Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Colorado Springs?

**Yes**, Colorado Springs requires a Short-Term Rental License to legally operate. You need to apply for this permit, which costs $119 annually. This license ensures compliance with local regulations and helps the city track short-term rental activity within its jurisdiction. Operating without a permit can result in penalties.

What is the TOT tax rate in Colorado Springs?

**2%** is the Lodging Accommodation Retail Tax (LART) rate in Colorado Springs. In addition to LART, you must collect 8.25% combined sales tax on stays shorter than 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting these taxes to the city, even if platforms like Airbnb collect some taxes automatically.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Colorado Springs?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Colorado Springs, but they are subject to specific regulations. These include obtaining a short-term rental license and adhering to density restrictions, particularly for non-owner-occupied properties. Make sure your listing displays your permit number for transparency and compliance with local laws.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

**No**, you do not necessarily need to live in your property to rent it out on Airbnb in Colorado Springs. However, density rules apply to non-owner-occupied rentals, specifically the 500-foot rule. Verify whether your property qualifies based on these regulations to avoid potential violations and penalties.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Colorado Springs. Only property owners are allowed to apply for and obtain a short-term rental license. Renters interested in hosting would need to get permission from the landlord, and ultimately, the owner must apply for the required permit.

Colorado Springs

Moderate

ColoradoUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals are permitted in Colorado Springs subject to a strict licensing process and density caps for non-owner occupied properties. The city requires a 2% Lodging Tax (LART) and a total combined sales tax of 8.25% on all stays under 30 days.

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Colorado Springs, you must first verify if your property is owner-occupied or a second home, as density rules (the 500-foot rule) apply to non-owner occupied rentals. You need to obtain a local sales tax license and then apply for an STR permit which costs $119 annually. Even if Airbnb collects your taxes, you must register and file quarterly reports with the city. Make sure your listing displays your permit number and that you never exceed the occupancy limit of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra guests.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$119

Processing time14-21 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1The 500-foot rule: Non-owner occupied STRs cannot be within 500 feet of another licensed non-owner occupied STR.
2Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) generally cannot be used as STRs unless they are in historic districts or specifically permitted.
3The license must be renewed annually, and failure to do so results in a late fee or expiration.
4Property owners must provide a local 24/7 contact person who can respond to issues within one hour.
5Even if platforms remit taxes, hosts must still file 'zero' tax returns to remain compliant.
6Non-owner occupied STRs in residential zones are capped at a specific number depending on the density rules.
7The $119 fee includes a mandatory $19 background check fee.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Colorado Springs: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Colorado Springs allows STRs in the following property types: Lawful dwelling units.
Colorado Springs prohibits STRs in the following property types: Non-residential buildings, Accessory structures (sheds, garages), New Non-Owner Occupied in R-E, R-1 6, R-1 9, and single-family PDZs.

Requirements15 rules

Colorado Springs: Primary Residence: Owner-occupied status requires living on-site for at least 185 days a year.
Colorado Springs has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied vs Non-Owner Occupied. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
Colorado Springs STR warning: No Grace Period: Lapsed permits cannot be renewed late; you must re-apply, and you may lose grandfathered status.

Application process7 rules

Colorado Springs STR permit - Step 4: Submit Online Application. Create an account and submit your application via the City's electronic submittal system (GENTAX/Accela). Required documents: All prepared documents. Time: 10 business days. Cost: 124.95.

Fees & costs3 rules

Colorado Springs charges a registration fee of $124.95 (annual).
Colorado Springs: Insurance: You must provide a specific proof of $500,000 liability insurance during the application.
Colorado Springs: Buffer Rule: Non-owner occupied units must be at least 500 feet from each other.

Taxes3 rules

Colorado Springs charges a Lodger's and Auto Rental Tax (LART) of 2%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Marketplace facilitators (Airbnb, VRBO) are required to collect and remit City sales tax (3.07%) and Lodger's tax (2%).

Limits & restrictions5 rules

Colorado Springs: Occupancy Cap: Absolute maximum of 15 guests, regardless of home size.
Colorado Springs occupancy calculation: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants per dwelling unit, not to exceed 15.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Colorado Springs requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Weekly residential trash collection, Parking in private driveways first.

