Lakewood, CO Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection required
- Before first STR license
- Re-inspection trigger
- Safety complaint only
- Conducted by
- City-designated Inspector
- Report filed with
- City Clerk's Office
Summary
Lakewood requires every new short-term rental to pass a City-designated Inspector's safety inspection before licensing, with re-inspection only triggered by a safety complaint.
Prior to any STR license being approved for an initial term, the owner shall have the property inspected by an Inspector in accordance with this Chapter. Subsequent inspections shall only be required upon a safety complaint against the Licensed Premises being lodged with the Licensing Authority. A Licensee applying for renewal of a License that is in good standing and that is not the subject of any safety complaints shall not be required to complete a new inspection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Under § 5.55.050(B), before an STR license is approved for an initial term the owner must have the property inspected by a City-designated Inspector under this chapter. Subsequent inspections apply only after a safety complaint is lodged with the Licensing Authority, and a renewing licensee in good standing with no complaints on file need not complete a new inspection. The Inspector certifies conformance with the chapter's minimum health and safety standards on a City-provided report before the City Clerk may approve the license.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or advertising as an STR without a completed inspection report on file blocks license approval; a failed post-complaint inspection supports suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do renewing STR owners need a new inspection every year?
What does the inspection check?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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