Commerce City, CO Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Section 9-3901 defines a short-term rental unit as the provision of lodging services within a single-family attached or detached dwelling unit, for compensation, to a person or persons for periods of less than thirty days, excluding bed and breakfast establishments and rentals for one-time gatherings such as weddings or banquets. Section 9-3902(a) makes it unlawful for any person to offer, provide or operate a short-term rental unit in the city without first obtaining a license, and section 9-3902(c) lists what an application must include: documentation of the rental's address, proof of possession by deed, lease or written owner authorization, an affirmation that the applicant already notified adjoining owners and residents under section 9-3906, and proof of liability insurance.

Licenses run for one year under section 9-3903 and cannot be operated past expiration without a complete renewal application under review. Section 9-3904 makes the property owner ultimately liable for compliance and for filing all required tax returns, and section 9-3905 requires the owner to designate a responsible agent who can be reached and can manage the unit within thirty miles at all times, available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for complaints and violations. Section 9-3907 requires a self-inspection checklist for every initial and renewal application, and the city may require a full inspector visit if the property drew more than one code violation or more than three complaints in the prior twelve months.