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Boulder short-term rental rules (2026)

Colorado · United States
Restricted
These rules apply inside Boulder city limits only. Properties outside them follow county or neighboring-town rules.
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 30 nights

Allowed, with material limits.

City of Boulder STRs are strictly owner-occupied/principal-residence-only; no investor or non-hosted whole-home STRs.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

License
Required
Primary residence
Required
Tax on stays
12.835%
total, on our records

Work for Boulder? Claim this page to confirm or correct the rules.

ALLOWEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

Browse all 55 STR regulations in Colorado → Browse all 944 STR regulations in United States →

The full Boulder rules

17 rules on record for Boulder, 9 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: City of Boulder Planning and Development Services (bouldercolorado.gov, official), checked 7 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Boulder?

Yes, with material limits. City of Boulder STRs are strictly owner-occupied/principal-residence-only; no investor or non-hosted whole-home STRs.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Boulder?

Yes, a license or registration is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Boulder?

12.835% in total on stays, on our records.

Can I rent for longer stays in Boulder?

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Boulder rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Boulder on 7 Nov 2026.

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