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Is Airbnb legal in Boulder, Colorado?

Principal-residence rule bars absentee investors. Boulder requires every STR to be the owner's principal residence, lived in more than half the year, with at least 50% ownership by a natural person, trust, or nonprofit. LLCs and corporations cannot hold a license, and investor-owned non-primary-residence rentals are explicitly prohibited. The license costs $215 to start and runs four years, with a $20 annual residency affidavit.

Showing the researched rules for Boulder, CO below. Type your Boulder address to jump to the verdict.

Not allowed

Principal-residence rule bars absentee investors

Boulder requires every STR to be the owner's principal residence, lived in more than half the year, with at least 50% ownership by a natural person, trust, or nonprofit. LLCs and corporations cannot hold a license, and investor-owned non-primary-residence rentals are explicitly prohibited. The license costs $215 to start and runs four years, with a $20 annual residency affidavit.

Permit and costs

Permit
Short-Term Rental License
Issued by
City of Boulder
Cost
$215 to start ($190 rental license plus $25 business license); $190 every 4 years plus $20 / year affidavit
Renewal
4-year term with annual affidavit

Key limits

Principal residence
Owner must live there more than half the year
Ownership
Natural person, trust, or nonprofit only; no LLCs
One license
One license per owner or property
ADUs
ADUs built on or after Feb 1, 2019 are ineligible

Taxes

Occupancy tax
7.5%

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you are a natural person or trust with at least 50% ownership and live there most of the year.
  2. 2
    Apply
    Submit the application with a Colorado ID showing the address, a sworn principal-residence statement, and safety certifications.
  3. 3
    File the annual affidavit
    File the $20 annual residency affidavit by your anniversary date or the license is revoked.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA rules can still restrict or ban STRs in an eligible home.
Entity ownership
Holding the home in an LLC disqualifies you; ownership must be personal, a trust, or a nonprofit.

Sources

BNBCalc Boulder STR regulations 2026 · Awning Colorado STR laws

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.