Short-Term Rental Waitlist Now Open in Unincorporated Summit County
Summit County has reopened the Type II Short-Term Rental (STR) license waitlist for properties in the Upper Blue and Lower Blue basins. This is a limited window for unincorporated property owners to begin the process of legally obtaining a short-term rental license.
What is a Type II License?
A Type II license applies to homes that are not the owner's primary residence. These properties can be rented short-term year-round without occupancy minimums. This license is designed for investment or second-home properties used primarily as vacation rentals.
To qualify for a Type II license:
- The home must not be a primary residence
- It must be located in unincorporated Summit County (specifically Upper Blue or Lower Blue basins)
- It must meet all county STR requirements (including inspections and code compliance)
Current License Cap Information (as of January 2025):
Lower Blue Basin: Cap of 550 licenses
534 Type II licenses currently issued
Upper Blue Basin: Cap of 590 licenses
610 Type II licenses currently issued
(Note: Upper Blue is currently over cap, which may impact future approvals)
Key Details About the Waitlist:
- Only property owners can apply
- There is a $75 non-refundable application fee
- Once contacted, you have 30 days to submit your license application
- You cannot advertise or operate as a short-term rental until the license is approved and issued
Why This Matters:
Due to caps, licensing has been limited in these basins for some time. With the waitlist now open, it’s an opportunity for current or potential homeowners to take the first step toward obtaining a legal STR license. Even if you’re not ready to apply today, understanding your eligibility and timing is key.
Next Steps:
- Check if your property is in the Upper or Lower Blue Basin using this map:
https://gis.summitcountyco.gov/Html5Viewer/?viewer=BasinsSTR - Submit the waitlist application if eligible
- Reach out if you’re considering buying or selling and want to understand how STR licensing could affect your goals
Website for more information and the application:
https://www.summitcountyco.gov/services/community_development/short_term_rentals/str_waitlist.php
