Thinking about turning your Pine cabin into a weekend retreat for guests? You are not alone, and Pine’s mountain setting makes it especially appealing. The rules are specific though, and Jefferson County has been revising how short‑term rentals are approved and enforced. This guide shows you exactly what applies in Pine, the permits you need, the taxes to plan for, and the wildfire and safety steps that matter. Let’s dive in.
What counts as an STR in Pine
Pine is an unincorporated community, which means county rules apply instead of a town code. You fall under Jefferson County, not a municipal program. You can confirm Pine’s status in the county by checking the background on Pine, Colorado.
Jefferson County treats any stay under 30 consecutive days as a short‑term rental. STRs are not a use by right in unincorporated Jeffco. You should expect county review and a permit process before you advertise or host. See the Planning and Zoning overview on Other Permits, including Short‑Term Rentals for definitions and process basics.
The rulebook is changing
Jeffco paused new STR permit intake while updating its program and published a draft regulation package for public comment (case 25‑112508AM). The draft proposes more objective, administrative approvals and stronger enforcement tools, such as third‑party compliance monitoring and listing number requirements. Check the county’s Regulation Updates page for the latest status before you apply.
Before you start: property readiness checklist
Use this quick checklist to see if your Pine property is likely to qualify. Gather proof for each item.
- Verify your parcel is in unincorporated Jeffco and confirm zoning and any overlays that apply.
- Document parcel size. Historical approvals often expected at least 1 acre.
- Map safe, on‑site parking and access. Include turnaround details where needed.
- Collect water and wastewater documentation, including septic records.
- Complete wildfire defensible‑space work and confirm safe ingress and egress.
- Check dwelling size and bedroom count. Historical guidance limited eligible dwellings to single‑family homes with no more than five bedrooms.
- Resolve any zoning or code issues and confirm lawful access.
- Identify a 24/7 local contact or property manager and be ready to post house rules.
Permits and process in Jefferson County
Jeffco’s program has used a two‑step pathway. The draft update may streamline parts of this, so confirm current steps with Planning and Zoning.
Land‑use approval: Special Exception
Historically, you first apply for a Special Exception that allows the STR use on your parcel. This has involved public notice and a hearing before the Board of Adjustment. You can review relief and hearing procedures on Exceptions and Relief.
Operating permit and renewals
If approved, Planning and Zoning issues an STR permit with conditions, such as occupancy limits, parking, local contact information, and safety postings. Past practice included a follow‑up check and periodic renewals. Confirm the current renewal timeline and any reporting requirements when you apply.
What might change under the draft
The county’s draft proposes shifting many approvals to administrative review, clarifying objective standards, and adding compliance monitoring. It also contemplates requiring platforms to display your county permit number and removing non‑compliant listings. Track updates on the Regulation Updates page.
Taxes: what you must collect
If you offer stays under 30 days, you must address state and local taxes.
State and county taxes for STR stays
Colorado treats short‑term lodging as taxable rooms and accommodations. You are responsible for state sales tax and any applicable local or county lodging taxes, unless a specific exemption applies. Review the Department of Revenue’s guidance on Rooms and Accommodations.
Find the correct rate for your Pine address
Rates vary by address. Use CDOR’s DR 1002 publication and the Revenue Online GIS lookup to identify the exact state, county, and special district rates for your property. Start with DR 1002. If Jefferson County lodging tax applies, filers remit using DR 1485.
When Airbnb or VRBO collect tax
Marketplace platforms often collect and remit state‑administered sales taxes and county lodging taxes on your behalf. That said, you remain responsible for taxes on bookings taken off platform and for any taxes that a platform does not remit. Confirm which taxes your platform collects using CDOR’s Rooms and Accommodations guidance.
Operating safely in Pine
Safety and wildfire readiness are front and center in mountain communities.
- Post house rules inside the home, including maximum occupancy and quiet hours.
- Provide emergency instructions and evacuation routes.
- Maintain defensible space and ensure safe access for emergency vehicles.
- Set trash and recycling procedures.
- List a 24/7 local contact and share that contact with neighbors if required.
For common permit conditions and safety expectations, start with Other Permits: STR guidance.
Advertising and listing compliance
Expect to provide your county permit number on listing platforms. Under the county’s draft update, Jefferson County may use third‑party monitoring to identify unpermitted listings and can request delisting of non‑compliant ads. Follow updates on Regulation Updates before you publish your listing.
Enforcement: why compliance matters
Jeffco has reported a large gap between advertised STRs and permitted STRs in unincorporated areas. The proposed update aims to make compliance faster while adding stronger enforcement tools and higher penalties. Local coverage has discussed how the county could expand proactive monitoring and listing removal, which increases risk if you operate without approvals. See recent reporting on the county’s proposals in this news summary.
Next steps for Pine owners
- Confirm your parcel’s zoning, overlays, and eligibility with Planning and Zoning.
- Build your application packet: site plan with parking, septic and water records, defensible‑space photos, and local contact info.
- Track rule adoption on the county’s updates page and follow the latest submittal procedures.
- Align your listing and operations with permit conditions and tax rules before you host.
Ready to talk through feasibility, value, and guest appeal for your Pine property? Reach out to Julia Purrington-Paluck for clear guidance tailored to foothills homes and investment cabins.
FAQs
Do Pine properties follow town rules or county rules?
- Pine is unincorporated, so Jefferson County rules apply rather than a town code. Start with the county’s Planning and Zoning STR resources.
What is the definition of a short‑term rental in Jefferson County?
- The county treats stays under 30 consecutive days as short‑term rentals that require county review and permitting to operate legally.
Do I need a hearing to get approved in Pine?
- Under historical practice, yes, a Board of Adjustment hearing was part of the Special Exception step. The county’s draft may allow more administrative approvals, so confirm current procedures.
Who handles sales and lodging taxes for my Pine STR?
- You are responsible for taxes unless your platform collects specific state‑administered taxes. Verify which taxes your platform remits and use CDOR tools for address‑level rates and returns.
What are the top safety requirements for Pine STRs?
- Expect defensible space, safe access, posted house rules and evacuation info, and a 24/7 local contact. These are common conditions tied to permits in mountain areas.
