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Silverthorne, CO, Short-Term Rental Rules: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Silverthorne short-term rental rules are among the most complex in Summit County. Not because the process is difficult. But because Silverthorne divides the entire town into three distinct zones, each with its own cap, its own rules, and in one zone, a complete ban on short-term rentals.

Before you buy a property in Silverthorne with rental income in mind, you need to know exactly which zone your property falls in. Learn all about the three zones and all STR rules in Silverthorne in this guide.

What is a Short-Term Rental in Silverthorne, CO?

According to the Silverthorne Government official Short-Term Rental page, a short-term rental in Silverthorne is any residential dwelling unit, or any room within that unit, that is made available for lease for fewer than 30 consecutive days.

It does not matter how the property is marketed or rented out. Airbnb, VRBO, a property management company, a personal website, a newspaper ad, or word of mouth all count. If someone pays to stay in your Silverthorne property for less than 30 days, you are operating a short-term rental, and you need a Town of Silverthorne STR license.

This applies to any type of residential property inside Silverthorne town limits. Condos, townhomes, single-family homes, duplexes, and individual rooms within a home all qualify.

There are two important things to note when it comes to Silverthorne short-term rentals. First, even if you hire a property management company to handle everything, the STR license is your responsibility as the property owner.

The management company needs a business license. You need the STR license. They are two separate requirements.

Secondly, the definition and rules only apply to properties inside Silverthorne town limits. An unincorporated address near Silverthorne falls under Summit County STR rules instead.

Always verify your property's jurisdiction using the Summit County GIS Parcel Query Tool before assuming Silverthorne's rules apply.

What Are the 11 Operating Rules for Silverthorne Short-Term Rentals?

These are the primary rules that apply to every Silverthorne vacation rental regardless of which zone it falls in.

1. A valid STR license is required for every rental property: Even if you hire a property management company to handle everything, the license is tied to the property owner, not the manager. The manager needs a business license. You need the STR license.
2. The license number must appear on all print and online advertising: Every listing on Airbnb, VRBO, or your own website, or in print, must display your Town of Silverthorne STR license number. Per the official ordinance, the license number is placed after the description of the property.
3. Deed-restricted properties cannot be rented short-term: If your property is in a deed-restricted neighborhood, you cannot get an STR license under any circumstances. No exceptions.
4. STR licenses are generally non-transferable: In a standard property sale to a new owner, the existing license does not transfer. The new owner must submit a new STR license application.
5. HOA rules apply separately: A town STR license gives you government permission to rent. It does not override your HOA. Check your HOA documents before you apply.
6. Owner-occupied exemption exists: If you live in your property full-time and rent it out only while you are away, the Municipal Code Section 1-7-52 exempts owner-occupied rentals from the zone caps in Areas 1 and 2. This means you can potentially get a license in an Area 1 neighborhood that has already hit its cap, provided you qualify as an owner-occupant. Contact the Town Finance Director at str@silverthorne.org to confirm eligibility before relying on this exemption.
7. Occupancy limits: Maximum occupancy is 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people. A 2-bedroom property can host 6 guests. A 3-bedroom can host 8. The number of bedrooms is determined by the Summit County Assessor's Office, not the owner. Your advertised occupancy cannot exceed these limits.
8. 24-hour responsible agent: You must have a designated contact reachable around the clock. That person does not have to be a professional property manager. It can be you. But they must be reachable at all times.
9. Noise control policy: Quiet hours begin at 11 PM. Guests must respect neighbors' right to quiet enjoyment of their homes.
10. Parking rules: Guests must park in designated spaces only. Street parking in Silverthorne is prohibited and subject to fines. Do not let guests park on roadways, lawns, or in any way that blocks driveways or sidewalks.
11. Trash policy: Trash and recycling containers must be stored indoors. The responsible agent handles trash on pickup day, placing containers out no earlier than 6 AM and returning them by 7 PM.

STR licenses expire on November 30 of each calendar year per the Municipal Code. The renewal deadline is December 31.

If a completed renewal application is not submitted within 31 days of that deadline, the license is administratively terminated, and you must start from scratch with a new application and licensing fee.

