Occupancy Limits: Boulder vs Longmont

How many guests can stay in my short-term rental?

Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Check Boulder municipal code for exact limits.

What happens if guests exceed the occupancy limit?

The host is responsible. Violations can result in fines and potential permit revocation in Boulder.

How many guests can stay at a Longmont short-term rental?

The maximum number of guests is two persons per legal bedroom plus two additional occupants. The City of Longmont publishes the worked example of a three-bedroom STR capped at eight guests (3 x 2 + 2 = 8). A four-bedroom is capped at ten, a five-bedroom at twelve. Only rooms originally constructed and code-conforming as bedrooms count toward the count - rooms without proper egress, smoke detectors, or required permits do not qualify.

Do I need a sprinkler system for my Longmont STR?

Yes, if you rent more than five bedrooms for short-term rental, the dwelling must be equipped with an approved fire suppression (sprinkler) system. STRs with five or fewer rented bedrooms are not required by the STR program to install sprinklers (although applicable building code at the time of construction may have its own requirements). The five-bedroom threshold is part of the city's life-safety conditions on the STR license.

What makes a room a 'legal bedroom' for STR occupancy counting?

A legal bedroom must be originally constructed as a bedroom and meet current life-safety standards: a smoke detector in the bedroom and in the hallway or area outside bedrooms; a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of the bedroom where the dwelling has an attached garage or fuel-fired appliances; and a direct outside door or egress window (minimum 20" wide x 24" high, 5.7 sq ft openable above ground or 5.0 sq ft at/below ground, sill no more than 48" above the floor). Basement finishes and additions must have proper permits on file to count.