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, CO STR Laws &... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Summary

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

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 18 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

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

In Plain English

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$119

Processing Time

14-21 business days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•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.

Requirements(15)

•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 Process(7)

•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 & Costs(3)

•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.

Taxes(3)

•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 & Restrictions(5)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(2)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Colorado Springs

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(3)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Colorado Springs

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

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?

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Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

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