Responsible agent response times are also set by the Municipal Code. When the town contacts your responsible agent about a complaint, the agent must respond and attempt to resolve the issue within 60 minutes.

Between 10 PM and 7 AM, that window shrinks to 30 minutes. If the complaint is not resolved within those timeframes, the complaining party may escalate to a formal written complaint.

STR complaints in Silverthorne are handled by two lines. The Town of Silverthorne STR complaint line is 970-406-4499. The Summit County non-emergency dispatch line is 970-668-8600.

How Is Silverthorne Different From Other Summit County STR Markets?

In our articles, the STR rules for both Frisco and Dillon are covered. Now that you are reading about Silverthorne, here is how all three compare.

• Frisco has a single hard cap of 900 total licenses across the whole town. It reached that cap in February 2023 and has had an active waitlist of 12 to 14 months since then.
• Dillon has no cap at all. Any property inside Dillon town limits can get a license immediately after applying. But the annual fee is $700 flat, and the total tax rate is 19.875%.
• Silverthorne uses a three-zone system. Most neighborhoods have a 10% cap. The town core and riverfront areas have a 50% cap. Deed-restricted neighborhoods are completely banned.

The fee scales by bedroom count rather than a flat rate. And the total tax rate of 16.375% is in between Frisco and Dillon.

Silverthorne's zone approach means availability and rules vary significantly depending on exactly where in the town your property is located. Two properties one street apart could be in completely different zones with completely different rules.

What are the three STR Zones in Silverthorne?

Before anything else, you need to know which of the three zones your property falls in. The Town of Silverthorne provides a map of all three zones on its website. Use it to confirm your zone before you go any further.

The three Silverthorne STR zones are:

Area 1: The 10% Cap Zone

Area 1 covers the majority of Silverthorne's residential neighborhoods. STR licenses are capped at 10% of the approved number of units in each subdivision in this zone.

Importantly, the cap applies per neighborhood, not as a single town-wide pool. A neighborhood with 200 units can have no more than 20 active STR licenses.

When a specific neighborhood hits its limit, no new licenses are issued there even if spots remain in other Area 1 neighborhoods. If you are buying in an Area 1 subdivision, confirm immediately whether a license is still available in that specific neighborhood before you close.

The subdivisions in Area 1 of Silverthorne, CO, include Angler Mountain Ranch, Angler Mountain Vistas, Arctic Placer, Arrowleaf Townhomes, Beaver Valley, Blue River Mesa, Blue River Run, Eagles Nest Golf Course, Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks, Fish Hawk Landing, L. Arnold Subdivision, Ponds at Blue River, Ptarmigan Trail Estates, Rainbow Village, Riverbend Condos, Riverfront Condos, Silverthorne Heights Condos, Timber Valley Townhomes, West of the Blue Townhomes, Willowbrook, Willowbrook Meadows, Willow Grove.

Area 2: The 50% Cap Zone

Area 2 covers the Town Core, Summit Sky Ranch, and riverfront areas of Silverthorne. STR licenses here are capped at 50% of the approved number of units in each subdivision. That is a significantly more generous cap than Area 1.

Compared to Area 1's remaining licenses, Area 2 has far more room for new operators.

The subdivisions in Area 2 of Silverthorne, CO, include Apres Shores, Azure Landing, Blue River Flats, Fourth Street Crossing, Fourth Street North, Rainbow Run, Retreat On the Blue, Rivers Edge Condos, River West Condos, Silverthorne Sub, Silverthorne Town Center, Skywalk Flats, South Maryland Creek Ranch (also known as Summit Sky Ranch), Summit Blue, Treeline Rowhomes, and Wave on the Blue.

Area 3: Deed-Restricted Neighborhoods, No STRs Permitted

STRs are completely prohibited in Area 3 of the Silverthorne subdivision. These are deed-restricted neighborhoods where short-term rentals are not allowed under any circumstances. No license can be issued here regardless of availability.

Area 3 has 560 approved units and 560 built units. The confirmed subdivisions in Area 3 include Blue River Apartments, Bristlecone Condominiums, Solarado Subdivision, Smith Ranch, and Villa Sierra Madre I and II.

If you are buying a property in any of these subdivisions and rental income is part of your plan, stop right here. That plan will not work in an Area 3 property.

