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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Colorado Springs, CO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Owner-occupied units must be the operator's primary residence (occupied 185+ days/year). Non-owner-occupied units are prohibited in single-family zones (R-E, R-1 6, R-1 9, PDZs) and must be 500 feet apart in other zones. Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom plus 2 per dwelling (max 15 total), and properties with ADUs built after 6/30/2025 are generally ineligible for STR permits.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an application via the Accela portal including a completed STR checklist and owner/non-owner affidavit. 2) Upload proof of primary residence (for owner-occupied), proof of $500,000 liability insurance, and proof of listing on a hosting platform. 3) Pay the $124.95 annual fee; permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Colorado Springs

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedFebruary 2025

Primary Residency Audit Program Launched

Colorado Springs began auditing existing STR permits to verify operators meet the primary residence requirement, sending letters to suspected non-compliant operators and revoking permits where violations were confirmed.

PassedJuly 2024

Neighbor Notification Requirement Added

New STR permit applications now require proof that adjacent property owners have been notified, with a 30-day comment period before permits are issued in residential zones.

PassedJanuary 2024

Annual Permit Renewal Fee Increase

The City Council approved a significant increase in annual STR permit renewal fees to fund dedicated enforcement staff and a third-party compliance monitoring system.

Official Resources

Official Colorado Springs STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing model ordinance guidance and government relations support for vacation rental professionals across Colorado.

Colorado Hotel & Lodging AssociationStatewide

Colorado's statewide lodging trade group that engages on STR regulatory issues and advocates for a level playing field between traditional lodging and short-term rentals.

Colorado Springs Chamber & EDCLocal

Local economic development organization that monitors tourism accommodation policy and its effect on the Colorado Springs visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Colorado Springs, CO?
Owner-occupied units must be the operator's primary residence (occupied 185+ days/year). Non-owner-occupied units are prohibited in single-family zones (R-E, R-1 6, R-1 9, PDZs) and must be 500 feet apart in other zones. Occupancy is capped at 2 per bedroom plus 2 per dwelling (max 15 total), and properties with ADUs built after 6/30/2025 are generally ineligible for STR permits.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Colorado Springs?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Colorado Springs. 1) Submit an application via the Accela portal including a completed STR checklist and owner/non-owner affidavit. 2) Upload proof of primary residence (for owner-occupied), proof of $500,000 liability insurance, and proof of listing on a hosting platform. 3) Pay the $124.95 annual fee; permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Colorado Springs?
1) Submit an application via the Accela portal including a completed STR checklist and owner/non-owner affidavit. 2) Upload proof of primary residence (for owner-occupied), proof of $500,000 liability insurance, and proof of listing on a hosting platform. 3) Pay the $124.95 annual fee; permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Can I operate an STR in Colorado Springs if I don't live there full-time?
No. Colorado Springs requires that STR operators use the property as their primary residence. Non-owner-occupied investment properties are not eligible for an STR permit, and the city actively audits for compliance.
What happens if my primary residency status changes?
If you no longer occupy the property as your primary residence, your STR permit becomes invalid. The city's audit program cross-references permit addresses with utility records and tax filings, and violations result in permit revocation.
Is there a cap on STR permits in Colorado Springs?
There is no hard citywide cap, but the primary residence requirement naturally limits supply. The City Council has discussed neighborhood-level density caps as complaints increase in certain residential areas.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction