Group 2 5 min ReadTurn Your New Build in Grand County into a High-Performing Vacation Rental Welcome to Grand County, where mountain living meets endless opportunity.If you’ve just completed a new build in Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, or Grand Lake, now is the perfect time to transform your home into a high-earning vacation rental. Between Colorado’s year-round adventure tourism, growing demand for mountain getaways, and strong short-term rental (STR) returns, homeowners across Grand County are earning substantial income from properties designed with comfort and modern amenities in mind. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from permits and taxes to safety inspections and how SkyRun Grand County helps new homeowners navigate it all seamlessly. 1: Identify Where Your Home Is Located The first step in operating a legal short-term rental is determining your property’s jurisdiction. Regulations differ depending on whether your home is within a town boundary (Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, or Grand Lake) or in unincorporated Grand County. Each area has its own licensing requirements, safety standards, and renewal process. SkyRun helps you determine which rules apply to your specific address, ensuring every box is checked before you welcome your first guest. Understand Local STR Permitting Requirements Unincorporated Grand County A Short-Term Rental Permit is required before advertising or renting your property. The annual permit fee is based on your advertised occupancy: $100 per occupant (e.g., if your listing says “sleeps 8,” your fee is $800). You must pass a Fire and Life Safety inspection conducted by the appropriate fire district. You’ll need to designate a local contact person who can respond to issues within one hour. Renew annually to stay compliant — missing renewal deadlines can result in suspension of your listing. Town of Winter Park Requires a business license and STR registration via the MUNIRevs online system. You’ll also need to comply with the town’s Good Neighbor Policy, which includes parking restrictions, noise limits, and trash management. Fees vary based on the number of bedrooms, and you’ll need to post your STR license number both online and inside the property. A local contact (either yourself or a licensed property manager) must be available 24/7. Town of Fraser STRs require an Operating License, renewed annually. The license costs $40 and must be displayed prominently inside your rental. Fraser requires proof of a responsible local contact, occupancy limits, and parking compliance. Inspections and complaint resolutions are handled directly through the town’s STR portal. Town of Granby Requires a Short-Term Rental Permit with a one-time $100 application fee. Annual renewal fee: $728 per bedroom. A Fire and Life Safety inspection is mandatory before approval. Granby’s stricter regulations aim to ensure guest safety and maintain neighborhood integrity. Working with an experienced property manager helps avoid costly mistakes. Town of Grand Lake You’ll need a Nightly Rental License, renewed annually. The one-time application fee is $165, with renewal fees based on occupancy: 1–3 occupants: $700 4–6 occupants: $900 7–10 occupants: $1,100 11+ occupants: $2,000 A fire inspection is required before initial approval and for every renewal. You must post your rental license and emergency contact information inside the property. Step 2: Meet Fire & Life Safety Standards All Grand County jurisdictions require your home to meet fire and life safety codes.You can expect your inspection to check for: Smoke and CO detectors on every level and in every bedroom At least one fire extinguisher per floorClearly marked and illuminated address numbers Two points of egress per bedroom Non-blocked pathways and exits Proper spacing for heating sources and fireplaces SkyRun Grand County handles inspection scheduling and ensures your home meets every standard before the county or town visits. Step 4: Tax Registration & Compliance Each jurisdiction has its own tax obligations for STRs. Generally, you’ll need to register for: Colorado State Sales Tax (2.9%) Grand County Lodging Tax (1.8%) Local town taxes, which vary between 2.5%–5% If you use platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, these platforms often collect and remit state and local taxes on your behalf — but you’re still responsible for ensuring accuracy and compliance. SkyRun’s accounting team verifies your remittance setup and manages tax reporting so you stay fully compliant while avoiding double payments. Step 5: Required Guest Information & Onsite Rules Most areas require visible posting of key guest rules and safety information: Occupancy and parking limits Quiet hours (typically 10 p.m.–7 a.m.) Trash and recycling schedules Emergency contact numbers (police, fire, hospital) Wildfire safety and evacuation details Local contact person name and phone number How SkyRun Grand County Simplifies the Process Building a new home is a big investment. Managing compliance, permits, marketing, and guests on top of that? Overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Local Compliance, Done for You Our local Grand County team handles every step of the STR application process — from permit submission to inspection scheduling and renewals — so your property is always operating legally. Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Management We use real-time market data and advanced tools to adjust your rates daily, ensuring you capture every booking opportunity — without undercutting your value. Marketing That Drives Results Your home will appear on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and SkyRun.com with professional photos, detailed SEO-optimized descriptions, and paid search visibility. Guest Experience That Builds Loyalty With 24/7 local support, hotel-level cleaning, and smart tech integrations, SkyRun earns five-star reviews that translate directly into higher occupancy and repeat guests. Transparent Owner Dashboard Track performance, view bookings, and monitor revenue in real time. SkyRun’s owner portal provides full transparency and monthly reporting. Why New Builds Thrive in Grand County Modern homes designed with open layouts, high-speed internet, and outdoor amenities outperform older properties in this market. Guests are looking for: Hot tubs, fire pits, and mountain views Game rooms and media spaces EV chargers and gear storage Walkability to ski resorts and trailheads SkyRun uses these features in your marketing to command premium rates — especially during ski season and summer festival months. Let’s Get Started Your new build deserves the right start.SkyRun Grand County makes it simple to launch, manage, and grow your vacation rental business — so you can enjoy ownership without the stress. Call us today at 970-627-4610Or request your free rental revenue projection → https://skyrun.com/grand-county/management Sign up for emails Trip inspiration, special offers, and vacation planning tips. Name(Required) First Last Email By submitting this form, I agree to SkyRun’s Privacy Policy Δ
