Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the staff directory to find the department and staff contact information. 

• City of Steamboat Springs Directory
• Routt County Directory

The city has prepared a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to answer common questions or point individuals in the right direction for information. Use the FAQs to easily find answers to the questions asked most.

1. Was tangible personal property exchanged? 

1. If yes, complete the Tax on Sale of Business Form (TOSOB) and return with payment within 10 days of closing.

2. Do you provide taxable items or services in the city limits?

1. If yes, setup a sales tax account by completing the Sales Tax Application Form 
2. If you are not sure, Email salestax@steamboatsprings.net or 970-871-8233

3. Does your business activity include;

1. Short Term rentals?
   1. If yes, contact the city planning department to see if a (STR) short term rental permit is needed. 
      For more information, see Short Term Rentals
2. Food preparation?
   1. If yes, contact the Routt County Environmental Health or 970-870-5588
3. Sale of beer/wine/liquor
   1. If yes, contact City of Steamboat Springs City Clerk or 970-871-8275 

4. Will sales take place only during a single or one-time special event?

1. If yes, contact City of Steamboat Springs Special Events Department 
2. A one-time event use single event sales tax application and deposit is required. Email salestax@steamboatsprings.net or 970-871-8233 

5. Does your business or rental property use water?

1. If your business or rental property is located within the City of Steamboat Springs Water District, or to find out if it is, contact utilities@steamboatsprings.net to obtain information in regard to rates, billing schedules, outstanding balances and to open a new account.
2. If your business or rental property is within the Mt Werner Water District, please contact that office at 970-879-2424.
3. If your business or rental property is within the Routt County Water District, please contact that office at 970-870-5588.

Complete our online Sales Tax Application  you will receive an e-mail with you sales tax license in next 10-14 business days.

File online at www.xpressbillpay.com or complete a paper return.

Effective Feb 1, 2023 the  Colorado Retail Delivery Fee  is exempt.

In 1994, Fire Prevention started a Building Safety Education Program (BSEP) to inspect all commercial establishments in the City of Steamboat Springs to maintain a fire safe community by minimizing life and property loss in the City of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Fire Protection District through education and prevention. 

The program has three simple goals: 

1. To accomplish safety and code compliance through awareness and education. 
2. Strive for cooperation and reasonable compliance. 
3. To empower building owners/managers to maintain fire-safe buildings for their employees and the public alike. 

Fire Inspectors will perform fire code inspections for a liquor license or marijuana license annually. Fire code inspections for any other commercial building will be done by request, complaint or as permitted. 

Pre-Inspection Guidelines have been prepared to assist with understanding the requirements.  The Fire Inspector utilizes the Fire Code Inspection Report, and a copy will be provided for your records.  A list of common violations and the fire codes have also been prepared.  Additional forms may be accessed and downloaded under the Downloadable Permits and Forms. 

A permit from Fire Prevention Services is required if you are installing, adding to or modifying, a fire alarm system, sprinkler system, commercial kitchen hood system or for special activities such as recreational burning, tents and canopies, fireworks, blasting and open flame.  Recreational burning of any type within the city limits and in the Steamboat Springs Rural Fire Protection District (SSRFPD) requires a permit from Fire Prevention Services. This includes recreational fires conducted in store-bought fire appliances. Gas and/or charcoal barbecue grills do not require permits. The permit process allows the Fire Inspector to visually inspect the apparatus to be used for burning as well as the surrounding area. The inspection is done for safety purposes. 

At this time in the city, permits are only being issued for recreational burning in approved fire pits. In the SSRFPD, recreational and open burning is allowed with appropriate permits. In addition, once a permit is issued, it can be revoked if you are burning outside the scope of the permit and/or in an unsafe manner. A $25.00 permit fee applies, and the permit is good for a six-month period from the date of issuance. Commercial Use Tents over 400 square feet within the city limits and in the SSRFPD require a permit and inspection from Fire Prevention Services. The permit fee varies based on the size of the tent or canopy. 

The 2021 International Fire Code Adoption provides additional information concerning permit fees. Fireworks (display and/or retail), explosives and/or blasting performed within city limits and in the SSRFPD require a permit.   Specific forms may be accessed and downloaded under the Downloadable Permits and Forms. 

Permits may be obtained from Fire Prevention Services at the Mountain Fire Station, 2600 Pine Grove Road, Steamboat Springs, or downloaded from the website. Permits will be reviewed and approved by Fire Prevention Services and for additional information, contact Fire Technician, Shannon Yaconiello at 970.871.8216 or email Shannon Yaconiello.  

The permit fees for fire alarms, sprinklers and commercial kitchen hood systems are based upon valuation. Special activity permit fees are based upon the activity. 

• Permit Application & Fees (PDF)
• Permit Fee Calculator (PDF)
• Special Activity Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)

Specific forms may be accessed and downloaded under the Downloadable Permits and Forms.

To schedule an inspection, contact Fire Technician, Shannon Yaconiello at 970-871-8216 or by email.  When requesting an inspection by email or phone, the following information is required.

• Company's name
• Contact person 
• Phone number
• Job name
• Fire prevention permit number
• Type of inspection requested
• Date requested

Note that inspections require 48 hours advance notice. More complex inspections that will take more than 2 hours, require one week advance notice. Inspections are performed on a first-come, first-served basis; however, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue will do its best to fulfill your request.

No. The building permit does not include the fire alarm system, sprinkler system or hood system. Those elements require a separate permit issued by Fire Prevention Services. 

Please view Plans and Permit Policy here. You can look at and download these and additional forms by clicking on our “Downloadable Permits and Forms” page.

Construction:

1. Pit must be buried at least 8 inches deep in the ground. 
2. The diameter of the pit shall be no more than 3 feet. 
3. Must be constructed of brick, concrete or steel. Rock is accepted as long as there is not an air gap between the rocks. The gaps must be filled with concrete. 
4. A lip of 6 inches must be above ground using any of the construction materials listed above. 

