Boulder, Colorado

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Boulder County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License RequiredProcessing: Varies
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$190 plus $25 business license fee for new application; $20 annual affidavit fee
Renewal4-year license term with annual affidavit; renewal application and $190 fee required at expiration
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified
Est. Processing TimeVaries

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Max Nights Per Year120 (accessory unit only)
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Official Sources

bouldercolorado.gov/services/rental-housing-licensing-short-term
Data confidence: 97%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Boulder, Colorado

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Boulder, Colorado are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $190 plus $25 business license).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Boulder, Colorado?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Boulder, Colorado.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Boulder?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $190 plus $25 business license.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Boulder?

Yes — Boulder sets a cap of 120 rental nights per year.

Where do these Boulder short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Boulder's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Boulder, Boulder County, or Colorado authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.