Boulder County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary residence
- Over six months per year
- Host-absent nights
- Up to 45 per year
- Proof required
- CO ID plus sworn statement
- Whole-home (vacation)
- Owner absent, zone-limited
- Sworn statement
- Renewed yearly
Summary
Short-Term Rentals must be the owner's or tenant's primary residence, occupied more than six months per year, though the host may be absent up to 45 nights annually. Whole-home Vacation Rentals (owner absent) are separately capped and zone-restricted.
Primary Residence: The Dwelling Unit in which a person resides for more than six (6) months out of each calendar year.
Full Breakdown
Ordinance 2023-02 defines a Primary Residence as the dwelling in which a person resides more than six months each calendar year. A Short-Term Rental is a primary residence rented while the host is present, or absent for up to 45 nights per year; applicants must prove primary residence with a Colorado driver's license or ID plus a yearly Sworn Statement of Primary Residence. Vacation Rentals are the non-owner-occupied whole-home category, allowed only in Forestry and Mountain Institutional zones and subject to a 3.5% cap. If a vacation rental goes unused more than 45 days for two consecutive years, the county may convert it to a short-term license.
Violations & Fines
Falsifying the Sworn Statement of Primary Residence or exceeding the 45-night host-absence allowance for a short-term license is a violation, subject to fines and possible license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I short-term rent a home that isn't my primary residence?
How many nights can I be away and still rent short-term?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.