Aurora, CO Short-Term Rentals: Extended Home Share (2026)

Aurora City Code § 26-219 makes it unlawful to advertise a short-term rental without a general business license and lodger's license from the city, a license number in the ad, and use of the property as the operator's primary residence. Renting an entire dwelling is capped at 180 days per 365-day period, though that cap does not apply to an accessory dwelling unit when the owner lives in the primary structure. Booking platforms must collect lodger's tax and verify licensing, or face a $1,000-per-violation civil penalty under § 26-219(g). The Unified Development Ordinance separately requires the short-term rental operator to hold a valid Aurora business license (UDO § 146-3.3.6.F) and confirms accessory dwelling units may be used as short-term rentals only when the owner occupies the primary structure (UDO § 146-3.3.6.G.14, i.e. subsection n). Licensing and the operating cap are Code matters; the UDO governs where and how the unit may physically exist.