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Douglas County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Primary residence required
No
Investment/non-owner rentals
Allowed if licensed
Per lot
Only one residence as STR
Planned Developments
Must expressly allow use
HOA covenants
May prohibit; county defers

Summary

Douglas County does not require a short-term rental to be the owner's primary residence, so non-owner-occupied and investment rentals are allowed. However, where a lot holds more than one residence, only one of them may be licensed and used as a short-term rental.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Where a lot contains a detached single-family residence and an additional residence(s) of any kind, such as a guest house or a caretaker residence, the Owner is allowed to use only one residence as a Short-Term Rental Property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike some cities, Douglas County's ordinance imposes no owner-occupancy or primary-residence mandate, so an owner may license a home they do not live in. The key limit is one STR per lot: Section V.A provides that where a lot contains a detached single-family residence plus any additional residence (such as a guest house or caretaker residence), the owner may use only one of them as a short-term rental. Licenses are further restricted inside Planned Developments, which must expressly permit the use, and in subdivisions whose covenants prohibit STRs the county will deny the application. HOA rules can independently bar rentals even where the county allows them.

Violations & Fines

Licensing or operating a second residence on the same lot as an STR, or renting where covenants prohibit it, is grounds for denial or revocation of the Short-Term Rental license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in the home to rent it short-term?
No. Douglas County has no primary-residence or owner-occupancy requirement, so you can license a rental you do not personally occupy, subject to zoning and HOA rules.
Can I rent both my house and my guest house?
No. Where a lot has more than one residence, only one may be used and licensed as a short-term rental.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Douglas County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Douglas County rules

Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview

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