Penalties2 rules

Colorado Springs enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Code enforcement notice. Daily fine: Varies by code violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Colorado Springs: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Colorado Springs exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Active duty military can get a one-year waiver for owner-occupied requirements if deployed..
Colorado Springs: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Colorado Springs

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Density

Ensure your property is in a permitted zone. Non-owner occupied STRs must be 500 feet away from other non-owner occupied STRs.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Sales Tax License

Apply for a City Sales and Use Tax License specifically for the STR property.

3-5 daysFree

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STR Application

Complete the online application via the city's licensing portal, including the background check fee.

14 days$119

Documents needed

Proof of Ownership
Liability Insurance
Affidavit of Compliance

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Colorado Springs

Moderate

ColoradoUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$119

Processing time14-21 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1The 500-foot rule: Non-owner occupied STRs cannot be within 500 feet of another licensed non-owner occupied STR.
2Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) generally cannot be used as STRs unless they are in historic districts or specifically permitted.
3The license must be renewed annually, and failure to do so results in a late fee or expiration.
4Property owners must provide a local 24/7 contact person who can respond to issues within one hour.
5Even if platforms remit taxes, hosts must still file 'zero' tax returns to remain compliant.
6Non-owner occupied STRs in residential zones are capped at a specific number depending on the density rules.
7The $119 fee includes a mandatory $19 background check fee.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Colorado Springs: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Colorado Springs allows STRs in the following property types: Lawful dwelling units.
Colorado Springs prohibits STRs in the following property types: Non-residential buildings, Accessory structures (sheds, garages), New Non-Owner Occupied in R-E, R-1 6, R-1 9, and single-family PDZs.

Requirements15 rules

Colorado Springs: Primary Residence: Owner-occupied status requires living on-site for at least 185 days a year.
Colorado Springs has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied vs Non-Owner Occupied. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
Colorado Springs STR warning: No Grace Period: Lapsed permits cannot be renewed late; you must re-apply, and you may lose grandfathered status.

Application process7 rules

Colorado Springs STR permit - Step 4: Submit Online Application. Create an account and submit your application via the City's electronic submittal system (GENTAX/Accela). Required documents: All prepared documents. Time: 10 business days. Cost: 124.95.

Fees & costs3 rules

Colorado Springs charges a registration fee of $124.95 (annual).
Colorado Springs: Insurance: You must provide a specific proof of $500,000 liability insurance during the application.
Colorado Springs: Buffer Rule: Non-owner occupied units must be at least 500 feet from each other.

Taxes3 rules

Colorado Springs charges a Lodger's and Auto Rental Tax (LART) of 2%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Marketplace facilitators (Airbnb, VRBO) are required to collect and remit City sales tax (3.07%) and Lodger's tax (2%).

Limits & restrictions5 rules

Colorado Springs: Occupancy Cap: Absolute maximum of 15 guests, regardless of home size.
Colorado Springs occupancy calculation: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants per dwelling unit, not to exceed 15.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Colorado Springs requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Weekly residential trash collection, Parking in private driveways first.

Penalties2 rules

Colorado Springs enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Code enforcement notice. Daily fine: Varies by code violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Colorado Springs: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Colorado Springs exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Active duty military can get a one-year waiver for owner-occupied requirements if deployed..
Colorado Springs: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Colorado Springs

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Density

Ensure your property is in a permitted zone. Non-owner occupied STRs must be 500 feet away from other non-owner occupied STRs.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Sales Tax License

Apply for a City Sales and Use Tax License specifically for the STR property.

3-5 daysFree

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STR Application

Complete the online application via the city's licensing portal, including the background check fee.

14 days$119

Documents needed

Proof of Ownership
Liability Insurance
Affidavit of Compliance

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Density

Obtain Sales Tax License

Submit STR Application

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Colorado Springs?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Colorado Springs?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Colorado Springs?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Density

Obtain Sales Tax License

Submit STR Application

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Colorado Springs?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Colorado Springs?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Colorado Springs?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

Disclaimer