Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

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

Heavy Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: Jefferson County Section 46 - Short-Term Rentals (adopted 12-16-25) →

Recently verified

Key Facts

STR Bedroom Maximum: 5 bedrooms (Section 46 definition)
ADU STR Occupant Cap: 3 occupants
Property Type: Single-family detached dwelling, primary dwelling unit
Minimum Lot Size: 1 acre

City-specific rules exist: Arvada, and Lakewood have their own occupancy limits rules that differ from Jefferson County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Under Section 46 of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution (adopted Dec 16, 2025), an unincorporated STR must be a single-family detached dwelling with no more than 5 bedrooms. STRs operated in an Accessory Dwelling Unit are capped at 3 occupants. Colorado HB24-1007 bars relationship-based occupancy caps; any limit must use bedrooms or floor area.

Full Breakdown

Section 46 defines a short-term rental as a single-family detached dwelling, or portion thereof, containing not more than 5 bedrooms, used for paid lodging for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days in unincorporated Jefferson County. STRs located within an Accessory Dwelling Unit are limited to a maximum of 3 occupants, or as updated by ADU regulations. Properties must also sit on at least 1 acre, comply with the underlying zone district, meet Wildfire Hazard Overlay District requirements, have valid water and sanitation, and use the primary dwelling unit. Colorado HB24-1007, the Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits Act effective July 1, 2024, prevents counties from limiting occupancy based on familial or relationship status, so Jefferson County's caps are tied to bedrooms, ADU status and code-based standards. Confirm any property-specific occupancy figure with Jefferson County Planning & Zoning at 303-271-8700.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the 5-bedroom STR definition or the 3-occupant ADU cap, or operating an STR without an approved Special Exception and permit, is a zoning violation enforceable by Jefferson County Planning & Zoning. Permits can be revoked for repeated occupancy or nuisance violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay at a short-term rental in unincorporated Jefferson County?

Under Section 46 of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution, a short-term rental must be a single-family detached dwelling with no more than 5 bedrooms used for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. The county does not publish a single county-wide guest-per-bedroom number for primary-dwelling STRs, but if the STR is located in an Accessory Dwelling Unit, occupancy is capped at 3 people. Confirm the maximum overnight occupancy approved for your specific permit with Jefferson County Planning & Zoning at 303-271-8700.

Can Jefferson County limit how many unrelated people stay at an STR?

No. Colorado House Bill 24-1007, the Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits Act, took effect July 1, 2024 and bars Colorado counties and cities from limiting how many people may occupy a residence based on familial or relationship status. Jefferson County's STR occupancy framework uses objective standards - bedroom count, ADU status, building and fire code, and Wildfire Hazard Overlay District requirements - not who is related to whom.

Does the county count children toward STR occupancy?

Section 46 does not publish a separate child exemption from STR occupancy figures, and any property-specific occupancy figure approved through the Special Exception process applies to all overnight guests. Septic-system capacity and fire-code limits also apply to total occupants regardless of age. Confirm exactly how the approved occupancy on your permit is counted with Jefferson County Planning & Zoning at 303-271-8700.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Jefferson County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Fence Regulations: Height Limits

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Fire Regulations: Fireworks

Environmental Rules: Flood Zones

Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements

More Short-Term Rentals in Jefferson County

Occupancy Limits in Other Cities

How does Jefferson County compare?

See something wrong?