2026 Summit County Short-Term Rental License Rules by Town
If you rent your Summit County home for less than 30 consecutive days, you need a short-term rental (STR) license from the town it sits in. Each town sets its own caps, fees, renewal dates and occupancy limits. Here's where things stand for 2026 in the five towns we serve, with links to each official source.
Before you act, verify with the town. Rules and license counts change, and town lists aren't always up to date. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Also check your HOA covenants, since many HOAs add their own limits.
What every town has in common
- A license is required for each property rented under 30 consecutive days, no matter how you market it (Airbnb, Vrbo, a manager, word of mouth).
- Licenses don't transfer when a property sells. A new owner must apply.
- Your license number must appear in your listings.
- You must name a responsible agent who can answer guest or neighbor issues around the clock.
- Lodging and sales taxes apply on top of the license.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge licenses by zone. Per the town's July 2026 list, the Resort Properties Zone has no cap or waitlist, and Zone 1 (Tourism) had 467 of 1,680 licenses available. Zone 2 (Downtown Core) is full at 130, and Zone 3 (Residential) is far over its 390 cap, so both are waitlist only. The annual regulatory fee is $756 per studio or bedroom, plus the business license tax. Look up your zone on the town's interactive map before you buy or apply.
Sources: Accommodation Unit (STR) Licenses, License availability and waitlists, STR interactive map
Frisco
Frisco caps STR licenses at 25% of the town's residential units. It reached that cap in February 2023 and now runs a waitlist for new applicants. The license is $250 a year, all licenses expire April 30, and renewal runs February 20 to April 30. Occupancy is two guests per bedroom plus four.
Sources: STR Guide and FAQs, Application and waitlist
Dillon
Dillon charges a flat $700 a year. Licenses expire May 31 and don't auto renew. Renewals open in April, late fees start June 1, and any renewal not finished by July 1 must stop operating. Occupancy is two guests per bedroom plus two, and the application needs a floor plan showing safety equipment and exits. Applications and renewals run through MuniRevs.
Source: Dillon STR Regulations
Silverthorne
Silverthorne caps licenses at 10% of units in most neighborhoods (Area 1) and 50% in the Town Core and Riverfront (Area 2). Deed-restricted areas (Area 3) cannot short-term rent. Fees run from $150 for a studio to $500 for six or more bedrooms. Licenses expire November 30 and must be renewed by December 31. Occupancy is two per bedroom plus two. Duplex owners must give the adjoining owner written notice seven days before applying. Note that some "Silverthorne" addresses, such as Wildernest, are in unincorporated Summit County and follow county rules instead.
Source: Silverthorne STR Licenses
Blue River
On May 19, 2026, Blue River adopted an emergency moratorium on new and lapsed STR licenses through December 31, 2026. Properties already holding a valid 2026 license and staying current on lodging tax can keep operating. Blue River also limits owners to one license. In late October 2026 the town published ordinances that replace its STR rules in stages: new provisions take effect December 15, 2026 for processing renewals, with new licenses effective May 1, 2027. If you're licensed, don't let it lapse. If you're not, ask the town whether you qualify under the current rules.
Sources: Town of Blue River ordinances, Summit Daily on the moratorium
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to list on Airbnb or Vrbo in Summit County?
Yes. Every town above requires a license for stays under 30 consecutive days, and your license number must appear in the listing.
Does a license transfer when I buy a home?
No. In all five towns the license ends with the sale, and the buyer applies on their own. In capped areas that can mean a waitlist.
Which towns have licenses available now?
Based on the latest town postings: Breckenridge Resort and Zone 1, and Silverthorne Areas 1 and 2 subject to their caps. Frisco and Breckenridge Zones 2 and 3 are waitlist only. Blue River is not issuing new licenses through 2026. Dillon's STR page doesn't list a cap. Confirm with the town before you rely on this.
Can a co-host be my responsible agent?
Yes. Towns let you name a management company or individual. Moose Hospitality can serve as your responsible agent for a flat monthly fee, while you keep your license, listing and payouts.
Have questions about your property? Reach us through the form at moosehospitality.com or at [email protected].
Chris and Kathryn
The Moose Hospitality Team