Short-Term Rentals in Westminster, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Westminster or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Westminster has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Parking Rules

Westminster may require designated parking for STR guests. Parking plan may be part of STR permit. Mountain areas have winter parking challenges.

Key details: Off-Street: Check city requirements. Street Limit: Per city code. Winter: Snow parking rules apply. HOA: May have restrictions.

Parking plan non-compliance may affect permit renewal. Street parking violations per city code.

Occupancy Limits

Westminster limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.

Key details: Typical Limit: 2 per bedroom + 2. Listing: Must state max occupancy. Enforcement: Complaint-driven. Penalty: Permit revocation possible.

First offense: warning. Repeated overcrowding: fines of $250 to $1,000. Permit suspension or revocation for chronic violations.

Insurance Requirements

Westminster may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.

Key details: Coverage: $500K to $1M typical. Homeowner Policy: May not cover STR. Platform Insurance: May not satisfy local rules. Proof: May be required at renewal.

Operating without required insurance may result in permit denial or revocation. Hosts may face personal liability for uninsured claims.

Permit Requirements

Westminster requires a Short-Term Rental license under Section 11-4-18 (approved May 22, 2023). No initial fee; $200 plus processing renewal every 2 years. One STR per applicant maximum citywide.

Key details: Code: Sec. 11-4-18. Approved: May 22, 2023. Initial Fee: $0. Renewal: $200 + fee, every 2 yrs. Cap per Applicant: 1 STR.

Operating without a license violates Section 11-4-18 and is enforced by city Code Enforcement. Holding multiple STR licenses in violation of the one-per-applicant rule triggers revocation.

Noise Rules

Westminster STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Many cities impose stricter quiet hours for rentals. Complaints can trigger permit review.

Key details: Quiet Hours: Per city noise ordinance. Parties: Prohibited at most STRs. Response: Host must respond promptly. Consequence: Permit revocation possible.

Noise violation: $200 to $1,000. Multiple complaints: permit review/revocation. Host responsible for guest behavior.

Taxes & Fees

Colorado state sales tax of 3.9% applies to lodging. Westminster levies additional local lodging tax. Platforms auto-collect. Total rates typically 7 to 12%.

Key details: State Tax: 3.9% sales. Local Tax: Varies by city/county. Platforms: Auto-collect. Total: 7 to 12% typical.

Non-remittance: penalty + interest. Colorado DOR audit. Tax evasion: misdemeanor charges.

The Bottom Line

Westminster's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Westminster's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.