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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Denver County, CO

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are restricted to the host's primary residence in all zone districts. Hosts must maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance, display their license number in all advertisements, and are limited to one booking/reservation at a time.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register for a lodger's tax account and identify a local responsible party. 2. Apply online via Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center (Accela), uploading proof of primary residence and an insurance affidavit. 3. Pay the $50 application fee and $100 license fee; licenses must be renewed annually.

Official Resources

Official Denver County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Denver County, CO?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Denver County, CO, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are restricted to the host's primary residence in all zone districts. Hosts must maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance, display their license number in all advertisements, and are limited to one booking/reservation at a time. 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 Denver County, CO?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are restricted to the host's primary residence in all zone districts. Hosts must maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance, display their license number in all advertisements, and are limited to one booking/reservation at a time.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Denver County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Denver County. 1. Register for a lodger's tax account and identify a local responsible party. 2. Apply online via Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center (Accela), uploading proof of primary residence and an insurance affidavit. 3. Pay the $50 application fee and $100 license fee; licenses must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Denver County?
1. Register for a lodger's tax account and identify a local responsible party. 2. Apply online via Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center (Accela), uploading proof of primary residence and an insurance affidavit. 3. Pay the $50 application fee and $100 license fee; licenses must be renewed annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Denver County, CO?
Vrbo is permitted in Denver County, 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 Denver County?
Short-term rental hosts in Denver County 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 Denver County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Denver County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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