Inspection: 

1. Fire pits must be inspected by Fire Prevention Services after construction is complete and prior to burning. 
2. Download a fire pit permit and see what the inspector will be looking for.

Notification: 

1. Routt County Dispatch should be notified at 970-879-1110 before and after each burn. 

An alternative to building your own fire/barbecue pit is to purchase an approved fire ring or fire pit.

Current Job Openings for the Steamboat Springs Police Department can be found HERE. What SSPD is looking for in applicants:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High moral standards and a high degree of integrity 
• Strong communication skills 
• Dedication to public safety 
• Emotional stability and ability to deal successfully with stress 
• Aptitude for police and investigative work

GENERAL:

• Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment;
• Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State driver's license without record of suspension or revocation in any State;
• No felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories;
• Applicants must be currently certifiable by the State of Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

 A Certified Police Officer is an individual currently Colorado P.O.S.T. certified or out-of-state transfer eligible. 

PROCESS

All supplemental questions must be answered for your application to be considered. Our hiring process is selective and we are proud of the high level of professionalism and quality of team members we hire. 

To join our team, you must be available for the following:

• Ride-Along
• Written Exam
• Physical Fitness Test Using Cooper Single Norms
• Oral Interviews

If successful, the next steps are:

• Job Suitability Evaluation
• Background Investigation
• Chief Interview

This position is open until all positions are filled.  An eligibility list may be created from this process.

Fingerprints are available online by visiting Colorado CABS website. From here, select the reason for your background check from the list of options and click on the + symbol. This section will also provide the fee associated for the specific fingerprinting requirement.  At this point, applicants will select IdentoGO by IDEMIA, which will then redirect them to IdentoGO’s webpage to setup an appointment.

If you have a compliment, concern, or complaint about a Steamboat Springs Police Officer or the Department, visit the Compliments/Complaints page and fill out the form. 

To report a crime that occurred within Steamboat Springs, call 970-879-1144 and a police officer will be dispatched to your location or will contact you by telephone. If you were a victim of a crime while in our jurisdiction where there is NO suspect information; and you need to file a report for insurance purposes. See Online Reporting for forms and please read and follow the instructions carefully!

You can either go to the Sex Offender section (which only shows sex offenders with felony charges) or request a complete list from the front desk at the Police Department's Administration Office during business hours for all current sex offenders located in the city's jurisdiction. To obtain a list of registered sex offenders in the county's jurisdiction, please contact the Routt County Sheriff's Office.

To request a report copy (this includes accidents) fill out the correct form located in the Records section. Please read the instructions completely and submit the correct fee (from the Fee Schedule) for your request. You can also obtain a paper application form at the Police Department front desk Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Friday between 8:00 a.m. and noon, except for holidays. There will be no faxing or emailing of criminal justice records.

To request a records check fill out the correct form located in the Records section. Please read the instructions completely and submit the correct fee (from the Fee Schedule) for your request. You can also obtain a paper application form at the Police Department front desk Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Friday between 8:00 a.m. and Noon, except for holidays. There will be no faxing or emailing of criminal justice records.

Contact the Routt County District Attorney office in person at 1955 Shield Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO or call 970-879-1146.

The release of all property and evidence is by appointment only on specific days. The designated days for release will be Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Individuals are encouraged to call 970.879.4344 or 970.879.1144 to make an appointment for the release of property/evidence.

After an appointment has been secured, please arrive at the main entrance of the Combined Law Enforcement Facility, 2027 Shield Drive. Inform the Steamboat Springs Police Front Desk that you have an appointment with the Evidence Technician, and they’ll do the rest.

Contact the Steamboat Springs Police evidence technician at 970-879-4344, ext 122 or check the current list of Found Property.

Steamboat Springs Police Department is seeking to create a database of local citizens who are fluent in foreign languages. If you are interested, contact SSPD at 970-879-1144. 

Yes. Review Section 7-61 through 7-68 of the Steamboat Springs Municipal Code of Ordinances.

By law, you are obligated to report any motor vehicle accident if it causes damage in excess of $1000 or causes an injury.

For emergencies, please call 911 immediately. For non-emergencies, call 970-879-1144 to request additional patrols in your area.

NO. A business must have a Special Events Permit, Art Gallery Permit or Liquor License.

The five miles of Lincoln Avenue/ Highway 40 through downtown is the responsibility of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The City of Steamboat Springs staff takes great pride in providing street maintenance and is dedicated to maintaining 76 miles of streets, 6 miles of alleys, 37 parking lots, 1,100 fire hydrants and 105 cul-de-sacs.

To schedule a meeting with the City Manager, call 970-871-8225

The Howelsen Ice Complex is an indoor rink.

The normal rink is 85' x 200', which is equal to 17,000 square feet. This is a typical NHL-sized rink and would require 11,000 gallons of water to make 1" of ice. Howelsen Ice Complex is an Olympic-size rink at 100' x 200' and is 20,000 square feet, so it would require 13,000 gallons of water to make 1" of ice.

In most arenas, the ice is kept between 1" to 1.5" thick. The goal is to find a depth that is deep enough to handle the number and weight of skaters and yet thin enough to keep the electrical consumption at a minimum. The thicker the ice surface, the harder the refrigeration system has to work to keep the ice frozen. In most arenas, the ice thickness is checked on a regular basis by using a cordless drill and tape measure. By checking at various locations throughout the arena floor and writing the information on a chart, it will help the arena staff know where to reduce or increase the ice thickness. This is usually done at least once per week.

The temperature of the ice varies from one facility to the next depending upon several factors: the temperature of the building, the insulation of the building, the outside temperature, how many people are in the building, who might be using the ice, etc. The ideal temperature of the interface between the ice surface and the air is 26°F. At that temperature, friction between skate blades and the ice surface is the least. However, after a resurface the ice might take longer to freeze and reach that temperature, so the complex manager may set the refrigeration equipment to produce a lower ice temperature. Most arenas will have the ice temperature around 16° - 24°F for hockey, with the ice temperature a little higher if used only for figure skaters.

There can be many reasons. Generally, during a high school game there are many people in the building and more heat is being produced for the comfort of the spectators. There is also additional resurfacing of the ice taking place. The combination of these factors puts additional heat loads on the refrigeration system. Therefore, it takes more time and energy to freeze the water to make a good ice surface.

There are several different methods used to install logos onto the ice surface. One way is to use a special type of paint and apply it with a paintbrush. In this case, a template similar to a stencil may be used to outline the logo and then color in the various parts. Another method of installing a logo is to use canvas or other fabrics with the design already on and apply it to the ice. These logos are usually put onto the ice when it is 1/4" or 1/2" thick and slowly the logo is covered with a fine mist. Then the remainder of the ice is installed up to the desired 1" thickness.

There are two major manufacturers of the ice resurfacer: Zamboni and Olympia. Each manufacturer provides a variety of machines with different types of fuel or power. The newest technology involves the use of batteries or fuel cells. Some other sources of power are compressed natural gas, liquid propane and gasoline. Most gasoline power resurfacers are used outdoors. There are at least two arenas in Minnesota in which the resurfacer is powered by a long electric cord.

The ice resurfacer tires are equipped with studs to keep the machine from sliding into the boards. With proper training, the driver will learn how to maintain a safe and effective speed to keep the machine under control at all times.

The resurfacer blade is over six feet long and needs to be sharp to insure a quality ice sheet. It is located behind the horizontal auger just in front of the squeegee and is bolted onto the conditioner. At most facilities, the blade is changed once a week at the same time as other maintenance is done on the resurfacer. The resurfacer blade is extremely sharp, so it must be changed with caution.

Driving the resurfacer requires the full attention of the driver. For the safety of the users and staff, The Howelsen Ice Arena does not allow anyone on the ice while the resurfacer is in operation.

At most facilities, the nets should be moved by the users who have just finished their hour of ice time. Most drivers prefer that the nets be placed along the side boards. If the nets are placed at the end boards it is difficult for the operator to maneuver. Also, most locations prefer that the nets be tipped up at an angle and rested on the side boards to prevent slush and snow on the bottom of the net from freezing to the ice.

This machine is called an ice edger, and it is used to help keep the ice sheet level. The ice resurfacer does not shave the ice any closer than 2–3 inches from the boards. This causes the ice to build up along this area. Also, as the driver slows down in the corners, more water is deposited, and the ice builds up higher in the corners. The purpose of the ice edger is to shave the ice about 6–8 inches from the boards, making a level surface. Then the left edge of the conditioner can rest on this surface and the thicker areas of the ice are shaved down by the resurfacer.

An arena will usually use either tempered glass or plexiglass (acrylic) for its dasher board glass. The tempered glass is much heavier and more resistant to scratches. However, when it breaks, it will shatter into thousands of pieces. The plexiglass is much lighter and is more subject to scratches, but when it starts to break, it will first form tiny cracks. Eventually, a piece might break off, but there will not be the shattering as in tempered glass.

The temperature inside the ice complex depends upon the heating abilities of the facility, the insulation of the building and what works best for the refrigeration system of that facility. A building with a higher air temperature will put more stress on the refrigeration system, causing it to run longer or at a heavier load with greater expense. The ideal air temperature and humidity in an arena is about 50°F with 50% humidity. Some arenas do not use any dehumidification. Therefore, it will feel colder because of the higher humidity in the air.

The bumper cars are basically a big rubber tube, with a seat in the middle that glides across the ice, allowing you to take control using the handles on each side and crash into other bumper cars on the ice. Each car is battery powered and has small wheels on the bottom of the car that allow it to drive over the ice surface. The car is controlled by two handles on each side and allows the driver to move the car, forwards, backwards, sideways or perform a 360 degree rapid spin! The cars are all controlled by a remote control from the staff member in charge.

The Steamboat Springs Airport began in 1952 as a dirt landing strip. Mr. Bob Adams spearheaded an airport improvement plan in 1976 and by 1981, the airport received its FAA Part 139 certification. Commercial service ceased in 1995. Since that time, the Steamboat Springs Airport has operated as a general aviation airport.

Activity levels at airports are measured by aircraft operations. An operation is defined by the FAA as a takeoff or a landing. So, a "touch and go" conducted by a training aircraft counts as two operations. With 73 based aircraft, the Steamboat Springs Airport averages 12,000 operations per year.

The Steamboat Springs Airport is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all weather conditions. The airport is attended daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter, and 7am to 6pm in the summer.

A 2013 Economic Impact Study performed by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics indicated that the Steamboat Springs Airport has a $8.8 million impact on the local and Colorado economies. The airport also generates nearly 100 jobs, both on and off the airport.

No. The Steamboat Springs Airport does not have scheduled commercial airline service. However, the airport does have charter companies that can take you around the world on your schedule.

ALL commercial passenger service/flights land at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) in Hayden, Colorado. Steamboat/HDN is located approximately 28 miles west of downtown Steamboat Springs and is served by a number of airlines. 

Commercial service ceased in 1995 and currently there is no scheduled commercial air carrier service. Due to factors including runway length, instrument approaches and economic factors related to the operations of Denver International Airport, the likelihood of air carrier service returning to the Steamboat Springs Airport is doubtful. The city intends to concentrate on operating the airport as a general aviation facility, maintaining the current infrastructure and levels of service.

Absolutely. Charter companies are more than willing to take you anywhere you like. Visit the links page for more information on their services.

There are no rental car companies based at the Steamboat Springs Airport. However, Enterprise Rental Car provides car rentals for FBO visitors who require more than the facility's courtesy vehicle. Enterprise is the only rental car company that will drop off/pick up at the Steamboat Springs Airport. Reservations can be booked through the local Enterprise office Monday through Friday (970-879-7442).

Uber and Lyft are available in Steamboat Springs for rides to/from the Steamboat Springs Airport - downtown Steamboat is less than five miles away. 

There are several ground transportation companies which offer in town fares or hourly transportation services, including:

• My Red Ride - A custom limousine service offering luxury vehicles and exquisite service 24/7. 970-875-4295
• Ski Town Transportation - Available for around town service, including special in-town fares or hourly as directed service. Call or text 970-846-6570 or visit Ski Town Transportation. 
• Steamboat Limos - Dedicated to providing the best customer service and riding experience. Text or call 970-819-5551 to check availability Steamboat Limos 

The Steamboat Springs Airport begins snow removal operations at 0600L (6 am local) and ends around 1700L (5 pm local) daily November through April. For a typical 6-inch storm, the runway is cleared and useable by 7am daily. If it's not snowing, ground operations may still be clearing snow to ready for the next storm.

Current airport conditions can be accessed by four new Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) cameras - which provide web-based, real-time weather information and cover views from four different directions from the field - FAA WeatherCams. 

The City of Steamboat Springs owns and operates the Steamboat Springs Airport, as well as the sole Fixed Based Operation. Airport staffing consists of two full-time employees and four part-time employees, who report to the Airport Manager. The Yampa Valley Airport Commission and the Steamboat Springs City Council provide policy direction.

Airplanes must takeoff and land into the wind. The primary wind direction at the Steamboat Springs Airport is from the northwest. About 85% of the traffic takes off and lands to the north.

Shared Lane Markings or “Sharrows” are street markings placed on City streets as an awareness tool as part of the County-wide Share the Road program.

The Sharrow is intended to: 

• Provide guidance to bicyclists as to where they should ride on a shared roadway (as far to the right as practicable, away from open doors of parked vehicles, not weaving in and out of traffic; riding with traffic, etc.).
• Alert motorists to the possible presence of bicyclists and remind motorists that by law vehicles and bicycles must share the road.

City Council found that there were an increasing number of bear and other wildlife encounters in urban areas of the city. This growth was primarily due to inadequate security of residential and commercial waste placed outside for collection.

Any refuse container, regardless of size, left outside a house, garage, or other enclosed building that is an attractant to bears or other wildlife must be stored in a bear resistant container, a bear resistant dumpster, or a bear resistant enclosure.

The new ordinance requires all trash containers to be certified as bear resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and dumpsters or dumpster enclosures to be bear resistant.  Trash haulers are required to provide bear resistant receptacles to their customers within a three-year period.

Attractant refuse means any waste that could reasonably attract wildlife which includes, but is not limited to:

Attractant refuse does not include recyclables that have been rinsed and cleaned.

No, the intent is to prevent any non-domestic mammal indigenous to the Yampa Valley including, but not limited to, bear, deer, elk, moose, raccoon, coyote, beaver, skunk, badger, bobcat, mountain lion, porcupine, and fox from being attracted to human created refuse.

It’s unlawful for any person to knowingly leave or store any refuse, recyclable, food product, pet food, grain, salt or any other materials attractive to or edible by wildlife in a manner which may attract or entice wildlife.

The new ordinance went into effect on May 10, 2020. However, trash haulers may phase in the supply of bear resistant containers and dumpsters over a three year period to be completed by 2023. The schedule for phasing in bear resistant containers and dumpsters is:

• 25% must be bear resistant by March 31, 2021
• 50% must be bear resistant by March 31, 2022
• 100% must be bear resistant by March 31, 2023

Local waste haulers will be communicating directly with customers on a roll out schedule.

Customers with curbside pickup service shall place bear resistant containers at the curb, alley, or public right-of-way on the morning of the scheduled pick up no earlier than 6:00AM. After pickup, all containers must be removed from the curb, alley, or public right-of-way on the same day.

Household waste that cannot reasonably be considered “attractant refuse,” including but not limited to, non-edible yard maintenance waste, household items, clean recyclables, and cardboard do not require the use of bear resistant containers when not comingled with attractant refuse.

Any container left outside, including trash pickup days, must be bear resistant.

Approved containers must be certified to be bear resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).

Bear resistant dumpster means a fully enclosed metal refuse container with either a tight-fitting metal lid or a hardened, plastic lid with metal reinforcement that can be latched into a closed position which prevent access to its contents by wildlife.

Bear resistant dumpster enclosure means an enclosed structure consisting of four sides and a secure door and cover which shall have a latching device of sufficient design and strength to prevent access to a dumpster by bears.

The City Clerk will maintain an official list of bear resistant containers approved by the IGBC. 

The owner and/or manager of any property on which refuse is stored will be liable for any violation regardless of whether they are directly responsible for the failure to secure the dumpster or enclosure in accordance with its design.

Your lease may have specific provisions for responsibilities and/or fines levied by your landlord/property manager.

Any trash hauler who provides a refuse receptacle to a city customer shall only provide bear resistant containers or bear resistant dumpsters. The trash hauler may offer different container sizes and charge a fee for providing the container or dumpster.  The trash hauler may phase in the supply of bear resistant containers and dumpsters over the span of three years to be completed by 2023

A damaged bear resistant container must be replaced or removed by the trash hauler within seven days.

If a bear resistant dumpster or enclosure is damaged, allowing access to wildlife, repairs must be made within seventy-two hours after written notification by the City to the person in charge of the property.

