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Colorado Springs

Colorado · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Colorado Springs Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateCity sales/use tax 3.07%; Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax 2.75%; Colorado state sales tax 2.9%; combined lodging tax approximately 11.4% (total comb
Night / Day CapNone stated for owner-occupied; no annual night cap published
Minimum StayNot specified (STR defined as <30 consecutive days)
Permit Fee$124.95 annual STR permit fee (renewed annually); $500,000 liability insurance proof required at application
PenaltiesFines and license suspension for repeated violations; pattern of violations can result in permanent license revocation; permits revoked where primary-
Primary Residence RequiredYes for owner-occupied category (must occupy 185+ days/year); non-owner-occupied permitted only in eligible non-single-family zones
Occupancy Limit2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional per dwelling unit; maximum 15 persons total
Browse all 26 STR regulations in Colorado → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Colorado Springs Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Colorado Springs Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Colorado Springs, Colorado are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $124.95 annual STR permit fee (renewed annually); $500,000 liability insurance proof required at app.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Colorado Springs

Short-term rental operators in Colorado Springs should be aware of these tax obligations: City sales/use tax 3.07%; Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax 2.75%; Colorado state sales tax 2.9%; combined lodging tax approximately 11.4% (total combined rate ~8.20% for general sales).

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Colorado Springs

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Colorado Springs include: Primary residence requirement: Yes for owner-occupied category (must occupy 185+ days/year); non-owner-occupied permitted only in eligible non-single-f. Rental day cap: None stated for owner-occupied; no annual night cap published. Occupancy limit: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional per dwelling unit; maximum 15 persons total. Minimum stay: Not specified (STR defined as <30 consecutive days).

Zoning and Location Requirements in Colorado Springs

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Colorado Springs: Non-owner-occupied STRs prohibited in single-family zones (R-E, R-1-6, R-1-9, and applicable PDZs); must maintain 500-foot separation between non-owner-occupied STRs in eligible zones; ADU ordinance 2. Density rules: 500-foot separation requirement between non-owner-occupied STRs; no cap on total number of STR permits city-wide; ADU/STR co-location banned as of 6/3. Insurance: Yes — proof of $500,000 liability insurance required at permit application.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Colorado Springs

Hosts who fail to comply with Colorado Springs's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines and license suspension for repeated violations; pattern of violations can result in permanent license revocation; permits revoked where primary-residence requirement violations confirmed.

Platform Obligations in Colorado Springs

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Colorado Springs: Proof of active listing on a hosting platform required at application; platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo may collect some taxes on behalf of hosts, but host remains ultimately liable.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
$124.95 annual STR permit fee (renewed annually); $500,000 liability insurance proof required at application
Primary Residence Rule
Yes for owner-occupied category (must occupy 185+ days/year); non-owner-occupied permitted only in eligible non-single-family zones
Night / Day Cap
None stated for owner-occupied; no annual night cap published
Occupancy Limit
2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional per dwelling unit; maximum 15 persons total
Tax Rate
City sales/use tax 3.07%; Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax 2.75%; Colorado state sales tax 2.9%; combined lodging tax approximately 11.4% (total combined rate ~8.20% for general sales)
Zoning Restrictions
Non-owner-occupied STRs prohibited in single-family zones (R-E, R-1-6, R-1-9, and applicable PDZs); must maintain 500-foot separation between non-owner-occupied STRs in eligible zones; ADU ordinance 25-45 (eff. 6/30/2025) prohibits STR permits on any property with an ADU constructed after June 30, 2025
Minimum Stay
Not specified (STR defined as <30 consecutive days)
Density Rules
500-foot separation requirement between non-owner-occupied STRs; no cap on total number of STR permits city-wide; ADU/STR co-location banned as of 6/30/2025 per Ordinance 25-45
Insurance Required
Yes — proof of $500,000 liability insurance required at permit application
Platform Obligations
Proof of active listing on a hosting platform required at application; platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo may collect some taxes on behalf of hosts, but host remains ultimately liable
Compliance Notes
Permits valid one year; must be renewed annually. City conducts audits of existing STR permits to verify primary residence compliance; permits revoked for confirmed violations. Noise ordinance quiet hours 10pm–7am. Off-street parking requirements apply. Application submitted via Accela portal with STR checklist, owner/non-owner affidavit, proof of residency (owner-occupied), insurance, and platform listing proof.
Effective Date
STR framework originally established December 2019; ADU/STR prohibition under Ordinance 25-45 effective June 30, 2025; fee schedule updated January 1, 2026
Key Notes
Two-tier system: owner-occupied (primary residence 185+ days/yr) and non-owner-occupied (investor). Non-owner-occupied banned in single-family zones. ADU + STR co-location no longer permitted for new ADUs after 6/30/2025. Council has discussed further restrictions including caps and expanded spacing requirements.
Penalties
Fines and license suspension for repeated violations; pattern of violations can result in permanent license revocation; permits revoked where primary-residence requirement violations confirmed
Additional Context
Colorado Springs is a Home Rule city and self-collects its own sales/use tax. STR is defined as a residential property rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Use SpringsView GIS portal to verify zoning before applying.
Sources
https://coloradosprings.gov/str
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Code §7.5.510 (Short Term Rental Permit) & §7.3.301C: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-54383
City Sales Tax: https://coloradosprings.gov/general-sales-tax-information
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Colorado Springs?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Colorado Springs but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Permits valid one year; must be renewed annually. City conducts audits of existing STR permits to verify primary residence compliance; permits revoked for confirmed violations. Noise ordinance quiet h

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

Yes. Colorado Springs requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Colorado Springs?

Short-term rental hosts in Colorado Springs are subject to the following tax obligations: City sales/use tax 3.07%; Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax 2.75%; Colorado state sales tax 2.9%; combined lodging tax approximately 11.4% (total combined rate ~8.20% for general sales).

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Colorado Springs?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Colorado Springs may face enforcement. Fines and license suspension for repeated violations; pattern of violations can result in permanent license revocation; permits revoked where primary-residence requirement violations confirmed.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Colorado Springs?

Two-tier system: owner-occupied (primary residence 185+ days/yr) and non-owner-occupied (investor). Non-owner-occupied banned in single-family zones. ADU + STR co-location no longer permitted for new ADUs after 6/30/2025. Council has discussed further restrictions including caps and expanded spacing requirements.

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