The Town of Crested Butte requires various licenses and permits to ensure public safety, protect community resources, and maintain compliance with local regulations. Whether you're starting a business, hosting an event, building or remodeling a property, or operating a short-term rental, this page provides the information and forms you need to get started.
Use the sections below to find details on application requirements, associated fees, timelines, and how to submit your materials. If you’re unsure which license or permit applies to your activity, please contact the appropriate department for guidance.
| License/Permit | Information |
|---|---|
| Building Permit Application | Use this form to obtain a building permit. You must receive BOZAR approval prior to submitting a permit application. |
| Limited Power of Attorney | This form will be required as part of the BOZAR and building permit application if you, yourself are not the owner of the property. |
| Statement of Authority Form | This form should be used for those properties owned by LLC's or other entities. |
| Building Relocation and Demolition Permit Application | Use this application for a proposal to BOZAR to demolish or relocate accessory structure greater than 200 sf. View FAQ sheet for more information. |
| Solar Permit Application | Use this form to obtain a building permit when doing solar only. This submittal will require drawings showing location of solar panels, solar specifications that include required emergency shut off and electrical code requirements, and structural engineer stamped letter stating existing roof will remain structurally sound. |
| Right of Way Permit Application | Submit a ROW permit if you will use the Town Right of Way such as parking strip or alley. Submit a drawing of the area to be used including dimensions. ROW permits are approved for the months of May through October only. Use of the ROW during the other months is prohibited. You do not need a ROW permit if digging for utilities only. |
| Outdoor Energy Usage Permit Application | Any hot tub larger than 64 square feet or outdoor heated space must be off-set by renewable energy sources or a REMP fee will be assessed. Use the following REMP form to calculate the off-set or payment in lieu. Contact the Building Department prior to installing any outdoor heating system. |
| Mechanical Permit Application | Use this application for plumbing and mechanical work such as replacement of existing HWH. This permit application is used for but not limited to gas fire places and heat recovery ventilation systems and kitchen hoods. Please consult with the Building Inspector to determine if this is the proper application for the project that you are doing. |
| Tree Removal | Please use this application after speaking with the Building Inspector when removing a tree from private property. |
| Driveway and Walkway Application | Site work such as driveways and walkways to be installed in the Town right of way requires this application to be submitted for approval. This application is also used for private property driveway, patio, and walkway changes. |
| Solid Fuel Burning Device Application | Submit this form for approval of new and replacement solid fuel burning fireplace and stoves. |
| Sign Permits | This application is required for a new sign or to make changes to an existing sign. This application must be approved and sign permit fee paid before a sign is made. |
| Floodplain Development Permit | The Floodplain Development permit is the mechanism by which the Town evaluates any and all impacts of construction proposed in the Town’s regulated floodplains. |
More commonly known as short-term rentals, the Town of Crested Butte defines a vacation rental as:
- The rental or lease of a property for a period of 29 or less consecutive nights or less; or
- The rental or lease of no more than two sleeping units within a property for a period of 29 or less consecutive nights where the owner or agent is present during occupancy. Vacation rental use is not a residential use.
Apply for Vacation Rental License
The Town of Crested Butte has two vacation rental license options:
- Primary Occupancy License
- Issued to people who live in, or long term rent their property for a minimum of six months per year
- Allowed in all zone districts
- Exempt from block face concentration limit
- Maximum of 90 rental nights allowed per year
- No cap on number issued
- $250 license fee
- Unlimited license
- Allowed only in certain zone districts (R1 R1A, R1C, R1D R1E, R2, R2C, R3C, B3 & B4)
- Limited to two per block face
- Unlimited rental nights per year
- Must rent a minimum of 29 nights per year
- Capped at 198 licenses
- $800 license fee
Additional Resrouces:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Good Neighbor Guide
- Inspection Checklist
- Licensed Vacation Rentals 2025
- Current Concentration of Unlimited License
If you have additional questions or to voice concerns about vacation rentals in your neighborhood, please contact Eric Treadwell at (970)-349-5338 ext. 218 or etreadwell@crestedbutte-co.gov
An annual Business Occupation License is required for all businesses conducting business within the Town of Crested Butte.
Business License Fee: $150.00
Register online for business licenses
| License/Permit | Information |
|---|---|
| Business License/Pillow Tax Application | Register on the MUNIRevs System |
| Pretreatment Application (Fats, Oils & Grease) | Required for all food service establishments |
The Town Clerk provides all necessary forms and guidance for the liquor licensing process. All new licenses, transfers, and renewals require approval from both the Town of Crested Butte and the Colorado Department of Revenue.
The Town Clerk will assist with your application and submit it—along with applicable fees—to the State once it is approved by the Town Council. Fees must be paid to both the Town and the State.
A public hearing before the Crested Butte Town Council (acting as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority) is required for all new licenses, transfers, and some special event licenses if protests are received.
Contact Town Clerk Lynelle Stanford at 970-349-5338 or lstanford@crestedbutte-co.gov for information regarding liquor licensing.
| Permit | Information |
|---|---|
| Snow Management Permit | This application is required for any contractor and/or resident who wishes to haul, dump, transport or store snow within Town Right of Way. This includes the winter maintenance of alleys. |
| Snow Removal Assistance Program Application | This program offers assistance with removal of the snow berm left behind from the snowplows at the entrance to your driveway. This service applies to qualified residents of the Town that have a certified medical need, disability, financial hardship, or other justifiable rationale. |
The Town of Crested Butte drinking water source is Coal Creek. To insure a high quality water supply, the Town has established a Watershed Protection District. Any activity that could degrade water quality in the watershed requires a Watershed Protection District Application and Submittal Status Report. Such activities include residential construction, sewage treatment systems, road construction, logging, mining, or any disturbance of soil or water.