The city will provide financial assistance to individuals and families who qualify for federal low-income assistance programs, such as SNAP, LEAP, SSI, Medicaid, EITC, and TANF. 

Customers will need to provide proof of billing from the trash hauler and evidence of current eligibility for federal assistance.  The subsidy amount will be $100 annually and the program will expire December 31, 2022.

The municipal court is authorized to establish a penalty schedule for violations. The mandatory minimum fines may increase for repeat and multiple offenders. Trash haulers who do not comply may have their license suspended or revoked.

Bird feeders are permitted; however, between April 15 and November 15, all feeders must be removed at night or suspended on a cable or other device so that they are inaccessible to bears and other wildlife. The area below feeders must be kept free of the accumulation of seed, seed debris, or other attractive or edible materials.

This provision went into effect on May 10, 2020.

Yes. Report a problem with a barking dog by calling 970-879-1144. It is unlawful to keep a dog that habitually barks or creates a nuisance.

All animals in Routt County are required by law to be licensed every calendar year. To obtain your pet licensed, visit the Animal Shelter with the following: 

• Proof of current rabies vaccination (must be a paper certificate, not the metal tag), 
• Proof of spay or neuter operation

Each zone district has specific setbacks that apply to each lot. For example, most residential areas have side setbacks that are generally 5 or 10 feet and front setbacks that are 15 or 20 feet. You can always call the Planning Department or stop by and we can look up your zoning and setbacks, or you can look up your property online using the Interactive Map. The ”use” or “zoning” listed on the Assessor website is often incorrect and it’s best to verify before building.

These two terms are often confused or substituted for each other, however they are two different things. A setback is a limitation on site development which generally requires a building, structure, or other item to be placed at a specific distance from a property line. Sometimes certain items, like landscaping or snow storage, may need to be located in a setback to manage impacts to adjacent property owners. An easement is a portion of the property reserved by agreement by the Property owner that allows access on or through the property. Generally, an easement is specific, allowing access to specific entities or for a specific reason. Common types are utility, drainage, or access easements. Utility easements can be for electrical, gas, water, sewer, cable or telephone lines, whether they are installed above grade, on grade, or below grade. Access easements can contain roads or driveways and may allow emergency vehicles, private parties, or the public access to a property or across a property. In general, you cannot build anything in an easement, and you may, sometimes and with limitations, encroach or build into a setback.

These are known by lots of names, mother-in-law units, granny flats, accessory dwelling units, ADUs- they’re all generally the same, but here in Steamboat, we call them secondary units. To determine if you can have a secondary unit, you’ll need to know the square footage of your lot as well as your zone district. Each residential zone district has a minimum lot size required for a single family home + secondary unit. If you have the required amount of square footage, you can build a secondary unit. In Steamboat, a secondary unit can be a maximum of 650 square feet and may not be rented out on a nightly basis.

Additional services and permits may be required and/or obtained for your event. These include liquor permits, police officers, fire prevention services, emergency services, and street closure equipment.

Unless your event is a private party (by invitation only, not open to the public, no charge to attend and no charge for alcohol) a Special Events Liquor Permit is required from the City Clerk’s Office. You need to be a nonprofit 501c3, or have sponsorship from a nonprofit to be eligible to apply for this permit. The permit is $100 and the City Clerk’s Office needs a complete application 30 days in advance of the event. There must be food available when alcohol is served. For more information, please contact the City Clerk, Julie Franklin at jfranklin@steamboatsprings.net.

Vendors that serve food at events in Routt County must have a retail food license. Applications for Temporary Food Events and Event Coordinators are located on the Routt County Environmental Health website. Please submit information 45 days before your event.

Mobile food trucks will also need approval through the Fire Department.

A permit is required for tents 400 square feet or greater and are inspected by Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue. A tent is a structure, enclosure, or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner except by air or the contents that is protects.

A permit is required for cooking tents of any size and are inspected by Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue. A cooking tent is usually a membrane structure that a vendor uses for cooking with a gas-, solid-, or liquid-fuel burning equipment (example: grill).

Liability insurance coverage not less than $1,000,000 must be provided for all events within City limits. The City of Steamboat Springs MUST be listed as an Additional Insured.

The following require a sales tax license from the City of Steamboat Springs:

• Retailers – Anyone engaged in the business of making retail sales.
• Lessors – Anyone renting or leasing tangible personal property. Examples include ski rentals, DVDs, vehicles, and construction equipment.
• Peddlers, Transient Sales & Single Events – Anyone engaged in temporary sales within the City limits.

Block parties will go through the event permit process. An application will need to be submitted and the street venue will need to be reserved.

Please contact Rachel Lundy at rlundy@steamboatsprings.net or Tara Cusack at tcusack@steamboatsprings.net to reserve your venue.

Other facility rentals including the Community Center, Olympian Hall, or sports fields will continue to be reserved through the city’s website.

October 1, 2019.

The ordinance covers markets of 10,000 square feet or larger within Steamboat Springs. This includes City Market, Safeway, Walmart, Walgreens and Natural Grocers.  Other retailers may choose to “opt-in”.

The 20-cent charge encourages the use of reusable bags and will be utilized to reduce waste and enhance recycling in Steamboat Springs.

No. You can avoid the charge completely by bringing your own bags and refusing to buy paper bags offered by the stores. In addition, according to the ordinance, a retailer may provide a paper bag to a customer at no charge if the customer provides evidence that he or she is a participant in a Colorado Food Assistance Program.

No. Stores will still provide plastic bags for produce and meat/seafood as they have done in the past.

We encourage you to bring your own reusable bags to avoid having to buy a paper bag at the store. If you forget, you can choose to go without a bag or purchase a paper or reusable bag in the store.

Getting used to new habits takes a little time and practice. Some stores have already put up reminder signs to help customers get used to bringing their own bags. Keep your reusable bags in the car, in your purse, or you can invest in a small, collapsible bag that attaches to your keychain for shopping trips. After you unpack your groceries at home, hang your grocery bags by the door or by your keys, so you remember to take them with you. If you forget your reusable bags (at home or in your car), put your groceries back in your cart after you check out and take them to your car to unload.

This issue is complicated and depends on the material of the bag and how it is manufactured. In general, reusable bags with higher recycled content have less of an environmental footprint, but the key to reducing the environmental impact of any bag is to use it multiple times and dispose of it properly when it has worn out.

Even though paper is made from a renewable resource and is recycled at a higher rate, these single-use bags still have an environmental impact of their own. The 20-cent charge serves an environmental and economic purpose. The charge incentivizes the use of reusable bags and reduces single-use paper bag waste and associated environmental impacts.   The charge also will fund additional waste reduction and recycling activities in Steamboat Springs.

Look for creative reuses for the unavoidable plastic bags you will likely still have around, such as produce, bread and tortilla bags. For trash cans, try using an unlined trash bin that you rinse out periodically. You can also purchase a waterproof, washable cloth can liner, sometimes sold as diaper pail liners.

Reduction of plastic is best, and reuse is second best. The average American family takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year. In Steamboat Springs, more than 3.8million single-use plastic bags are used each year by shoppers at the five stores included in the ban. According to Waste Management, in the U.S., only 1%  of plastic bags are returned for recycling, the rest end up in landfills or as litter.

There are no credible studies making a connection between reusable bags and foodborne illness. To eliminate risk of illness, follow common sense and clean your bags when they get dirty.

Funding from the fee will be used to provide residents and visitors with reusable bags; educate residents, businesses, and visitors about the impact of trash on the City’s environmental health; and fund programs and infrastructure that will increase waste reduction and diversion in Steamboat Springs.

Several property managers provide free reusable bags to their guests. Visitors can also purchase reusable bags, pay the 20-cent fee for paper bags or go without. Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is working with community partners to develop a bag bank program where people can borrow bags. More information on the bag bank program is coming soon.

Your business completes the City of Steamboat Springs Application and Voluntary Agreement agreeing not to provide disposable plastic carry-out bags, and to collect a waste reduction fee of 20¢/disposable paper bag provided.

Once a year, submit a report to the City detailing fees collected through paper bag distribution and the use of these funds for eligible purposes *

* Details can be found in the Application and Voluntary Agreement

As an opt-in partner, your business gets to keep the entire 20¢ fee.

No.  The fees collected must be used only for the pillowing purposes, per Section 19-204 of the Code:

1. Provide educational information about the Waste Reduction Fee and reusable bags free of cost to customers;
2. Provide required signage regarding the fee;
3. Train staff in the implementation and administration of the fee;
4. Improve or alter infrastructure to allow for the implementation, collection, and administration of the fee;
5. Collect, account for, and report on use of the fee to the city;
6. Develop and display informational signage to inform consumers about the fee; and
7. Provide and encourage the use of reusable bags.

Yes.  Customers that can provide evidence that he or she is a participant in a Colorado Food Assistance Program. (Section 19-206) are exempt from the disposable paper bag fee.

You and your customers feel great, knowing you are making a difference in our community

You’ll receive:

• a “Spur Change Retail Champion” decal for  your business door/window
• a listing as an opt-in partner on the City website
• Retail Champion point of sale provided by City – handouts, tabletop signs

If your business do not fill out the application and agree to the 20¢/paper bag fee requirements, the amount charged for paper bags is considered a sale, and is subject to sales tax that will need to be reported and remitted to the City.  In addition, your business may not communicate that it is participating in the plastic bag ban/paper bag fee program.  It also will not receive recognition in opt-in participant communications, nor will it receive opt-in participant signage and materials.

Yes.   Business may opt out of this voluntary agreement at any time by notifying the City of Steamboat Springs

The Airport Overlay Zone is the area surrounding the Steamboat Springs Airport that air traffic typically flies over. It is broken into the following subzones that are established and delineated by the Airport Layout Plan:

• Subzone A: Airport Influence Area
• Subzone B: Traffic Pattern Area
• Subzone C: Approach Area
• Subzone D: Runway Protection Area

Please see the attached map of the parcels included in the Overlay Zone. This Overlay Zone is applied in addition to the standards of the underlying zone district.

The Airport Overlay Zone is needed to protect the Steamboat Springs Airport’s airspace and prevent incompatible development adjacent to the airport.

The Airport Overlay Zone is a requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to adopt the Airport Master Plan. It is also needed for the Steamboat Springs Airport to be eligible for FAA grant funding.

The Airport Overlay Zone will require aviation easements and aircraft overflight disclosures for certain types of new site development and subdivision applications. An aviation easement is a legal document where a property owner recognizes that airspace of a certain altitude is for the purposes of air traffic. An aircraft overflight disclosure is a document where a property owner notifies any future property owners that the property is within the Airport Overlay Zone and that there may be potential impacts, such as noise, for example, associated with air flight overhead. 

Additionally, the Airport Overlay Zone limits certain residential, commercial and industrial uses in Subzones B and D. The uses that are limited in Subzones B and D lend themselves to people congregating or visual impacts that may impede a pilot, such as smoke or steam.

Existing buildings, structures and uses are allowed to remain. The Airport Overlay Zone standards will be applied to new site development and subdivision applications when applicable.

No action is required at this time. If your property is in Subzone D, you may consider granting an aviation easement and/or recording an aircraft overflight disclosure. However, neither is required at this time. The Airport Overlay Zone will be applied to new site development and subdivision applications when applicable.

If you are looking to install a solar electric system on your roof, local solar electric installers recommend that your roof structure not need to be serviced in the next 15 to 20 years. Taking this into consideration will avoid the need to take the system off of the roof while it is being repaired/replaced.

Yes, if the system can be installed following the required property line setbacks. There are no restrictions on installing “ground-mounted” systems in city or suburban neighborhoods in Steamboat Springs.

Properly designed solar electric systems, under normal snow loads, shed snow on their own. The face of the panels are made of glass, which does not readily hold onto snow, and the angle at which the panels are installed should be steep enough to promote the shedding of any snow that does accumulate.

There are MANY factors that go into determining if a building’s roof is a viable option for installing a solar electric system. If the roof of your house isn’t a good option because of size or orientation, there may be another building on your property that is a better fit. Many local systems are installed on garages and barns.

Yes! There are a few examples of this kind of shared power generation in the Yampa Valley.

State laws prohibit HOAs from having provisions that prohibit renewable energy devices. Check with your HOA to see if there are specifics regarding the aesthetics or installation of solar electric systems.

Yes, unless granted an exemption, it is unlawful to advertise, offer, provide, or operate a short-term rental, hosted short-term rental, or temporary short-term rental in the City of Steamboat Springs without first obtaining a license.

A grace period to lawfully operate a short-term rental without a license extends through April 30, 2023 for STRs located in the STR Overlay Zone A (green) and STRs in Zone B (yellow) or Zone C (red) with either a valid VHR permit or an approved or pending legal nonconforming use application.

Review the STR Quick Guide to determine whether you can short-term rent your property and what approvals are required.

• Green/Zone A 
  • All properties
• Yellow/Zone B
  • VHR Permits
  • Registered legal nonconforming STRs
  • STR licenses awarded through the lottery
  • Hosted STRs
  • Temporary STRs
• Red/Zone C
  • VHR Permits
  • Registered legal nonconforming STRs
  • Hosted STRs
  • Temporary STRs

Hosted Short-Term Rental
A hosted short-term rental is defined as the use of one guestroom (maximum 400 square feet) located within a dwelling unit offered, provided, used, or operated as a lodging accommodation to guests in exchange for remuneration or other consideration for a period of less than 30 consecutive days while the owner or other permanent resident is residing and present in the dwelling unit.

Temporary Short-Term Rental
A temporary short-term rental is defined as a primary residence that is offered, provided, used, or operated on a temporary and limited basis (maximum of 2 occurrences and 30 cumulative days per calendar year) as a lodging accommodation to guests in exchange for remuneration or other consideration for a period of less than 30 consecutive days while the owner or other permanent resident is not present in the dwelling unit. 

Short-Term Rental
A short-term rental is defined as a dwelling unit offered, provided, used, or operated as a lodging accommodation to guests in exchange for remuneration or other consideration for a period of less than 30 consecutive days while the owner or other permanent resident does not reside in the dwelling unit.

A primary residence is defined as a dwelling unit that is the place in which a person’s habitation is fixed and is the person’s usual place of return. A person can have only one primary residence.

When applying for a Temporary STR License, proof of primary residence is required, including:

1. Driver's license or other government issued identification
2. And at least two of the following:

• Proof of voter registration
• Valid motor vehicle registration
• Federal or state tax return

No, STR Licenses do not transfer with the sale of property. New property owners must apply for and obtain a STR License in their name prior to operating a short-term rental. 

If the property is owned by a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity and an ownership or beneficial interest in the business entity is transferred to a person who does not hold such an interest, the business entity shall be required to apply for a new license.

The following are the only circumstances where reissuance of an STR License due to a transfer or change of title is allowed:

1. From the owner to a trust established by the owner for the benefit of the owner as a named beneficiary of the trust.
2. From the owner to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or business entity, so long as the owner has a controlling interest in the business entity.
3. Between the same parties creating or terminating a joint tenancy.
4. Due to death, pursuant to a will, the law of descent and distribution or otherwise.
5. As ordered by a court under bankruptcy code or in equity receivership proceeding.
6. Without consideration for the purpose of confirming, correcting, modifying or supplementing a transfer previously recorded; making minor boundary adjustments; removing clouds of titles; or granting rights-of-way, easements or licenses.
7. Pursuant to any decree or order of a court of record quieting, determining, or vesting title, including a final order awarding title pursuant to a condemnation proceeding.
8. Between spouses or former spouses made pursuant to a separation agreement or as otherwise ordered by a court in proceedings for the dissolution of a marriage.

Changes of ownership that meet one of the above circumstances are eligible for reissuance of an existing STR License to reflect changed ownership. To request reissuance, complete a License Transfer Request Form and upload with all required documentation to your existing license application through the CityView Portal. Please also email staff that you are requesting a reissuance. Forms and staff contacts can be found on the Licensing page.

Yes, legal nonconforming status runs with the land. New property owners do not need to apply for legal nonconforming registration if the property has already been registered. However, upon applying for or renewing an STR License, property owners with legal nonconforming status must demonstrate that the STR use has not been abandoned within the prior 12 months. Proof that the STR use has not been abandoned includes documentation of STR bookings and collection and remittance of applicable taxes.

Is the property in question within city limits? If yes:

• Call the Complaint Hotline 970-788-3344
• Provide details such as the address and any observed activities. 

Is the property in question outside city limits but in Routt County? If yes:

• Email Davis Pieknik, Routt County Compliance Officer, or call 970-870-5343

Report the noise complaint to the Complaint Hotline with specific details. The property manager will be notified of the complaint, and enforcement staff will work with the property manager and enforce noise regulations.

Report the trash complaint to the Complaint Hotline, specifying the location and details, provide video or photo evidence if possible. The property manager will be notified of the complaint, and enforcement staff will work with the property owner to enforce trash regulations.

Report the parking issue to the Complaint Hotline, including the location, photo/video evidence, and nature of violations. The property manager will be notified of the complaint, and enforcement staff will work with the property owner to enforce parking regulations. At any point in time, you can also call the proper authorities to take action in accordance to the regulations for that location (i.e., towing).
 

