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Boulder County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

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Verified 1 week ago|Source: Boulder County Short-Term & Vacation Rental Licensing →

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Key Facts

Authority: Ordinance 2023-02; BCLUC Art. 4-507.E and 4-516.Z
Effective Date: March 5, 2024
STR Initial License: $350
STR Renewal: $250 (no violations in prior 2 yrs)
Vacation Rental Initial

City-specific rules exist: Boulder has its own taxes & fees rules that differ from Boulder County's county-level regulations. If you live in Boulder, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

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.

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an STR license cost in unincorporated Boulder County?

Under Ordinance 2023-02, the initial Short-Term Rental license is $350 and the initial Vacation Rental license is $500. Renewal fees are $250 and $300 respectively if the property has had no violations or unpermitted work in the prior two years. Vacation Rentals also require a $1,000 septic Change of Use permit. Confirm current fees with Community Planning & Permitting at 303-441-3930.

Do I need to collect lodging or sales tax on a Boulder County STR?

Yes. Colorado state sales tax and Boulder County local sales tax apply to short-term lodging in unincorporated Boulder County. Under House Bill 23-1287, STR listings must use standardized identifiers for state tax reporting. Specific rates can change, so confirm current state, county, and any special-district rates with the Colorado Department of Revenue and Boulder County before listing.

Does the county license cover STRs inside Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, or Louisville?

No. Boulder County's STR/Vacation Rental ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas. Properties inside the city limits of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Superior, Nederland, Jamestown, Lyons, or Ward are governed by that municipality's own short-term rental code and license.

Boulder County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

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