Boulder, Colorado Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Boulder Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rentals may be rented for 29 days or fewer at a time. All advertisements must contain the maximum allowed unrelated occupancy and the city's rental housing license (RHL) number. The rental property must be the owner's principal residence; a principal residence is defined as the dwelling unit in which a person resides for more than one-half of the year.Short-term rentals of principal dwelling units are as follows:
- In P, A, RR, RE, and RL zoning districts: a dwelling may be rented to up to three persons or members of a family* plus up to two additional persons. In circumstances where the operator(s) of the short-term rental reside in the dwelling, the operator and their family members count as a single person - allowing up to two additional persons to occupy the short-term rental.
- In MU, RM, RMX, RH, BT, BC, BMS, BR, DT, IS, IG, IM, and IMS zoning districts: a dwelling may be rented to up to four persons or members of a family* plus up to two additional persons. In circumstances where the operator(s) of the short-term rental reside in the dwelling, the operator and their family members count as a single person- allowing up to three.
Business License Requirements
Submit the Rental License Short-Term Application. When you submit your short-term rental license application, you should include payment for the business license ($25). City staff will review your application and issue a short-term rental and business license to owners who meet all requirements.Building and Housing Standards
The city's Boulder Revised Code and Property Maintenance Code require all rental properties in Boulder to maintain a valid rental license. The code establishes minimum standards for the use and safe occupancy of dwellings to protect, preserve and promote its residents' physical and mental health.Tourist and Local Taxes
For information regarding filing short-term rental accommodations tax, visit the Boulder Online Tax System.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Boulder for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.4
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Competition
6.3 -
Real Estate Cost
3.2 -
STR Regulations
10.0 -
Seasonality
4.7 -
Rental Rates
7.9
Boulder, Colorado Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 108,250
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Boulder
- Airports
- Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
Want to learn more about Boulder?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Boulder rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Boulder rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Boulder.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Boulder guests.
Interested in other Colorado cities?
Check out the Colorado short term rental regulations directory
What makes Boulder a great place to invest?
- Boulder, Colorado is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With its stunning Rocky Mountain scenery and scenic hikes, visitors can explore breathtaking vistas and experience the thrill of high-altitude adventure.
- The city is also a hub for culture and the arts, with a variety of museums, theaters, and galleries that showcase the work of local and international artists. For example, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art features a diverse collection of contemporary art and exhibitions, while the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra offers a range of classical music concerts and performances.
- Foodies will delight in the delicious culinary offerings of Boulder, with a variety of local restaurants and cafes that specialize in farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and locally-sourced ingredients. From vegan and gluten-free options to world-renowned fine dining experiences, Boulder has something for every taste and budget.
- The city is also a hub for sports and fitness, with a variety of parks and recreation centers that offer everything from rock climbing and mountain biking to yoga and fitness classes. And for fans of professional sports, the University of Colorado's Folsom Field is home to the Buffaloes football team, with a packed schedule of games and tailgates throughout the season.
- Finally, the natural beauty of Boulder extends beyond its city limits, with a variety of nearby parks and attractions that offer a chance to escape into nature and experience the best that the region has to offer. From the stunning Flatirons to the majestic Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Boulder Nearby Cities
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3 miles away
- Rating: 5.4
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6 miles away
- Rating: 5.6
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Boulder?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Boulder has decreased -12% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $538, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$988,531
-12% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$538
-5% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,488
7% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Boulder
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Boulder, Colorado
Common terms for Boulder short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Boulder has a description approximately 1,580 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,149 listings in Boulder, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Boulder, Quiet, Outdoor, Beautiful, Patio, Block, Family, Deck, Comfortable, and Mountain.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Boulder?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Boulder involve Mountain Biking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Cycling, and Mountain Climbing. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Mountain Biking
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Hiking
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Rock Climbing
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Cycling
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Mountain Climbing
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Wildlife Viewing
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Snow Skiing
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City Centre
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Adventure Activities
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Cross Country Skiing
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Health Spa
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Swimming
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Boulder, including University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Boulder, Pearl Street Mall, Folsom Field, and Pearl Street Mall. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Pearl Street Mall
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Folsom Field
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Chautauqua Park
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Boulder Theater
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Fox Theater
Included on 55% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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University of Colorado Boulder
Included on 54% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Colorado Chautauqua
Included on 54% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Valmont City Park
Included on 52% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Flatirons
Included on 52% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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University of Colorado Boulder
Included on 42% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Pearl Street Mall
Included on 42% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Chautauqua Park
Included on 42% of listings
What’s the weather like in Boulder, Colorado?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 64°, while the average low is about 40°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 10 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 16 inches per year. The humidity levels in Boulder are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
24° Low 45° High
Spring
March through May
38° Low 62° High
Summer
June through August
58° Low 84° High
Fall
September through November
40° Low 64° High
Cities Near Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, is located in Boulder County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
