Thinking about turning your 4 Mile Ranch home into a short-term rental? You are not alone, and you are smart to ask questions first. In this neighborhood, the rules can change based on whether your lot sits inside Glenwood Springs city limits or in unincorporated Garfield County. This guide breaks down permits, taxes, HOA rules, seasonality, and safety so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

4 Mile Ranch at a glance

4 Mile Ranch is a small, higher end community of about 57 homesites off Four Mile Road, also known as County Road 117, just south of Glenwood Springs. You are close to Sunlight Ski Area, the Glenwood Hot Springs, and Hanging Lake, with trails and open space nearby. The setting feels semi rural, and parcels may use a Glenwood Springs mailing address even if they are outside city limits. For neighborhood context, see the community’s description on the 4 Mile Ranch website and location page.

• Learn more about the neighborhood’s setting on the 4 Mile Ranch site’s location overview.

City vs. county rules: start here

Your first step is to confirm jurisdiction. If your parcel is inside Glenwood Springs city limits, the city’s short term rental ordinance applies. If it is in unincorporated Garfield County, county guidance and any PUD or covenant rules govern. This difference affects permits, density caps, buffer distance rules, and which lodging and sales taxes you must collect.

Quick verification steps

1. Look up your address or parcel on the Garfield County Assessor’s property search. This confirms city limits vs. unincorporated county.
2. If you are inside city limits, review the City of Glenwood Springs Vacation Rentals page and its interactive map for permit eligibility.
3. If you are in unincorporated county, follow Garfield County’s short term home rentals guidance, then check your PUD documents and recorded covenants.
4. Contact your HOA or the Four Mile Ranch Metropolitan District to confirm neighborhood level rules and services. The district’s site is here: Four Mile Ranch MD No. 1.

Glenwood Springs STR rules

If your 4 Mile Ranch property is inside city limits, you need a city STR permit for whole unit stays under 30 days. Permits are valid for two years and renew on an odd year cycle. The application requires a building inspection, a city business and sales tax license, posted permit information, and a 24 hour local contact. The city also enforces density controls, including a citywide cap and a minimum 250 foot buffer between whole unit STR permits. Always rely on the city’s current page for definitive rules and any recent code changes.

• Start with the City’s official Vacation Rentals page for permits, map access, inspections, and posting requirements.

City taxes and filings

Glenwood Springs collects multiple taxes on short stays, including a 5.00 percent accommodations tax for 2024. The city’s sales and tax page lists total current rates and notes a city sales tax change effective January 1, 2025. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting state and local taxes through the proper systems. Missing filings can jeopardize permit renewal.

• Check current rates and filing systems on the city’s Sales Tax page.

Garfield County’s approach

In unincorporated Garfield County, owners may generally rent short term without a land use change permit unless a PUD or recorded covenants prohibit it. If your parcel lies within a PUD or special zoning, contact Planning staff for direction. You still must follow building codes for any modifications and handle state sales tax registration where applicable. Compared to the city’s program, county requirements are less standardized, so confirm details for your specific parcel.

• Review county guidance here: Short term home rentals.

HOA and covenants matter

In Colorado, the recorded declaration or CC&Rs typically control whether an HOA can restrict or ban short term rentals. An HOA usually cannot enforce a ban unless the declaration authorizes it or has been amended. Your next move is to read your recorded CC&Rs, ask the board about any rental policies, and confirm how the rules are enforced.

• For legal background, see this overview on HOA covenants and STR restrictions.

Demand, seasonality, and revenue basics

Why guests come: the hot springs, Sunlight Ski Area, Hanging Lake, and easy access to downtown Glenwood Springs. Demand is year round, with July often a high revenue month and winter weekends strong for skiing and holidays. Market dashboards vary by provider, but recent snapshots show mid range occupancies and solid nightly rates in the broader Glenwood Springs market. For example, AirDNA reported about 57 percent occupancy with average daily rates in the 300 plus range for 2024 to 2025, while other aggregators publish low 60 percent occupancy with ADRs roughly between 200 and 350 dollars depending on property type and map boundaries.

• Explore market signals on the AirDNA Glenwood Springs overview.

Budgeting and margins checklist

• Revenue drivers: nightly rate, occupancy, minimum stays, cleaning fees, seasonal discounts.
• Costs to plan for: management fees if you hire a manager, utilities and winter heating, turnover cleaning, platform commissions, repairs and guest damage, insurance premiums, city or county licensing fees, lodging taxes, and HOA compliance costs.
• Local management fees: many full service operators quote about 20 to 35 percent of gross bookings. Always request sample P&Ls and comparable listings before you sign.

