Jefferson County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary residence required
- No, both types allowed
- Investment STR cap
- One property per owner
- Primary STR perk
- Exempt from 750-ft rule
- Residency proof
- Two documents required
- ADU STR
- Main house must be primary
Summary
Jeffco does not require STRs to be a primary residence. It licenses two types: Primary Residence STRs and Investment Property STRs. An owner may hold an interest in only one investment (non-primary-residence) STR at any time.
An owner may have an ownership interest in an STR at no more than one (1) property, which is not the owner's Primary Residence, at any time.
Full Breakdown
Section 46 recognizes both a Primary Residence STR (one dwelling unit at the owner's primary residence) and an Investment Property STR. Primary Residence STRs are exempt from the 750-foot separation rule and the 1% Fire Protection District cap. Investment owners are capped: an owner may have an ownership interest in a non-primary-residence STR at no more than one property at any time. Primary-residence applicants must prove residency with two documents (vehicle registration, voter registration, tax returns, Colorado ID, etc.). If an ADU is the STR, the main single-family dwelling must be the owner's primary residence.
Violations & Fines
Holding interests in multiple investment STRs, or misrepresenting primary residence, breaches the affidavit and can void the license and trigger fines and revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in the STR?
What's the benefit of a primary-residence STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
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