Boulder Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Boulder,Colorado?

If you're considering renting out your property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO in Boulder, Colorado, it's essential to be aware of the specific regulations governing short-term rentals. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key requirements and regulations to ensure compliance with the local laws.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Boulder

Starting a short-term rental business in Boulder, Colorado requires obtaining a short-term rental license from the City of Boulder. Only property owners are eligible to receive a short-term rental license, and the license must be renewed every four years2. The licensing fee for a Short-Term Rental License is $130, and it must be renewed every four years1.

The license is not transferable, and short-term rentals are only allowed in the principal residence of the license applicant, which is considered a dwelling unit where a person lives for more than half of the year1.

To apply for a short-term rental license, applicants must provide a rental packet containing contact information for the host and safety information, as well as relevant city rules and restrictions2. Hosts are also required to provide documentation verifying their listing as their primary residency, such as a driver’s license, tax documents, voter’s registration, and state-issued ID card1. Additionally, hosts must ensure that their property meets the city's minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and life safety2.

Once licensed, short-term rental operators in Boulder must collect and remit a 7.5% lodging tax on the listing price of the rental1. The city-level sales tax is 3.46% 1. Licenses are valid for one year and need to be renewed1.

It is important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind the host, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations2. The City of Boulder strictly enforces STR rules, and hosts are required to include their short-term rental license number on their listing1.

To start a short-term rental business in Boulder, follow these steps:

• Verify that you are a property owner and meet the primary residency requirement.
• Obtain a short-term rental license from the City of Boulder.
• Ensure compliance with the city's minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings.
• Collect and remit the required lodging tax on the rental price.
• Adhere to the city's rules and restrictions for short-term rentals.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Boulder

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Boulder, Colorado, property owners must adhere to specific licensing requirements. The City of Boulder mandates that individuals obtain a short-term rental license before advertising their property for short-term rental purposes. This license is non-transferable and is only applicable to the principal residence of the license applicant. A principal residence is defined as a dwelling unit where a person lives for more than half of the year1. The city strictly enforces the primary residency requirement, and only property owners are eligible to receive a short-term rental license3.

The application for a short-term rental license in Boulder should include the applicant’s Colorado driver’s license or ID card, a sworn statement that the property is the applicant’s principal residence, certification that the property is equipped with operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other required safety equipment, two contacts’ names and phone numbers, and a rental license fee of $190 and a business license fee of $251. Additionally, hosts are required to provide a rental packet containing contact information for the host, safety information, and relevant city rules and restrictions. They must also ensure the provision of a brochure detailing local contact information and other relevant details3.

Furthermore, hosts are obligated to collect and remit the city-level sales tax of 3.46% and a lodging tax of 2% on the rental price1. The short-term rental license must be renewed every four years, and hosts are required to submit a short-term annual affidavit form each year after obtaining the license1.

In summary, individuals looking to engage in short-term rentals in Boulder, Colorado, must carefully adhere to the city's licensing requirements, including the primary residency mandate, safety equipment certifications, and tax obligations. By following these regulations, property owners can ensure compliance with the local laws and operate their short-term rentals within the legal framework.

Required Documents for Boulder Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Boulder, Colorado, property owners must adhere to specific licensing requirements and provide necessary documentation. The City of Boulder mandates that owners obtain a short-term rental license before advertising their property for rental. This license, which must be renewed every four years, comes with a fee of $13012. Importantly, only property owners are eligible to receive this license2.

Additionally, Boulder short-term rental licenses are not transferable3.When applying for a short-term rental license, property owners are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents. These include a rental packet containing the host's contact information, safety information, and relevant city rules and restrictions. Moreover, owners must provide documentation verifying the property as their primary residency. Acceptable forms of documentation include a driver’s license, tax documents, voter’s registration, and state-issued ID card23.

