Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Golden, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Golden, CO, but with restrictions. STRs in residential zones must be owner-occupied for at least 10 months per year. Occupancy is limited to four adults and their dependents, and the STR license number must be included in all advertisements. Only one dwelling unit per lot is eligible for a license. 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.

STRs in residential zones must be owner-occupied for at least 10 months per year. Occupancy is limited to four adults and their dependents, and the STR license number must be included in all advertisements. Only one dwelling unit per lot is eligible for a license.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Golden. 1. Obtain a Sales and Use Tax License from the Finance Department. 2. Submit an STR License application via the OpenGov online portal with required documents (warranty deed, proof of residency, insurance, and safety certification). 3. Pay the $200 fee for a two-year license.

1. Obtain a Sales and Use Tax License from the Finance Department. 2. Submit an STR License application via the OpenGov online portal with required documents (warranty deed, proof of residency, insurance, and safety certification). 3. Pay the $200 fee for a two-year license.

Vrbo is permitted in Golden, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Golden 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.

The most recent tracked change in Golden is "City of Golden STR License Program" (2022-05-01, status: passed). City requires annual STR operating license with fire safety inspection, noise compliance, and city business license. License number must appear in all listings. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

An annual City of Golden STR operating license with fire safety inspection and noise compliance. A Jefferson County business license and county lodging tax registration are also required. License number must appear in all platform listings.

Not currently. City planning is monitoring STR density but has not introduced any cap proposals. Golden's regulatory environment has been stable and is among the more permissive in the Denver metro area.

Jefferson County lodging tax applies to all STRs; operators must register and remit monthly. Colorado state sales tax also applies. Golden does not currently impose a separate city lodging tax on top of state and county obligations.