Short-term rental permit rules in Arapahoe County, CO — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
As of early 2026, unincorporated Arapahoe County does not have an STR licensing or registration requirement. STRs are currently allowed by right in residential areas. The county is developing proposed licensing regulations with a local responsible agent requirement and possible 500-foot separation rule.
The Arapahoe County Land Development Code does not explicitly allow or prohibit short-term rentals in unincorporated residential areas. STRs currently operate as an allowed use by right. However, the county is proposing a new licensing program with two options: a primary-residence requirement or an owner-only model with a 180-day annual cap. Proposed rules include a designated local responsible agent reachable within 15 minutes and on-site within 60 minutes, a 500-foot separation between whole-house STR licenses, and a countywide cap of 100 licenses for multifamily structures. Proposed fees are $200 for application and $350 annual license.
No current STR-specific penalties. Proposed regulations under development by the Board of County Commissioners for adoption in 2026.
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See how Arapahoe County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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