Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Douglas County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Central sewer limit
Two guests per bedroom
Septic limit
System's design capacity
Stated on
The STR license itself
Overlapping leases
Not allowed
Posted
Interior signage and all advertising

Summary

For a Douglas County rental on central sewer, overnight occupancy cannot exceed two guests per bedroom. On a septic (on-site wastewater) system, occupancy cannot exceed the system's design capacity. The permitted occupancy is printed on the license and must be posted inside.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Occupancy of a Short-Term Rental Property served by an on-site wastewater treatment system shall not exceed the design capacity of said system. Occupancy of a Short-Term Rental Property served by a central sanitation system shall not exceed two (2) guests per bedroom. The permitted occupancy shall be stated on the Short-Term Rental license.

Full Breakdown

Section V.G sets the occupancy rule. Homes served by a central sanitation system are limited to two guests per bedroom; homes on an on-site wastewater treatment system are limited to that system's design capacity, which can be lower. The permitted number is stated on the Short-Term Rental license and must appear on the required interior signage and in all advertising. It is unlawful for the Owner, Local Responsible Agent, or Lessee to exceed the licensed overnight occupancy by more than the maximum number of people permitted. A Short-Term Rental lease term also may not overlap with any other lease of the same property.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding permitted occupancy is an ordinance violation. Repeated violations (more than one occasion) allow the Director to suspend the license for up to 90 days, and a second suspension within 12 months supports revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay in a four-bedroom rental?
On central sewer, up to eight overnight guests (two per bedroom). On a septic system the limit may be lower, capped at the wastewater system's design capacity.
Where is my occupancy limit listed?
The permitted occupancy is stated on your Short-Term Rental license and must be posted on interior signage and included in all advertising for the property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Douglas County

All Douglas County rules

Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview

Get notified when Occupancy Limits in Douglas County, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Occupancy Limits in Cities Across Douglas County