Aurora, CO Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Aurora's short-term rental framework is a relatively recent ordinance: STRs are allowed citywide as a home occupation under UDO 146-3.3.J only when the operator's primary residence is on the property. For ADUs, UDO 146-3.3.6 adds that the ADU may serve as the STR space only when the owner lives in the primary structure. Operators must obtain a general business license through the Aurora Tax and Licensing Division, register the STR specifically, collect Aurora's 8% lodger's tax (City Code 130-152) plus the State of Colorado's 4.25% lodger's tax, and file returns monthly or quarterly. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are exempt from the lodger's tax and do not require a city license, though landlords must follow Colorado state landlord-tenant law including the 2024 warranty-of-habitability and just-cause eviction statutes. Aurora does not maintain a separate long-term rental registry. ADUs may be rented long-term to family members or third parties without restriction beyond the building code's occupancy limit. Colorado HB24-1152 preempts owner-occupancy as a condition of operating an ADU, which will require Aurora to revisit the STR conditioning rule in 146-3.3.6 during the 2025-2026 UDO update.