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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Boulder, CO

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (29 days or fewer) are allowed only if the property is the owner’s principal residence (where they reside >50% of the year). Advertisements must display the city-issued Rental Housing License (RHL) number and maximum unrelated occupancy; long-term tenants are prohibited from subletting as STRs.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit the Short-Term Rental application via the City of Boulder rental licensing portal. 2) Pay the required fees ($190 rental license + $25 business license for new apps) via the Customer Self-Service Portal. 3) Submit an Annual Affidavit certifying principal residency by the issuance anniversary date to prevent license revocation.

Regulatory Updates — Boulder

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

Primary Residency Verification Program Expanded

Boulder expanded its primary residency verification program, requiring STR license applicants and renewers to submit utility bills, voter registration, and tax records demonstrating >50% annual occupancy at the permitted address.

PassedJuly 2024

RHL Number Display Enforcement on Platforms

Boulder actively monitored major booking platforms for STR listings that failed to display the city-issued Rental Housing License (RHL) number, issuing violation notices and fines to non-compliant operators.

Under ReviewNovember 2024

City Council Considers Additional STR Restrictions

Boulder City Council held hearings on additional STR restrictions including a night-cap for principal residence permits and expanded primary residence verification, with a vote expected in 2025.

Official Resources

Official Boulder STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Boulder's principal-residence-only STR framework.

Colorado Hotel & Lodging AssociationStatewide

Statewide lodging trade group that monitors Boulder's STR regulations and their impact on the broader Front Range accommodation market.

Boulder Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Local destination marketing organization tracking STR accommodation supply in Boulder and its contribution to the city's visitor and conference economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Boulder, CO?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Boulder, CO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (29 days or fewer) are allowed only if the property is the owner’s principal residence (where they reside >50% of the year). Advertisements must display the city-issued Rental Housing License (RHL) number and maximum unrelated occupancy; long-term tenants are prohibited from subletting as STRs. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Boulder, CO?
Short-term rentals (29 days or fewer) are allowed only if the property is the owner’s principal residence (where they reside >50% of the year). Advertisements must display the city-issued Rental Housing License (RHL) number and maximum unrelated occupancy; long-term tenants are prohibited from subletting as STRs.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Boulder?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Boulder. 1) Submit the Short-Term Rental application via the City of Boulder rental licensing portal. 2) Pay the required fees ($190 rental license + $25 business license for new apps) via the Customer Self-Service Portal. 3) Submit an Annual Affidavit certifying principal residency by the issuance anniversary date to prevent license revocation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Boulder?
1) Submit the Short-Term Rental application via the City of Boulder rental licensing portal. 2) Pay the required fees ($190 rental license + $25 business license for new apps) via the Customer Self-Service Portal. 3) Submit an Annual Affidavit certifying principal residency by the issuance anniversary date to prevent license revocation.
Is Vrbo legal in Boulder, CO?
Vrbo is permitted in Boulder, CO under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Boulder?
Short-term rental hosts in Boulder are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Boulder?
The most recent tracked change in Boulder is "Primary Residency Verification Program Expanded" (2025-01-01, status: passed). Boulder expanded its primary residency verification program, requiring STR license applicants and renewers to submit utility bills, voter registration, and tax records demonstrating >50% annual occupancy at the permitted address. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I operate an investment STR in Boulder if I don't live there?
No. Boulder restricts STRs to the operator's principal residence — defined as the property where they live more than 50% of the year. Non-primary investment properties cannot obtain a Rental Housing License for STR purposes. The city verifies residency through utility records and tax filings.
What happens if Boulder decides I'm not truly a primary resident?
If your primary residency documentation is found insufficient at verification, your license application will be denied or your existing license revoked. Boulder has expanded its verification program and is cross-referencing multiple records. If you split time between locations, confirm you meet the >50% threshold at the Boulder address.
Is Boulder likely to impose additional restrictions on STRs?
Yes. City Council is actively reviewing proposals for a night-cap on principal residence STRs and expanded residency verification. Boulder's progressive housing politics make further restrictions more likely than loosening. Operators should monitor council proceedings for 2025 votes.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction