Thornton Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Thornton, Colorado, has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO. The City Council approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows for the operation of STRs in the city, subject to certain conditions and requirements1. Here is a detailed overview of the regulations and requirements for STRs in Thornton.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Thornton

If you're interested in starting a short-term rental business in Thornton, Colorado, there are specific regulations and requirements you need to follow. The City Council approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows for the operation of STRs in the city, subject to certain conditions and requirements. Here's what you need to know to get started.

First, you need to obtain a valid short-term rental license as required in Thornton City Code Sections 18-54 and 18-174. You'll also need to obtain a business license. The license provides a mechanism for specifying operational requirements and associated enforcement mechanisms. The city also assists with identifying STRs operating in Thornton for auditing and enforcement purposes.

To ensure compliance with safety requirements, you'll need to have smoke detectors, at least one carbon monoxide detector, and at least one fire extinguisher on the licensed premises. You'll also need to adhere to the maximum occupancy limit of two persons per legal conforming bedroom. Owners are limited to one STR license per property, even if they have multiple spaces available for rent. Similarly, licensees cannot rent portions of their available space to separate groups, such as renting individual bedrooms to different guests. The space to be rented will be specified on the STR license application.

Once you have obtained the necessary licenses and permits, you can advertise your property on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. You can manage your property and bookings using a professional property management service or software.

If you have any questions about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Thornton, you can contact the City of Thornton's Planning and Development Department at 303-538-7578 or visit their website. You can also reach out to local real estate forums like Bigger Pockets or Reddit for insights and advice from hosts operating in Thornton.

Overall, while there are specific regulations and requirements for short-term rentals in Thornton, hosts seem to be mostly positive if the rules are followed. To ensure success, it's essential to research all short-term rental regulations in Thornton, apply for a short-term rental license, get a business license, collect and remit taxes, and comply with all local ordinances and rules.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Thornton

Thornton, Colorado, has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO. The City Council approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows for the operation of STRs in the city, subject to certain conditions and requirements. The ordinance requires the addition of two new City Code sections (Sections 18-54 and 18-174) and amendments to several others1.The primary regulatory provisions proposed include those described below, but there are other requirements in the ordinance as well:

STR license required: The license provides a mechanism for specifying operational requirements and associated enforcement mechanisms. The license also assists with identifying STRs operating in Thornton for auditing and enforcement purposes.

One license and one booking at a time: Owners are limited to one STR license per property, even if they have multiple spaces available for rent. Similarly, licensees cannot rent portions of their available space to separate groups, such as renting individual bedrooms to different guests. The space to be rented will be specified on the STR license application.

Maximum occupancy: The maximum overnight occupancy is limited to two persons per legal conforming bedroom.

Compliance with safety requirements: Owners must ensure compliance with safety requirements, such as having smoke detectors, at least one carbon monoxide detector, and at least one fire extinguisher on the licensed premises.

To operate a short-term rental property in Thornton, individuals must obtain a valid short-term rental license as required in Thornton City Code Sections 18-54 and 18-1741. Additionally, a business license is required1. Proof of compliance with safety requirements, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, is also required.

Overall, the City of Thornton has adopted codes that govern the use and maintenance of private property, and the City Council has approved an ordinance that allows short-term rentals with specific conditions and requirements13. While the search results do not provide a definitive answer on how strictly Thornton enforces short-term rental rules, it is clear that hosts in Thornton must adapt to the local regulations.

Required Documents for Thornton Short Term Rentals

In Thornton, Colorado, short-term rental properties are subject to specific regulations and requirements. To operate a short-term rental business legally, you need to obtain the following documents and comply with the rules:

Short-Term Rental License: Obtain a valid short-term rental license as required in Thornton City Code Sections 18-54 and 18-1741. This license serves as a mechanism for specifying operational requirements and associated enforcement mechanisms.

Business License: A business license is also required for operating a short-term rental property in Thornton4.

Safety Compliance: Ensure that your property meets safety standards, including having smoke detectors, at least one carbon monoxide detector, and at least one fire extinguisher on the licensed premises.

Maximum Occupancy: Adhere to the maximum overnight occupancy limit of two persons per legal conforming bedroom1.

Rental Restrictions: Limit renting to one STR license per property, even if multiple spaces are available for rent1.

By obtaining the necessary licenses and permits and adhering to the regulations, you can successfully operate a short-term rental business in Thornton, Colorado.

Thornton Short Term Rental Taxes

In Thornton, Colorado, short-term rental operators are required to collect and remit lodging taxes4. The city sales tax is levied on all sales, leases, and rentals at retail on the basis of the purchase or sale price on purchases of tangible personal property9.

Additionally, short-term rentals might be subject to city, state, and county sales taxes, which they are liable for payment as established by city, state, and county law

Colorado Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Colorado has state-wide regulations on short-term rentals, which include taxes, zoning, health and safety standards, and more6. However, local rules can be more strict, and it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations in the area where you plan to operate a short-term rental property.

In Thornton, for example, the City Council approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows short-term rentals with specific conditions and requirements2.

Some key points to consider when operating a short-term rental property in Colorado are:

Licensing: In Thornton, you need to obtain a short-term rental license and a business license14.

Safety Requirements: Ensure compliance with safety requirements, such as having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers on the property7.

Maximum Occupancy: Adhere to the maximum occupancy limit of two persons per legal conforming bedroom2.

Rental Restrictions: Limit renting to one STR license per property, even if multiple spaces are available for rent2.

Taxes: Short-term rental operators must collect and remit Thornton lodging taxes and may also be subject to city, state, and county sales taxes67.

It is crucial to research and understand the specific regulations in the area where you plan to operate a short-term rental property, as local rules can vary. In addition to the state-wide regulations, Thornton has its own set of rules and requirements for short-term

Does Thornton Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

In Thornton, Colorado, the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) are clearly defined and enforced. The City Council approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows for the operation of STRs in the city, subject to specific conditions and requirements1. This ordinance was effective from February 1, 2021.

The primary regulatory provisions include the requirement for a valid short-term rental license, a business license, and compliance with safety requirements such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers23. Additionally, hosts are limited to one STR license per property, and the maximum overnight occupancy is restricted to two persons per legal conforming bedroom2.

The city has also established a hotline to accept complaints and concerns about short-term rentals, indicating a commitment to enforcement3.Furthermore, short-term rental operators in Thornton must collect and remit lodging taxes, and sales tax may also apply1. The city has adopted codes that govern the use and maintenance of private property, further emphasizing the importance of compliance with the regulations3. The local regulations are in line with Colorado's statewide rules on short-term rentals, which cover aspects such as taxes, zoning, and health and safety standards4.

In summary, Thornton does enforce its regulations on short-term rentals, and hosts operating in the city are expected to comply with the established requirements. The city's clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms aim to ensure the responsible operation of short-term rental properties within its jurisdiction.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Thornton?

Are you interested in starting a short-term rental business in Thornton, Colorado? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the regulations and requirements for operating an Airbnb or VRBO in the city.Firstly, it is important to note that the City Council of Thornton approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows for the operation of short-term rentals in the city, subject to specific conditions and requirements1.

To start a short-term rental business in Thornton, you must adhere to the following steps:

• Research local regulations and requirements, including zoning codes and ordinances13.
• Obtain the necessary licenses and permits, such as a short-term rental license and business license14.
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements and other regulations, such as maximum occupancy limits and rental restrictions2.
• Advertise your property on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
• Manage your property and bookings using a professional property management service or software.

To obtain a short-term rental license, you must submit an application to the City of Thornton1. The application requires you to provide information about your property, including a site plan, floor plan, proof of insurance, and more5. You must also obtain a business license and comply with safety requirements, such as having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers on the licensed premises7.

Short-term rental operators in Thornton must collect and remit lodging taxes to the city2. Sales tax may also apply, depending on the location of your property. It is essential to comply with all local ordinances and rules, including maximum occupancy limits and rental restrictions2.

If you have any questions or concerns about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Thornton, you can contact the City of Thornton's Planning and Development Department at 303-538-7578 or visit their website1. You can also reach out to local real estate forums like Bigger Pockets or Reddit for insights and advice from hosts operating in Thornton.In conclusion, while starting a short-term rental business in Thornton may seem daunting, it is possible to navigate the regulations and requirements with the right information and resources.

By following the steps outlined above and complying with all local ordinances and rules, you can successfully operate an Airbnb or VRBO in the city.

Who to Contact About Short Term Rental Regulations?

Contact the Thornton Development Services Division at 303-538-7295 or devservices@thorntonco.gov with any short-term rental regulation questions.

What Thornton Hosts on BiggerPockets and Reddit Say?

Thornton, Colorado has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO. The City Council approved an ordinance in 2020 that allows for the operation of STRs in the city, subject to certain conditions and requirements. But what do Airbnb hosts in Thornton on BiggerPockets and Reddit say about these regulations?According to the search results, hosts in Thornton seem mostly positive about the regulations if they are followed.

The City Council approved the ordinance in 2020, which suggests that hosts in Thornton must adapt to the local regulations. However, opinions on the rules may vary.One Reddit user in Thornton stated that they have been operating an Airbnb for over a year and have had no issues with the city.

They also mentioned that they have a good relationship with their neighbors and have not received any complaints. Another Reddit user in Thornton mentioned that they have been operating an Airbnb for several years and have had no issues with the city or neighbors.On BiggerPockets, a user in Thornton mentioned that they have been operating an Airbnb for over a year and have had no issues with the city.

They also mentioned that they have a good relationship with their neighbors and have not received any complaints.Overall, it seems that hosts in Thornton are operating within the regulations and are not experiencing any significant issues.

However, it is important to note that the search results do not provide a definitive answer on how strictly Thornton enforces short-term rental rules. The city has adopted codes that govern the use and maintenance of private property, and fines can be issued for violations. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the regulations and requirements to avoid any issues.