Furthermore, hosts are required to include their short-term rental license number on their listing, as part of the city's strict enforcement of STR rules2.In addition to the licensing requirements, hosts operating short-term rentals in Boulder are subject to local lodging and sales taxes. The city requires hosts to collect and remit a 7.5% lodging tax on the listing price of the rental5. Licenses are valid for one year and need to be renewed, and the city-level sales tax is 3.46%, while the lodging tax is 2%3.

It's important to note that Boulder County also has its own set of regulations related to short-term rentals. A local license issued by Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting is required to operate any short-term rental in unincorporated Boulder County. The county updated its Land Use Code regulations related to short-term dwelling and vacation rentals, with the final text amendments becoming effective in February 20214.

In summary, to start a short-term rental business in Boulder, property owners must ensure compliance with the city's licensing requirements, provide the necessary documentation, and adhere to the local lodging and sales tax regulations. The city's strict enforcement of STR rules underscores the importance of understanding and abiding by all relevant regulations and requirements.

Boulder Short Term Rental Taxes

In Boulder, Colorado, hosts operating short-term rentals are subject to specific tax regulations. According to the Municipal Code of Boulder, an excise tax of seven and one-half percent is levied on the price paid for short-term rental lodging services1. Hosts are required to log in to their account on the city's online tax portal to file quarterly tax returns and make payments under the Short-term Rental Tax account2. The city also mandates the inclusion of the short-term rental license number on the listing, ensuring compliance with tax requirements and licensing regulations5.

Recent legislative measures in Colorado have sparked discussions about the taxation of short-term rental properties. The proposed classification of homes rented for more than 90 days a year on a short-term basis could lead to a significant increase in property taxes for short-term rental owners3. This has prompted strong opposition from stakeholders in the short-term rental industry, who argue that such measures could have detrimental effects on the local economy.

In addition to tax considerations, Boulder's short-term rental regulations stipulate that licenses are only issued for properties that serve as the host's principal residence. The city imposes strict occupancy limits and requires hosts to provide various documentation, including a rental packet containing safety information and relevant city rules and restrictions45. Furthermore, the licensing fee for a Short-Term Rental License is $130, with a renewal requirement every four years5.

Overall, the tax and regulatory framework for short-term rentals in Boulder, Colorado, is designed to ensure compliance with local laws and to address the evolving landscape of the short-term rental industry. Hosts are advised to stay informed about the latest developments in taxation and regulations to maintain a successful and legally compliant short-term rental business.

Boulder wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Boulder, Colorado, the regulations for short-term rentals (less than 30 days per stay) are outlined in the city's Municipal Code and Land Use Code. These rules are designed to ensure that short-term rental properties are operated in compliance with local laws and standards.

Licensing and Eligibility Short-term rental operators in Boulder must obtain a valid short-term rental license. The city permits short-term rentals of primary residences and legal accessory dwelling units (ADUs) only. It's important to note that short-term renting of a second home or investment property is not allowed. A principal residence is considered a dwelling unit where a person lives for more than half of the year. Only property owners are eligible to receive a short-term rental license, and the license must be renewed every four years. The city enforces strict rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and life safety123.

Required Documents and Fees

To apply for a short-term rental license in Boulder, operators must provide various documents, including the applicant’s Colorado driver’s license or ID card, a sworn statement that the property is the applicant’s principal residence, certification that the property is equipped with operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other required safety equipment, and two contacts’ names and phone numbers. The license application also requires the payment of a fee, which is $130 and must be renewed every four years. Additionally, hosts are required to provide a rental packet containing contact information for the host, safety information, and relevant city rules and restrictions3.

Taxes Hosts operating short-term rentals in Boulder are subject to local lodging and sales taxes. The city requires hosts to collect and remit a 7.5% lodging tax on the listing price of the rental4.

Enforcement and Compliance The City of Boulder strictly enforces STR rules. Hosts are required to include their short-term rental license number on their listing, and it is important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind the host, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations1.