How Do You Apply for a Silverthorne STR License?

Before you apply for a Silverthorne STR license, confirm three things. First, check which zone your property is in using the town's zone map. Second, verify that licenses are still available in your zone. Third, check whether your HOA permits short-term rentals.

Once confirmed, your Silverthorne STR license application requires the following.

• Complete the New STR License Application: Available on the Town of Silverthorne STR page.
• Complete and notarize the Self-Compliance Affidavit: This is a signed and notarized document confirming your property meets all life safety requirements, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
• Complete the Registered Agent and Owner Authorization Form: You must designate a responsible agent available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to any complaints or issues related to the property.
• Read and sign the Good Neighbor Guidelines: These cover noise, parking, pets, trash, and general conduct expectations for your guests.
• Submit all documents with payment: Fees are based on the number of bedrooms in the property. See the fee schedule below.
• Additional requirement for duplex owners: If your property is part of a duplex, you must notify the adjoining unit owner in writing at least 7 days before filing your application. A copy of that notice and proof of mailing are required as part of your application.

Questions about applications can be directed to str@silverthorne.org or by calling the Town of Silverthorne at 970-262-7300.

What Are the STR License Fees in Silverthorne?

Here is the fee structure for the Silverthorne, CO, STR license:

• Studio: $150 per year
• 1 bedroom: $200 per year
• 2 bedrooms: $250 per year
• 3 bedrooms: $300 per year
• 4 bedrooms: $350 per year
• 5 bedrooms: $450 per year
• 6 or more bedrooms: $500 per year

As you can see, Silverthorne's STR license fees scale by bedroom count. Also, the fees are fixed regardless of when during the year the license is obtained, and fees are also non-refundable.

Thinking about buying a property in Silverthorne for short-term rental income?

The three-zone system makes the research more complex than in Frisco or Dillon. Knowing which zone your property falls in, how many licenses remain in that zone, and whether your HOA permits rentals all need to be confirmed before you close.

Natalia Bassova of Resort Real Estate Inc. has over 21 years of experience in the Silverthorne and Summit County market. She knows which communities are in which zones and what is coming to market before it goes public. Call 970-389-8899 or email summitrealty@luckymountainhome.com to talk through your options.

What Taxes Apply to Short-Term Rentals in Silverthorne, CO?

The total tax rate on short-term rental revenue in Silverthorne is 16.375%. This applies to gross rental revenue, including all fees charged to guests. Here is the full breakdown. See how the tax breaks down below:

• Town of Silverthorne: 10.0% (2.0% sales tax plus 8.0% lodging tax)
• State of Colorado: 2.9%
• Summit County: 2.0%
• Summit County Transit Tax: 0.75%
• Summit Combined Housing Authority: 0.725%

Total: 16.375%

How Do You File and Pay STR Taxes in Silverthorne?

Follow the steps below to successfully file and pay STR taxes in Silverthorne:

• Town lodging and sales tax: Filed and paid online through the Town of Silverthorne's online payment portal at silverthorne.org. Returns can be filed monthly or quarterly.
• State and county taxes: Filed with the Colorado Department of Revenue. You need a state sales tax account. Apply by calling 303-238-7378 or through the Colorado Secretary of State at sos.state.co.us. State application forms are also available by calling 303-238-7378.
• Property managers: If you use a property management company, they are responsible for holding a business license and remitting taxes on your behalf. Confirm exactly what your manager covers and what you still need to file independently.

For tax filing instructions specific to Silverthorne STRs, download the Tax Filing Instructions document from the official Silverthorne STR page.

8 Things Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing a Silverthorne Property for STR

Before you buy a property in Silverthorne, CO, for STR purposes, these are 8 things you must know:

1. Apply at least 30 days before you advertise

   The Municipal Code requires your STR license application to be filed at least 30 days before you advertise the property on any platform. You cannot list on Airbnb and then apply. The license comes first.

2. Check the zone first

   This is the most important step, and it comes before everything else. Use the Town of Silverthorne zone map to confirm whether your target property is in Area 1, Area 2, or Area 3. If it is in Area 3, there is no path to an STR license.

