Colorado Springs Short-Term Rental Permit Guide

If you want to run an Airbnb in Colorado Springs, the first thing to know is this: you need a short-term rental permit, and the right permit depends on how the property is used.

Colorado Springs defines a short-term rental as a rental of 29 days or less, requires an annual permit, and separates permits into owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied categories. The city currently lists the annual permit fee as $124.95, and it says there’s no grace period for late renewals.

That means this isn’t just a “throw it on Airbnb and figure it out later” market.

The good news is that the city’s process is fairly understandable once you break it into steps. The important thing is getting the basics right before you spend time on listing setup, pricing, furniture, or guest operations.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the Colorado Springs short-term rental permit process step by step so you can understand what applies to your property, what documents you’ll need, and where owners usually get tripped up.

Colorado Springs Short-Term Rental Permit Guide

At a high level, here’s how the process works:

1. Confirm that your rental falls under the city’s short-term rental rules.

2. Figure out whether it’s owner occupied or non-owner occupied.

3. Check that the property is actually eligible based on the city’s rules.

4. Gather the required documents and affidavit.

5. Make sure insurance and tax setup are handled.

6. Apply, renew annually, and stay on top of compliance.

That’s the basic flow.

Where people usually get in trouble is assuming all STRs are treated the same. They aren’t. Colorado Springs treats owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals differently, and non-owner-occupied properties face extra restrictions, including zoning limits and a 500-foot buffer rule in some cases.

So before you think about occupancy, nightly rates, or décor, you want to answer one question clearly: What kind of short-term rental is this under the city’s rules?

Step 1: Confirm That Your Rental Is Actually a Short-Term Rental

Colorado Springs defines a short-term rental as a rental of 29 days or less.

That matters because it separates STR use from other rental strategies.

If you’re planning to rent the property for:

• weekend stays

• one-week trips

• two-week stays

• anything under 30 days

you’re in short-term-rental territory and need to follow the city’s STR permit rules.

If you’re planning to rent for 30+ days, you may be looking more at a mid-term or furnished-rental strategy instead.

This sounds obvious, but it’s actually a useful first checkpoint. Some owners discover pretty quickly that they’re less interested in true Airbnb-style operations and more interested in a furnished monthly rental model. It’s better to sort that out early than to go through the permit process for the wrong strategy. Deciding which one is the best strategy for you can depend on a few different factors. For some additional ideas on the matter, check out our blog post here.

Step 2: Determine Whether Your STR Is Owner-Occupied or Non-Owner-Occupied

This is one of the biggest forks in the road.

Colorado Springs has two permit types:

• owner occupied

• non-owner occupied 

Owner-occupied STRs

The city says owner-occupied STRs are properties that are physically occupied by the owner for not less than 185 days per year. The owner-occupied annual affidavit also describes owner occupied as the owner’s primary place of residency for at least 185 days per year, with an exception noted for active-duty military service members in certain circumstances.

Non-owner-occupied STRs

A non-owner-occupied STR is the opposite: a property being used as a short-term rental that does not meet the owner-occupied standard. These are allowed in Colorado Springs, but they’re more restricted. Applications submitted after December 26, 2019 are not permitted in certain single-family zoning districts, and new non-owner-occupied STRs are subject to a 500-foot spacing requirement from another non-owner-occupied STR in other districts.

This classification matters because it affects:

• what affidavit you file

• whether proof of primary residence is required

• whether the property is even eligible

• how much friction the permit process will involve

So don’t skip this step. It drives everything that comes next.

Step 3: Check Whether the Property Is Eligible

Once you know which permit type you’re dealing with, the next question is whether the property can actually qualify.

If it’s owner occupied

Colorado Springs says owner-occupied STRs are allowed in lawful dwelling units in zones where residential units are permitted.

That makes this path simpler for many hosts, especially if the property is truly their primary residence.

If it’s non-owner occupied

This is where you need to be more careful.

Colorado Springs says new non-owner-occupied STR permit applications submitted after December 26, 2019 are not permitted in single-family zoning districts, including R-E, R-1 6, R-1 9, and single-family PDZs. The city also says new non-owner-occupied STRs in other zoning districts must be 500 feet from another non-owner-occupied short-term rental.

The city’s STR page says questions about the 500-foot buffer can be sent to the city’s STR email, and it recommends using SpringsView to identify zoning.

This is the step where many owners either confirm they’re good to move forward or realize the property may be better suited to a mid-term or long-term strategy.

Step 4: Gather the Documents You’ll Need

Once you know the property is a fit, it’s time to pull the paperwork together.

Colorado Springs’ STR page lists application requirements that include affidavits, proof of liability insurance, and proof of primary residence for owner-occupied rentals.

For owner-occupied STRs

The city says proof of primary residence can be shown with two qualifying documents, such as:

• a valid driver’s license or state ID

• a valid vehicle registration

• voter registration

• dependent’s school registration

The city also says mail does not count as proof of residency and notes that staff may request additional proof if needed.

