Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Idaho Springs, CO

Airbnb listings are allowed in Idaho Springs, CO, but with restrictions. STRs in Idaho Springs are limited to the owner’s primary residence or portion thereof (primary residence defined by driver's license, voter or vehicle registration, and tax designation). The ordinance caps the number of licensed STRs at 15, requires an on-call owner/agent within 50 miles who must respond to guest complaints within 3 hours, and requires life-safety and fire inspections, an occupancy statement, off-street parking plan, and posting requirements. 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 Idaho Springs are limited to the owner’s primary residence or portion thereof (primary residence defined by driver's license, voter or vehicle registration, and tax designation). The ordinance caps the number of licensed STRs at 15, requires an on-call owner/agent within 50 miles who must respond to guest complaints within 3 hours, and requires life-safety and fire inspections, an occupancy statement, off-street parking plan, and posting requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Idaho Springs. 1) Complete and submit the City of Idaho Springs Short Term Rental License Application (City Clerk) with proof of ownership or notarized owner authorization, primary-residence documentation, an illustration/site plan and off-street parking plan, and a signed notarized Short Term Rental Affidavit. 2) Provide required inspections/proofs (fire inspection, life-safety inspection, proof of conforming egress) and pay the stated $150 application fee. 3) City issues license (license numbered/dated); licensee must keep information current (update within 10 days) and maintain required posting and on-call representative obligations.

1) Complete and submit the City of Idaho Springs Short Term Rental License Application (City Clerk) with proof of ownership or notarized owner authorization, primary-residence documentation, an illustration/site plan and off-street parking plan, and a signed notarized Short Term Rental Affidavit. 2) Provide required inspections/proofs (fire inspection, life-safety inspection, proof of conforming egress) and pay the stated $150 application fee. 3) City issues license (license numbered/dated); licensee must keep information current (update within 10 days) and maintain required posting and on-call representative obligations.

Vrbo is permitted in Idaho Springs, 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 Idaho Springs 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 Idaho Springs. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.