Summit County Opens STR Waitlist in Upper & Lower Blue Basins: What Homeowners Need to Know

🆕 Summit County Opens STR Waitlist in Upper & Lower Blue Basins: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you own a property in unincorporated Summit County and have been waiting for your chance to secure a short-term rental (STR) license, there’s big news: Summit County has officially opened a waitlist for new STR licenses in both the Upper Blue and Lower Blue Basins.

This is a significant development following the license caps put in place by STR Ordinance 20-C, which governs the issuance of Type II licenses in the Neighborhood Overlay Zone (NOZ).

📍 What Areas Are Affected?

The waitlist applies to properties located in the unincorporated areas of:

• Upper Blue Basin (surrounding the Town of Breckenridge)

• Lower Blue Basin (surrounding the Town of Silverthorne)

🚫 This does not include properties within town limits like Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, or Silverthorne. Only properties in unincorporated Summit County qualify.

📍 Not sure which basin your property is in?
👉 Use the Basin Locator Map
Or view this PDF version: Highlighted Basin Map

📝 STR License Caps: What You Need to Know

Per Section 4 of STR Ordinance 20-C, Summit County has set limits on the number of Type II STR licenses that can be issued in each of the four basins within the Neighborhood Overlay Zone.

Current STR License Caps (as of January 2025):

🔁 How licenses become available: Caps are enforced through natural attrition—meaning licenses become available only when a property sells or a current STR owner lets their license lapse.

Once a basin’s license count falls within 10% of its cap, Summit County staff may implement a waitlist system to begin reissuing new licenses.

📌 As of July 2025, waitlists are now open for:

• Lower Blue Basin

• Upper Blue Basin

For updates and rules, visit the STR Homepage.

✅ How to Apply for the Waitlist

• Opened: July 22, 2025, at 8:00 AM MT

• Fee: $75 non-refundable application fee

• Who Can Apply: Property owners only (no agents or buyers under contract)

• One application per property

• Queue: First-come, first-served

📄 Ready to apply?
👉 Submit Your Waitlist Application Here

If you’re selected from the list, you’ll have 30 days to complete your STR license application or forfeit your spot.

🏡 Type I Licenses Are NOT Subject to the Cap

If you live in your home as a primary residence and meet certain qualifications, you may be eligible for a Type I license, which is not subject to the caps.

✔️ Learn more or apply here:
👉 Type I License Information

🎥 Learn More About STR Caps

Summit County has provided a helpful video overview explaining the STR caps, licensing process, and administration.

🧭 Need Help Navigating the STR Rules?

As a real estate expert specializing in Summit County and short-term rental strategy, I can help you:

• Verify your property’s basin and license eligibility

• Understand STR income potential under current caps

• Navigate the waitlist process and STR compliance

📩 Let’s connect if you’re considering applying, buying, or selling a short-term rental property in Summit County.

If you’re thinking to build your dream home, you may also wish to read my post: How to Choose a Custom Home Builder for expert tips on finding the perfect builder for your vision.