Chaffee County has contracted with LodingRevs to enforce and manage the Chaffee County Land Use Code (LUC) regulations or short-term rentals (STR). The LUC requires that all property owners conduction STR on their property comply with the LUC by applying for and receiving approval through the Chaffee County Development Services. The application process is done entirely online and if you are starting a new STR, please contact 
for the information you need to apply for a permit. Permitting fees are $250.00 for the initial application fee and $150.00 for the yearly renewal.
Chaffee Common Ground is a County Program that governs and administers revenues generated by a conservation funding measure that was approved by voters in 2018 (Ballot Issue 1A). Revenues are earmarked for: 1) Strengthening forest health 2) Conserving and supporting working ranches, farms and rural landscapes and 3) Managing the impacts of growth.
The 2019 Annual Report by the Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee is available. In 2019, the Common Ground invested ov $6783,000 in projects managed by five nonprofits and a nonprofit/land agency partnership for six different projects and programs. Additional future support of $1,140, 230 was indicated for multi-year and future-year grant requests. Matching investments for these grants will bring $7 million in value to the community. Prior to the first grant cycle in 2019, the Citizens Advisory Committee developed overall program goals, agreed to written guiding principles, and created a citizen-led allocation system. All activities and detailed funding information is provided in the 2019 Annual Report. A printed copy is available at the Chaffee County Administrative Offices, 104 Crestone Ave., Salida.
2019 Annual Report
Common Ground Website
Chaffee Common Ground Board Member Duties
Resolution 2019-11 Establishing Citizens Advisory Committee
COTTONWOOD PASS IS NOW CLOSED
From November 1st until June 15th this road is not maintained beyond Denny Creek Trailhead. Motor vehicles (except snowmobiles, snow cats) are not permitted. Violators are warned that road conditions are not suitable for travel. The cost of rescue of persons or vehicles shall be borne by the violator.
In the fall gates are open so hunters can access the area. The road is plowed, if necessary, to the top of the pass prior to November 1st. If there is snowfall over the rest of the County as well, the main collectors and other county roads take precedence; therefore County Road 306 may be plowed on the 1st or 2nd day.
Three days after the close of hunting season, the gates are closed but not locked. The Road and Bridge Department will go to the top of the pass after that three days to check for vehicles and people. The gates will be locked after all is clear.
In the spring signs state that June 15th is the day the pass will open. However, the Road and Bridge Department will try and have Cottonwood Pass open before Memorial Day, depending on snowfall.
Gunnison County does not have snow removal on their side of the pass
Program Guidance Summary
Envision Chaffee County is a county-wide community effort to help maintain our natural beauty, rural landscapes and sense of community as we grow.
Envision Chaffee County Summary
The Housing Needs Assessment was prepared by Economic & Planning Systems (EPS) for and under contract with Chaffee County and in partnership with the City of Salida and the Towns of Buena Vista and Poncha Springs.
The Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan 2017 - 2023 provides a summary of the health & wellness of our County and a community-wide action plan to address several top health concerns derived from the comprehensive assessment.