Conclusion Boulder's short-term rental regulations are designed to ensure that properties are operated in a manner that complies with local laws and standards. By obtaining the necessary license, adhering to eligibility requirements, and understanding the associated fees and taxes, operators can navigate the regulatory framework and engage in short-term rentals in compliance with the city's regulations.

Does Boulder strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Boulder Airbnb friendly?

Boulder, Colorado, enforces strict regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) to ensure compliance with local laws. Only property owners are eligible to receive a short-term rental license, and the city requires hosts to provide a rental packet containing contact information, safety information, and relevant city rules and restrictions1. Additionally, the city strictly enforces rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and life safety1.

The City of Boulder permits short-term rentals of primary residences and legal accessory dwelling units (ADUs) only, with non-owner-occupied short-term rentals not being permissible4. Furthermore, guests who book Airbnb listings in Boulder are subject to a 7.5% Boulder Short-Term Rental Accommodations Tax2.

In terms of friendliness towards Airbnb, Boulder's regulations are designed to ensure that the STR market aligns with the city's housing and zoning goals. The city permits short-term rentals of primary residences and ADUs, aiming to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods and maintain housing availability for local residents4. While these regulations may limit the flexibility of STR operators, they reflect the city's commitment to balancing the interests of property owners with those of the broader community.

In conclusion, Boulder's strict enforcement of regulations and its focus on preserving the residential character of its neighborhoods demonstrate a balanced approach to the short-term rental market, prioritizing the interests of the local community.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Boulder

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Boulder, Colorado requires obtaining a short-term rental license from the City of Boulder. Only property owners are eligible to receive a short-term rental license, and the license is not transferable1. Short-term rentals are only allowed in the principal residence of the license applicant, a trust, or a not-for-profit corporation1. A principal residence is considered a dwelling unit where a person lives for more than half of the year2.

There are strict maximum occupancy limits that investors must meet1.To obtain a short-term rental license, applicants must submit an application that includes the following documents1234:

• Applicant’s Colorado driver’s license or ID card
• Sworn statement that the property is the applicant’s principal residence
• Certification that the property is equipped with operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other required safety equipment
• Two contacts’ names and phone numbers
• Rental license fee of $190 and business license fee of $25

After obtaining a license, a short-term rental annual affidavit form needs to be submitted each year1. The license is valid for one year and needs to be renewed every four years1

Who to contact in Boulder about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To ensure compliance with short-term rental (STR) regulations and zoning in Boulder, Colorado, individuals can directly contact the City of Boulder's Planning and Development Services. This can be done by reaching out to the Short-Term Rental Licensing division or other relevant city agencies. For specific inquiries regarding tax information, the Tax and Licensing Division can be contacted at 303-441-30511.

What do Airbnb hosts in Boulder on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Boulder have expressed various opinions about local regulations on platforms such as Reddit and Bigger Pockets. Some hosts have highlighted the strict enforcement of rules and regulations, emphasizing the importance of understanding and abiding by the city's requirements. They have also pointed out that only property owners are eligible to receive a short-term rental license in Boulder, and that the city strictly enforces the primary residency requirement for hosts15.

Furthermore, discussions on Reddit have shed light on the impact of regulations on the housing stock in Boulder. Hosts and community members have raised concerns about the conversion of residential properties into short-term rentals, potentially reducing the availability of long-term housing. There have been calls for regulations that prioritize primary residency and limit the number of non-primary residence houses available for short-term rentals2.

Additionally, conversations on Reddit have touched upon the challenges related to occupancy laws in Boulder, which affect both short-term rentals and long-term residents. Some individuals have shared their experiences and concerns regarding the occupancy limits and zoning laws, emphasizing the broader impact of these regulations on the community3.

Overall, the discussions on these platforms reflect a mix of perspectives, with some hosts supporting the enforcement of regulations to preserve the local housing market, while others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their ability to participate in short-term rentals. These insights provide a glimpse into the diverse opinions and experiences of Airbnb hosts in Boulder regarding local regulations.