Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

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

Some Restrictions

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Colorado HB23-1287 - County Regulation Related to Short-term Rentals →

Recently verified

Key Facts

STR-Specific County Fee: None published for unincorporated Adams County (verify)
Colorado State Sales Tax: 2.9%
Adams County Sales Tax: 0.75%
County Lodging Tax: Confirm current rate with Adams County Finance

City-specific rules exist: Westminster, and Thornton have their own taxes & fees rules that differ from Adams County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Unincorporated Adams County has no STR-specific licensing fee, but operators must collect Colorado state sales tax (2.9%), Adams County sales tax (0.75%), and the county's lodging tax on stays under 30 days. Per HB23-1287, listings on platforms like Airbnb must display the operator's state DOR sales-tax license number.

Full Breakdown

Adams County does not currently impose a dedicated short-term rental license or registration fee in the unincorporated areas, but state and county tax obligations still apply. Stays under 30 consecutive days are taxable lodging under Colorado Department of Revenue rules. Operators must register with the Colorado DOR for a sales-tax account and collect 2.9% state sales tax plus 0.75% Adams County sales tax. Adams County also levies a local lodging (accommodations) tax on short-term stays; confirm the current rate (commonly cited at around 5%) with the Adams County Finance Department before pricing listings. Colorado HB23-1287 (eff. Aug 2023) requires platforms and operators to include the state sales-tax license number on listings and clarified county authority. Confirm rates with Adams County Finance at 720-523-6051 and the Colorado DOR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Adams County require a short-term rental license fee?

Unincorporated Adams County does not currently publish a dedicated short-term rental licensing fee in the Development Standards and Regulations, unlike many Colorado mountain counties. Operators still need a Colorado Department of Revenue sales-tax license and must collect state and county sales and lodging tax. If you live inside Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, or another Adams County city, that municipality's STR rules and fees apply instead. Confirm current requirements with the Adams County Community & Economic Development Department at 720-523-6800.

What sales and lodging taxes apply to an Adams County Airbnb?

Stays under 30 consecutive days are taxable lodging in Colorado. Operators must register with the Colorado Department of Revenue and collect 2.9% state sales tax plus 0.75% Adams County sales tax. Adams County also levies a local lodging (accommodations) tax on short-term stays. Confirm the current lodging-tax rate, filing frequency, and any special-district add-ons with the Adams County Finance Department at 720-523-6051 before setting nightly prices.

Do I have to display a license number on my Airbnb listing?

Yes. Colorado House Bill 23-1287, signed in 2023, requires short-term rental operators to display their state sales-tax license number on platform listings such as Airbnb and Vrbo, and clarifies counties' authority to license and regulate STRs. Even though Adams County does not currently issue its own STR license, the state DOR sales-tax account number must still appear on listings and in remittances.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Adams County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Fence Regulations: Height Limits

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Fire Regulations: Fireworks

Environmental Rules: Flood Zones

Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements

More Short-Term Rentals in Adams County

Taxes & Fees in Other Cities

How does Adams County compare?

See something wrong?