Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Highlands Ranch, CO

No — Airbnb-style short-term rentals are not allowed in Highlands Ranch, CO. STRs are defined as leases for less than 30 consecutive days. While allowed in most unincorporated areas, they are prohibited in Planned Development (PD) districts unless the specific PD allows them; Highlands Ranch is a PD that does not specifically allow STRs. The ban applies to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.), not just Airbnb. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are defined as leases for less than 30 consecutive days. While allowed in most unincorporated areas, they are prohibited in Planned Development (PD) districts unless the specific PD allows them; Highlands Ranch is a PD that does not specifically allow STRs.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Highlands Ranch. Submit a Short-Term Rental License Application to Zoning Compliance with required documents (parking plan, life-safety affidavit, renter signage). Pay the $500 initial review fee and $130 license fee upon approval; renew annually for $270 plus the license fee.

Submit a Short-Term Rental License Application to Zoning Compliance with required documents (parking plan, life-safety affidavit, renter signage). Pay the $500 initial review fee and $130 license fee upon approval; renew annually for $270 plus the license fee.

No. Because Highlands Ranch, CO prohibits this type of short-term rental, the ban covers Vrbo just as it covers Airbnb and Booking.com — switching platforms does not change the legal status. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Highlands Ranch 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Highlands Ranch. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.