Resolutions times vary based on the complexity of the issue. Our hotline is committed to addressing complaints promptly, and we will keep you informed about the progress.

No, complaints are considered public records and may be subject to Open Records Laws. 

Provide specific details: the address of the short-term rental, nature of the issue, and any relevant observations. The more information you provide, the better enforcement staff can address and resolve the complaint. Evidence is needed in almost every case to pursue a complaint (i.e., photos, videos, recordings).

Yes, you can inquire about the status of your complaint by contacting our STR Compliance Officer.

Yes, property owners found in violation of regulations may be subject to a hearing and face penalties. Reporting such violations to the Complaint Hotline helps ensure enforcement and compliance.
 

Yes, the Complaint Hotline operates 24/7 to address and resolve complaints related to short-term rentals located within the City of Steamboat Springs.

Proposed Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) formation is a collaboration between Routt County and the municipalities of Steamboat Springs, Craig, Hayden, Oak Creek and Yampa.  Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation and representatives from local employers are also engaged in this process.

Formation process is taking the collaborative, community-based transportation-planning work from the Northwest Transportation Regional Plan and the 2024 RTA Formation Report developed by Fehr & Peers to the next stage by considering an RTA to put these transportation recommendations into action.

An RTA is an organization, enabled by Colorado state statute, that can be formed with the approval of a majority of voters within the clearly defined geographic boundaries (district) of the proposed RTA. 

The authority is essentially an agreement between at least two governmental entities that forms a third governmental entity that administers the transportation system. Once approved by voters, the RTA can plan, finance, implement, and operate a regional transportation system within the RTA district. The transportation system can include bus service, bicycle, pedestrian, road improvements

Improvements to the region’s transportation systems will help benefit residents, businesses, workers and visitors by providing transportation alternatives to help 

• Reduce commuting times and costs
• Improve safety along key corridors in the region
• Increase transportation options to access local and regional amenities like shopping, community services, health care, schools, the airport and recreational venues 
• Address parking issues, traffic congestion, and help improve the environment, by reducing reliance on cars for daily commuting

Establishing an RTA is a formal process set in Colorado law. The process requires the jurisdictions to create an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that will govern the RTA. The IGA will be adopted by each jurisdiction that wishes to join the RTA and then the IGA must be approved by voters at an election. 

Proposed Yampa Valley RTA formation is a collaboration between Routt County and the municipalities of Steamboat Springs, Craig, Hayden, Oak Creek and Yampa.  Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation and representatives from local employers are also engaged in this process.

An elected representative from each jurisdiction has been appointed to join the Formation Committee. That elected official represents their community and then reports back to their governing body on the RTA process. Formation Committee is supported by staff members from the local governments, an experienced legal team, transportation consultants, and community and business representatives.

An RTA has a governing board consisting of elected representatives from the member jurisdictions. It is subject to the open-meetings laws and transparency requirements expected of local governments in Colorado.

RTAs allow two or more jurisdictions to form a new local government entity to plan, finance and operate regional transportation improvements. In this case, there are communities that cover a large geographic area in two different counties, making an RTA a sensible solution to ensure representation in regional transportation decisions.

RTAs require regional collaboration and partnership and encourage communities to work together to solve transportation issues. RTAs provide a way to fund and manage improvements that solve the transportation issues.

Establishing and funding an RTA increases opportunities for the region to receive additional federal and state grant dollars to expand and extend the local investment being made into transportation improvements.

No decisions have been made yet on how to fund the proposed RTA services and an overall budget. The Formation Committee made up of elected officials from each jurisdiction are currently discussing funding opportunities. 

By Colorado law, RTAs can be funded by sales tax up to 2%, property tax up to 5 mills, lodging tax, annual motor vehicle registration fee up to $10 per vehicle, and bonding. RTA can also generate funding by competing for federal and state grants, collecting fares and user fees, and establishing public-private partnerships.

Formation Committee members have discussed the potential of a sales tax and have decided not to pursue a property tax. Under state law, a sales tax for an RTA cannot be added to groceries, prescription medicines, utilities and other items exempt from state sales tax.

Voters in the communities that are considering the RTA will ultimately decide if the RTA is created and if it will be able to receive tax dollars.

The RTA is considering the following service improvements that were identified in the 2024 RTA Formation Report through a robust community outreach campaign: 

• Increasing the number and frequency of buses on Highway 40 between Craig and Steamboat Springs.
• Establishing a new circulator bus route within Craig that would serve both local transportation needs within Craig and as a connecting service to the Highway 40 bus route.
• Providing new bus routes to unserved areas such as south Routt County and unincorporated areas along Highway 40.
• Providing new ground transportation options to/from the Yampa Valley Regional Airport for employees and visitors.
• Improving existing bus stops amenities and first-last mile connectivity to transit access points, and develop new bus stops along new, currently unserved corridors. 
• Creating new park-and-ride lots for commuters accessing the Highway 40 bus route and other new routes.
• Supporting roadway safety improvements such as crosswalks, other pedestrian improvements and wildlife crossings.
• Establishing the RTA as a stakeholder in commuter and regional rail discussions and planning, as well as allowing the RTA to provide possible matching funds toward state or federal funding.

At this point, the RTA would be a stakeholder in the planning of rail in the region. Currently, the priority for the RTA is to increase bus transit options.

The RTA’s Formation Committee meetings are open to the public and are posted online for review. You can access those meetings by visiting: RTA Formation Committee | Steamboat Springs, CO - Official Website

A series of public hearings on the RTA Formation process will take place in March and April. There will be notices provided for the public to attend and participate.

Formation Committee will begin community outreach in the Spring to provide more details about the RTA and to seek feedback from the community.