You’ll also need the correct owner-occupied annual affidavit.

For non-owner-occupied STRs

You’ll need the correct non-owner-occupied annual affidavit, and you’ll want to be especially sure the zoning and spacing questions are resolved before you invest too much time in setup.

The key here is not just gathering documents. It’s making sure the documents match how the property is actually being used.

Step 5: Make Sure You Have Insurance and Tax Setup in Place

The city’s STR page lists proof of liability insurance as part of the application requirements.

That means hosts should make sure they understand:

• whether their current policy covers STR use

• whether they need a separate policy or rider

• whether platform coverage is enough for their situation

Colorado Springs also notes that the annual permit fee does not include fees associated with a sales tax license. The city’s page also references LART tax as part of the STR framework.

This matters because many first-time hosts focus on the permit itself and forget that tax setup is part of operating legally too.

In other words, don’t think of this as just a permit checklist. Think of it as basic business setup for a regulated rental use.

Step 6: Apply for the Permit and Track Renewal Dates

Colorado Springs currently lists the STR permit fee as $124.95 annually, and the permit is valid for one year.

That means once the permit is issued, your next job is not to forget about it.

The city’s STR page says:

• failure to renew before the permit expires may result in a Code Enforcement notice

• for non-owner-occupied STRs, failure to renew may lead to the potential forfeiture of the established permit

• there is no grace period for late applications

That “no grace period” part is worth emphasizing.

A lot of owners treat renewals like a formality and then lose track of dates. Colorado Springs is telling you directly not to do that. If you plan to operate legally, you need a renewal system.

A simple calendar reminder is better than nothing. A more professional operating checklist is better still.

Step 7: Post Required Paperwork and Stay Operationally Compliant

Colorado Springs says there is paperwork that must be posted in the short-term rental unit.

That’s a small detail, but it’s a good example of why compliance doesn’t stop once the permit is approved.

A legally operating STR in Colorado Springs isn’t just:

• getting the permit

• paying the fee

• uploading the listing

It also means:

• using the correct permit type

• keeping your documentation current

• renewing on time

• keeping required paperwork posted

• continuing to operate within the city’s rules

This is one reason some owners decide to get help before launching. The permit itself is manageable, but the ongoing compliance and operational side can become a distraction if the property is not a simple fit.

Common Mistakes Colorado Springs Hosts Should Avoid

A good permit guide should also help people avoid obvious mistakes.

Here are some of the biggest ones:

Assuming “Airbnb is legal here” means every property qualifies

It doesn’t. Owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals are treated differently, and non-owner-occupied STRs face zoning and spacing restrictions.

Using the wrong occupancy category

If the property isn’t truly owner occupied under the city’s 185-day standard, don’t treat it like it is.

Waiting too long to think about zoning

Especially for non-owner-occupied rentals, zoning and spacing need to be addressed early.

Forgetting that renewals matter

Colorado Springs says there is no grace period, and late renewal can create real problems.

Focusing on bookings before compliance

A lot of owners spend more time on furniture, photos, or pricing than on permit fit. That’s backward. The permit comes first.

Final Thoughts: Get the Permit Right Before You Focus on Bookings

If you want to run a short-term rental in Colorado Springs, the smart order of operations is simple:

1. confirm the property is actually a short-term rental under the city’s rules

2. identify whether it’s owner occupied or non-owner occupied

3. make sure the property is eligible

4. gather the right documents

5. handle insurance and tax setup

6. apply and track renewals carefully

Colorado Springs does allow short-term rentals, but the city’s rules make it clear that owners need to get the permit and compliance side right first. The permit fee is straightforward, but the real work is making sure the property fits the right category and stays compliant over time.

Want help figuring out whether your Colorado Springs property is a fit for short-term rental, or whether a mid-term or long-term strategy might make more sense? Contact our team for a custom strategy review and we’ll help you think through the rules, the workload, and the best path forward.

FAQ

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Colorado Springs?

Yes. Colorado Springs requires a short-term rental permit for rentals of 29 days or less.

How much does a Colorado Springs STR permit cost?

The city currently lists the annual permit fee as $124.95.

How long is a Colorado Springs STR permit valid?

Short-term rental permits in Colorado Springs are valid for one year.

What is the difference between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STR permits?

Owner-occupied STRs are physically occupied by the owner for at least 185 days per year. Non-owner-occupied STRs do not meet that standard and face additional zoning and spacing restrictions.

Are non-owner-occupied STRs allowed in Colorado Springs?

Yes, but with restrictions. New non-owner-occupied STR permits are not allowed in certain single-family zoning districts and are subject to a 500-foot buffer in other districts.

What happens if you renew late?

The city says there is no grace period. Failure to renew before expiration may result in a Code Enforcement notice, and non-owner-occupied STRs may risk forfeiture of the established permit.