Operating in 4 Mile Ranch: on the ground

Access and winter driving

Four Mile Road is a county road with winter conditions and some narrow stretches. Set guest expectations before arrival, note any private drive limitations, and include guidance on all wheel drive or chains during storms.

Wildfire readiness

Western Colorado faces wildfire risk. Check seasonal fire restrictions before allowing outdoor fires or grilling. Build defensible space, keep smoke and CO detectors working, and post evacuation routes and contacts for emergencies. For parcel level risk and current restriction resources, use the state’s Wildfire Risk viewer.

Wildlife and neighbor relations

Expect elk and deer sightings. Protect wildlife and your property by using bear resistant containers and clear trash rules. Post quiet hours, parking maps, guest limits, and a plan for responding to neighbor concerns. The 4 Mile Ranch site notes the area’s natural setting and nearby recreation, so align your house rules with that environment.

Safety and posting

If you are inside city limits, you must post required information, including the permit number, a 24 hour local contact, and safety details like egress and fire extinguisher locations. Even in the county, meet code standards and document safety features.

• Review city posting and inspection items on the Vacation Rentals page.

Insurance and liability

Many standard homeowners policies exclude business activity such as short term rentals. Notify your insurer and secure STR specific coverage or a suitable endorsement, and verify liability limits. Platform protection is not a full substitute for proper insurance.

• Learn why dedicated STR coverage matters in this consumer guide on short term rental insurance.

Before you list: a quick checklist

1. Confirm jurisdiction on the county Assessor’s property search.
2. If inside Glenwood Springs: apply for the STR permit, schedule the inspection, and get a city business and sales tax license using the city’s Vacation Rentals page.
3. If in unincorporated county: follow the county’s STR guidance and check any PUD or recorded covenants.
4. Review your HOA CC&Rs and speak with your board or manager about rental policies. If unclear, read up on Colorado HOA covenants and STRs.
5. Register and prepare for taxes. The city’s Sales Tax page lists current rates and systems for filing.
6. Update insurance with an STR endorsement or policy and confirm liability coverage using guidance like this insurance overview.
7. Build guest rules and a house manual: parking map, quiet hours, occupancy limits, wildlife and trash guidelines, winter access tips, evacuation plan, and 24 hour contacts.
8. Coordinate district services. Confirm water, sewer, and trash schedules with the Four Mile Ranch MD, especially bear resistant container requirements and pickup timing.

Thinking about a purchase or sale at 4 Mile Ranch with short term rental potential? You deserve clear, local guidance from someone who works both the Aspen market and the Glenwood Springs valley every day. Reach out to Giovanna O. Kennedy for bilingual, concierge level advice tailored to your goals.

FAQs

Are short term rentals allowed at 4 Mile Ranch if my address says Glenwood Springs?

• A Glenwood Springs mailing address does not decide your rules. First check jurisdiction on the county Assessor’s property search. City parcels follow Glenwood Springs’ permit program, while unincorporated parcels follow county guidance and covenants.

What permits do I need inside the City of Glenwood Springs for a whole home STR?

• You need a city STR permit for stays under 30 days, a building inspection, a city business and sales tax license, posted permit details, and a 24 hour local contact. Density caps and a 250 foot buffer between whole unit STRs also apply. See the city’s Vacation Rentals page.

Are STRs generally allowed in unincorporated Garfield County?

• Yes, unless your PUD or recorded covenants prohibit them. There is no city style STR permit, but you must comply with building codes and state tax rules. Start with county short term rentals guidance.

How much lodging tax should I collect in the city?

• The city published a 5.00 percent accommodations tax for 2024, with combined state and local sales taxes resulting in a higher effective total. Check the city’s Sales Tax page for current rates and a 2025 change note.

How seasonal is demand in the Glenwood Springs area?

• Demand is year round, with July often a high revenue month and strong winter holiday and ski weekends. Market dashboards like AirDNA’s Glenwood Springs overview show mid range occupancy and solid ADRs, though exact figures vary by provider and map boundaries.

What insurance do I need for a 4 Mile Ranch STR?

• Notify your insurer and add an STR endorsement or a dedicated vacation rental policy, and verify liability limits. Platform coverage is limited. See this consumer guide on short term rental insurance.