3. Check license availability in your zone

   Even in Areas 1 and 2, the cap may be full in your specific subdivision. Contact the town at str@silverthorne.org to confirm availability before you close.

4. The license does not transfer when you buy

   As covered above, Silverthorne STR licenses are non-transferable in the event of a standard property sale. A property with an active license loses that license the moment it is sold. The new owner must apply for a new license and compete for whatever spots remain in the zone cap.

   However, the Municipal Code Section 1-7-68 lists specific exceptions where a license can survive a change of ownership. These include transfers to a trust created by the same grantor, transfers to an LLC where the original owner retains controlling interest, transfers by inheritance or court order, and transfers between spouses in a divorce settlement.

   If your situation involves any of these, contact the Town Finance Director or a real estate attorney before assuming the license will or will not transfer.

5. Duplex buyers have an extra step

   If your target property is a duplex, you must notify the adjoining owner in writing 7 days before applying and provide proof of that notification as part of your application. Factor this into your closing timeline.

6. Check the HOA

   A town license does not override your HOA. Some Silverthorne communities restrict or prohibit STRs in their governing documents. During the application process, you will be asked whether you need HOA approval and whether you have received it. Have that answer ready before you apply.

7. Know the revocation threshold

   The Municipal Code allows the town to revoke an STR license if three formal written complaints are filed against the same property within any 12-month period.

   After revocation, the town will not accept a new license application for the same property for a minimum of two years, unless ownership transfers to an unaffiliated third party. Three complaints in a year is a meaningful threshold. Strong guest screening and responsive complaint resolution protect the license.

8. Verify the property is inside Silverthorne town limits

   An unincorporated Silverthorne address does not fall under Silverthorne's STR ordinance. It falls under Summit County's regulations instead. Use the Summit County Assessor's website to confirm your property's municipality before assuming which rules apply.

Silverthorne short-term rental rules reward buyers who do their homework before they buy. The three-zone system, the scaled fee structure, and the zone-specific caps all mean that two properties in different parts of Silverthorne can have completely different rental futures. Know your zone, confirm your availability, check your HOA, and make sure the numbers work before you commit.

Natalia Bassova of Resort Real Estate Inc. helps buyers across Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain. Call 970-389-8899 or email summitrealty@luckymountainhome.com. Explore all Silverthorne real estate listings to start looking at what is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silverthorne, CO, Short-Term Rentals

Does Silverthorne, CO, have a cap on STR licenses?

Yes, but it depends on which zone your property is in. Area 1, which covers most Silverthorne neighborhoods, caps licenses at 10% of approved units in each subdivision. Area 2, covering the Town Core, Summit Sky Ranch, and Riverfront areas, caps licenses at 50% of approved units. Area 3, covering deed-restricted neighborhoods, prohibits STRs entirely with no licenses issued under any circumstances.

What is the total tax rate on short-term rentals in Silverthorne, CO?

The total tax rate on short-term rental revenue in Silverthorne is 16.375%. This includes 10.0% to the Town of Silverthorne (2.0% sales tax and 8.0% lodging tax), 2.9% to the State of Colorado, 2.0% to Summit County, 0.75% to the Summit County Transit Tax, and 0.725% to the Summit Combined Housing Authority. This rate applies to all gross rental revenue, including cleaning fees and other charges collected from guests.

Are Silverthorne STR licenses transferable when a property is sold?

Generally, no. Silverthorne STR licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable in a standard property sale. The new owner must apply for a new STR license, and if the applicable zone cap is full, a new license may not be available. However, the Silverthorne Municipal Code provides limited exceptions for certain ownership transfers, including some transfers involving trusts, LLCs, inheritance, court orders, and divorce. Buyers involved in one of these situations should confirm eligibility with the Town of Silverthorne before relying on an existing STR license.

Can I rent my property short-term if I am in a homeowners association?

You need to check your HOA governing documents before applying for a license. A Town of Silverthorne STR license gives you government permission to rent. It does not override your HOA's rules. Some Silverthorne communities restrict or prohibit short-term rentals through their covenants. During the STR license application process, you will be asked to confirm whether your property is subject to an HOA and whether you have received approval to operate as a short-term rental. If your HOA does not permit STRs, the town license alone is not enough to operate legally.