. A non-refundable $75 fee will be charged. If your property is not within the boundaries of the available basins or is not eligible for another reason, your $75 fee will not be refunded. Make sure your property qualifies. Properties will be added to the wait list on a first come, first served basis. If the county contacts the next owner on the wait list, that owner will have 30 days to submit an application for a STR license.
Beginning at 8am MT on July 22nd, visit the county website to apply for the wait list. As of January 2025, there were 16 licenses available in the Lower Blue Basin and a surplus of 20 licenses in the Upper Blue Basin.
Need more information?
Click here to find additional information about the caps and most recent license count in each basin.
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