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Durango

Colorado · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Durango Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateLodger's tax applies (rate to be confirmed at DurangoGov.org); city sales tax also applies. State sales tax (2.9%) additionally applies.
Night / Day CapNone identified, but STRs are defined as rentals of 1–29 days
Minimum StayMinimum 1 night; maximum 29 nights (STRs defined as 1–29 day rentals)
Permit FeeLimited Use Permit (LUP) required prior to establishment or advertisement; specific fee amount not confirmed in official sources reviewed — consult Du
PenaltiesAdvertising without a permit is a violation subject to fines. Specific penalty amounts not confirmed in official sources — consult City of Durango Com
Primary Residence RequiredPartial — non-owner-occupied STRs are subject to additional regulations in certain residential zones; distance and density requirements may apply to n
Occupancy LimitTypically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (per Durango's standard formula); parking requirements also apply
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Durango Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Durango Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Durango, Colorado are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Limited Use Permit (LUP) required prior to establishment or advertisement; specific fee amount not c.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Durango

Short-term rental operators in Durango should be aware of these tax obligations: Lodger's tax applies (rate to be confirmed at DurangoGov.org); city sales tax also applies. State sales tax (2.9%) additionally applies..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Durango

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Durango include: Primary residence requirement: Partial — non-owner-occupied STRs are subject to additional regulations in certain residential zones; distance and densi. Rental day cap: None identified, but STRs are defined as rentals of 1–29 days. Occupancy limit: Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (per Durango's standard formula); parking requirements also appl. Minimum stay: Minimum 1 night; maximum 29 nights (STRs defined as 1–29 day rentals).

Zoning and Location Requirements in Durango

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Durango: STRs are permitted only in certain zones. In Established Neighborhood zones, density restrictions apply. Durango's Land Use and Development Code has regulated vacation rentals since 1989. Vacation ren. Density rules: In Established Neighborhood zones: a second vacation rental is not allowed on the same street segment as an existing permitted vacation rental without. Insurance: Unknown — not confirmed in official sources reviewed.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Durango

Hosts who fail to comply with Durango's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Advertising without a permit is a violation subject to fines. Specific penalty amounts not confirmed in official sources — consult City of Durango Community Development Department..

Platform Obligations in Durango

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Durango: Advertising prior to obtaining a Limited Use Permit is prohibited.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Limited Use Permit (LUP) required prior to establishment or advertisement; specific fee amount not confirmed in official sources reviewed — consult DurangoGov.org for current fee schedule
Primary Residence Rule
Partial — non-owner-occupied STRs are subject to additional regulations in certain residential zones; distance and density requirements may apply to non-owner-occupied units
Night / Day Cap
None identified, but STRs are defined as rentals of 1–29 days
Occupancy Limit
Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (per Durango's standard formula); parking requirements also apply
Tax Rate
Lodger's tax applies (rate to be confirmed at DurangoGov.org); city sales tax also applies. State sales tax (2.9%) additionally applies.
Zoning Restrictions
STRs are permitted only in certain zones. In Established Neighborhood zones, density restrictions apply. Durango's Land Use and Development Code has regulated vacation rentals since 1989. Vacation rentals may be prohibited in some residential zones.
Minimum Stay
Minimum 1 night; maximum 29 nights (STRs defined as 1–29 day rentals)
Density Rules
In Established Neighborhood zones: a second vacation rental is not allowed on the same street segment as an existing permitted vacation rental without Planning Commission approval; a third vacation rental is not permitted on a street segment under any circumstances.
Insurance Required
Unknown — not confirmed in official sources reviewed
Platform Obligations
Advertising prior to obtaining a Limited Use Permit is prohibited
Compliance Notes
Durango has regulated vacation rentals (STRs) since 1989 under its Land Use and Development Code. Operators must obtain a Limited Use Permit (LUP) and a Lodger's Tax License before advertising or operating. Density rules in Established Neighborhood zones are strictly enforced. Consult DurangoGov.org for current LUP application requirements and fee schedule.
Effective Date
STR regulations in place since 1989 (original Land Use and Development Code); updated regulations reflecting density rules adopted in subsequent years
Key Notes
Durango is one of Colorado's most historically stringent STR regulators, having regulated vacation rentals since 1989. The street-segment density cap in Established Neighborhoods is a distinctive feature limiting STR concentration. Both zoning compliance and tax registration are prerequisites before any advertising.
Penalties
Advertising without a permit is a violation subject to fines. Specific penalty amounts not confirmed in official sources — consult City of Durango Community Development Department.
Additional Context
Durango's popularity as a mountain tourism destination has led to ongoing tension between STR operators and community housing advocates. The city's density rules in residential neighborhoods are designed to preserve housing stock and neighborhood character. La Plata County has separate STR regulations for unincorporated areas.
Sources
City of Durango Official Vacation Rental Page: https://www.durangoco.gov/800/Vacation-Rental-Information
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Durango?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Durango but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Durango has regulated vacation rentals (STRs) since 1989 under its Land Use and Development Code. Operators must obtain a Limited Use Permit (LUP) and a Lodger's Tax License before advertising or oper

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Durango?

Yes. Durango requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Durango?

Short-term rental hosts in Durango are subject to the following tax obligations: Lodger's tax applies (rate to be confirmed at DurangoGov.org); city sales tax also applies. State sales tax (2.9%) additionally applies..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Durango?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Durango may face enforcement. Advertising without a permit is a violation subject to fines. Specific penalty amounts not confirmed in official sources — consult City of Durango Community Development Department..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Durango?

Durango is one of Colorado's most historically stringent STR regulators, having regulated vacation rentals since 1989. The street-segment density cap in Established Neighborhoods is a distinctive feature limiting STR concentration. Both zoning compliance and tax registration are prerequisites before any advertising.

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