Unincorporated Boulder County requires a Short-Term Rental or Vacation Rental license under Ordinance 2023-02 (effective March 5, 2024). Initial Short-Term Rental license is $350; Vacation Rental license is $500. Renewal fees are $250 and $300 respectively. Vacation Rentals also need a $1,000 septic Change of Use permit.
Boulder County Ordinance 2023-02, codified through Land Use Code Article 4-507.E (Vacation Rentals) and 4-516.Z (Short-Term Rentals), requires every rental of a dwelling for fewer than 30 days in unincorporated Boulder County to be licensed by Community Planning & Permitting. Initial license fees are $350 for a Primary Dwelling Short-Term Rental (owner present 6+ months/year) and $500 for a Vacation Rental. Renewal fees drop to $250 and $300 if the property has had no violations or unpermitted work in the prior two years. Vacation Rentals additionally require a Public Health septic Change of Use permit at $1,000, plus inspection and pumping costs. Operators must also collect Colorado state sales tax and the Boulder County local sales tax under HB23-1287 standardized reporting. Confirm current rates with Boulder County at 303-441-3930.
Operating an STR or Vacation Rental in unincorporated Boulder County without a current license violates Ordinance 2023-02 and Land Use Code Article 4 and is enforceable through Community Planning & Permitting, including suspension or revocation.
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