Short-term rental permit rules in Aurora, CO — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Aurora requires a General Business License for all short-term rentals (stays of 30 days or less). Only primary residences may operate as STRs. Hosts must post their license number on all listings. The license costs $43 initially and $26 for renewal every two years.
Under Aurora Municipal Code, anyone advertising rentals lasting 30 days or less must register for a General Business/Lodger's Tax License at AuroraGov.org/obl and post the business license number on all listings. Only primary residences are eligible — investment properties cannot be used for short-term rentals. Hosts may rent their entire home for a maximum of 180 days per year; exceeding this limit indicates the property is not a primary residence. Only one booking is permitted at a time, though it can cover multiple rooms. Properties must meet building code and safety standards including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom. Listings without a permit number will be blocked from hosting stays of 30 nights or less. Ordinance No. 2024-41, effective September 9, 2024, updated enforcement provisions.
Operating without a license: booking service providers face civil penalties of $1,000 per violation per day under Ordinance 2024-41. Unlicensed listings will be blocked from hosting.
Aurora, CO
Aurora imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The Sign Code in UDO 146...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, motor noise, and lighting hours are not capped by the city for...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting on private property. The Aurora UDO Section 146-4.9 (Exte...
Aurora, CO
An outdoor kitchen in Aurora typically requires a building permit when it exceeds 120 sq ft, includes a roof or pergola, or is attached to the house. Gas lin...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no code section specifically targeting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens beyond the general IFC 308 open-flame rules adopted...
Aurora, CO
Aurora adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Aurora City Code Chapter 66 (Fire Prevention and Protection). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, pr...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Arapahoe County.
See how other cities in Arapahoe County handle permit requirements.
See how Aurora's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.