Colorado Springs Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permits (2026)

Permit requirement and annual fee

All STR operators in Colorado Springs must hold a valid city-issued STR permit before accepting any booking. Key points verified against coloradosprings.gov/str at the time this guide was published:

• ›Annual permit fee: approximately $124.95 (verify the current fee at the city site, it may be adjusted each year).
• ›Permits are non-transferable: if you sell the property, the buyer must apply for a new permit.
• ›Permits must be renewed annually; operating with an expired permit is a code violation.
• ›The permit number must be displayed on all listing platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).

What counts as a short-term rental in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs defines a short-term rental as any residential dwelling unit, or portion of one, rented to a guest for fewer than 30 consecutive days. This includes whole-home rentals, basement suites, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and single rooms. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo list Colorado Springs properties; the city's permit requirement applies regardless of which platform you use.

How to apply: the Accela portal

Applications are submitted online through the city's Accela Citizen Access portal, linked from coloradosprings.gov/str. You will need:

• ›Property address and parcel number.
• ›Proof of ownership or a signed authorization from the property owner if you are a property manager applying on their behalf.
• ›Current contact information for a 24/7 local responsible party (within 30 miles of the property in most cases, confirm this requirement at the city site).
• ›Payment of the permit fee by credit card.

Owner-occupancy and zoning rules

Colorado Springs applies zoning-based restrictions that determine where STRs are allowed and whether owner-occupancy is required. Important caveats that you must verify at coloradosprings.gov/str:

• ›Some residential zones permit only owner-occupied STRs (hosted rentals where the owner lives on-site). Non-owner-occupied whole-home STRs may be restricted or require a different approval tier.
• ›Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have their own rules; check whether your ADU is permitted for STR use under your zone's code.
• ›Properties located in homeowner association (HOA) communities may face additional restrictions beyond the city permit, review your HOA's CC&Rs.
• ›Commercial and mixed-use zones may have different permitting paths. Check your parcel's zoning designation on the city's map portal.

Safety and inspection requirements

The city may require or recommend certain safety measures as conditions of the permit. While requirements can change, common items applicants have needed to address include:

• ›Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level.
• ›Posted emergency contact information, local address, and emergency procedures for guests.
• ›Compliance with the Colorado Springs Fire Code.
• ›A posted maximum occupancy that does not exceed the unit's lawful capacity.

Taxes: lodging, sales, and state

STR income in Colorado Springs is subject to multiple tax layers. This is a summary, confirm exact rates with a tax professional or the city's Finance Department:

• ›Colorado state sales tax applies to short-term rentals.
• ›Colorado Springs city sales tax and, in some areas, El Paso County sales tax also apply.
• ›Colorado's state lodging tax may apply depending on the transaction structure.
• ›Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit some taxes automatically on behalf of hosts in Colorado, but you remain responsible for compliance. Verify what each platform remits and what you must file separately.

Out-of-state and absentee owner considerations

Many Colorado Springs STR owners live outside Colorado, in other states or overseas. The city's permit and local-contact requirements are designed in part to ensure a responsive local point of contact for neighbor complaints and emergencies. If you are not local, hiring a licensed property manager who is physically present in the area satisfies the local-contact requirement and keeps you in compliance without you needing to be on-site.

What happens if you operate without a permit?

Operating an unpermitted STR in Colorado Springs can result in code enforcement action, fines, and removal of your listing by the city. The city has mechanisms to identify unpermitted listings on major platforms. Starting with proper permitting protects your investment and avoids costly penalties.