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Arapahoe County

Colorado · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-08  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-08  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Arapahoe County Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — Ordinance 2026-01 effective June 12, 2026. One-time $200 application fee + $350 annual license fee. Primary residence required (owner or long-te
Permit Fee$200 application (one-time) + $350 annual license
PenaltiesLicense suspension for non-payment of fees; revocation for repeated violations
Primary Residence RequiredYes (owner or long-term lessee; proof required via CO driver license, voter/vehicle registration, tax return, or utility bill)
Occupancy LimitPer International Property Maintenance Code and septic/sanitation system limits
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Arapahoe County Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Arapahoe County Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Arapahoe County, Colorado are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Ordinance 2026-01 effective June 12, 2026. One-time $200 application fee + $350 annual license fee. Primary residence required (owner or long-term lessee). Legacy exemption for pre-existing STRs. The associated permit fees are $200 application (one-time) + $350 annual license.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Arapahoe County

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Arapahoe County include: Primary residence requirement: Yes (owner or long-term lessee; proof required via CO driver license, voter/vehicle registration, tax return, or utility. Occupancy limit: Per International Property Maintenance Code and septic/sanitation system limits.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Arapahoe County

Hosts who fail to comply with Arapahoe County's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. License suspension for non-payment of fees; revocation for repeated violations.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — Ordinance 2026-01 effective June 12, 2026. One-time $200 application fee + $350 annual license fee. Primary residence required (owner or long-term lessee). Legacy exemption for pre-existing STRs within 60-day window.
Permit Fee
$200 application (one-time) + $350 annual license
Primary Residence Rule
Yes (owner or long-term lessee; proof required via CO driver license, voter/vehicle registration, tax return, or utility bill)
Occupancy Limit
Per International Property Maintenance Code and septic/sanitation system limits
Density Rules
500-foot separation between licensed STRs; cap of 100 licenses for multifamily properties
Compliance Notes
Regulations apply to unincorporated Arapahoe County only. Local Responsible Agent (LRA) required — must be reachable by phone and able to arrive on-site within 60 minutes. Parking plan required (1 space for studio/1BR, 2 spaces for larger units). Building, fire, and health codes must be met including smoke and CO detectors.
Effective Date
June 12, 2026
Penalties
License suspension for non-payment of fees; revocation for repeated violations
Sources
https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/public_works…
arapahoeco.gov
denvergazette.com (May 13, 2026)
littletonindependent.net (May 14, 2026)
9news.com (May 12, 2026)
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Arapahoe County?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Arapahoe County with proper registration and permits. Regulations apply to unincorporated Arapahoe County only. Local Responsible Agent (LRA) required — must be reachable by phone and able to arrive on-site within 60 minutes. Parking plan required (1 spa

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Arapahoe County?

Yes. Arapahoe County requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Ordinance 2026-01 effective June 12, 2026. One-time $200 application fee + $350 annual license fee. Primary residence required (owner or long-term lessee). Legacy exemption for pre-existing STRs within 60-day window..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Arapahoe County?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Arapahoe County may face enforcement. License suspension for non-payment of fees; revocation for repeated violations.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Arapahoe County?

Unknown

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