Douglas County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Douglas County, CO, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- License term
- One calendar year
- Renewal
- Full application every year
- On sale
- License ends; buyer reapplies
- Review window
- Within 60 days of receipt
- Filed with
- County Zoning Compliance team
Summary
A Douglas County Short-Term Rental license lasts one calendar year, or ends immediately when the property is sold. Owners must file a full renewal application every year, resubmitting all required documents. Each change of ownership requires a brand-new license application.
A Short-Term Rental Property license shall expire one (1) calendar year after its issuance, or when title of the Short-Term Rental Property transfers to a new Owner, whichever occurs first. Each change in ownership of a Short-Term Rental Property shall require a new license application.
Full Breakdown
Registration is handled by the county Zoning Compliance team. A first-year application must include: a completed application form; a notarized declaration naming a Local Responsible Agent; a parking plan; a life-safety affidavit; a Health Department on-site wastewater use permit (if on septic); and Building Division and Health Department sign-offs that the unit is acceptable. The Department reviews complete applications within 60 days. Renewals carry the same submittal requirements as the original and all documents must be submitted anew. A license does not transfer with the home, so a buyer must apply fresh. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Violations & Fines
Failing to renew is grounds for suspension. Providing false or misleading information in the application can lead to denial or revocation, barring new licenses for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my license transfer if I sell the house?
Is renewal simpler than the first application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview
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