Legal Status
Allowed with an annual City permit; non-owner-occupied units face zoning and distance limits.
The City permit applies to dwelling units offered for short-term stays of 29 days or fewer.
This guide separates Colorado Springs permission to operate from tax registration, private property restrictions, and ongoing renewal obligations.
Colorado Springs Rules at a Glance
- Jurisdiction
- City of Colorado Springs
- Legal status
- Allowed with an annual City permit; non-owner-occupied units face zoning and distance limits.
- Required approval
- Colorado Springs Short Term Rental Permit
- Government fee
- $124.95 annually under the current City page.
- Term / renewal
- One year, with no grace period for late renewal.
- Primary residence
- Owner-occupied means the owner physically occupies the property at least 185 days per year.
- Inspection
- Submit the City checklist, affidavit, and safety information; lawful occupancy and code compliance are required.
Eligibility & Zoning
New non-owner-occupied STRs are excluded from listed single-family zones and generally require a 500-foot separation elsewhere.
Confirm the government boundary
RequiredVerify that the property is governed by Colorado Springs, not a neighboring city or county authority.
Test the residency or occupancy rule
RequiredOwner-occupied means the owner physically occupies the property at least 185 days per year.
Check zoning and private restrictions
RequiredNew non-owner-occupied STRs are excluded from listed single-family zones and generally require a 500-foot separation elsewhere.
Too many forms and requirements?
Let Pine organize the Colorado Springs permit checklist around this property.
You’ll continue in Pine to review the checklist and add property details. Final government submissions remain under your control.
Colorado Springs Short Term Rental Permit Overview
Review the high-level stages here, then use the dedicated application guide for the complete submission sequence and annotated screenshots.
- 1
Classify owner occupancy
Determine whether the owner meets the 185-day rule.
- 2
Check zoning and separation
Confirm non-owner-occupied eligibility before applying.
- 3
Prepare the permit package
Complete the checklist, proofs, affidavit, insurance, listing, and tax prerequisites.
- 4
Submit and calendar renewal
Pay the annual fee and renew before expiration because there is no grace period.
Documents to Prepare
Completed City checklist and owner acknowledgement
RequiredUse the current form, file format, and document date requested by the issuing authority.
Two proofs of primary residence for owner-occupied status
RequiredUse the current form, file format, and document date requested by the issuing authority.
Signed STR affidavit and proof of at least $500,000 liability coverage
RequiredUse the current form, file format, and document date requested by the issuing authority.
Hosting-platform listing and tax-license information when required
RequiredUse the current form, file format, and document date requested by the issuing authority.
Operating Rules After Approval
Maintain a 24-hour contact who can respond within one hour.
RequiredKeep evidence in the property compliance record and update it when the government account changes.
Observe occupancy, noise, parking, trash, fire, and event restrictions.
RequiredKeep evidence in the property compliance record and update it when the government account changes.
Display the permit and completed Good Neighbor information in the unit.
RequiredKeep evidence in the property compliance record and update it when the government account changes.
Government approval does not override private restrictions
A license or registration does not cancel a lease, HOA, condominium, mortgage, or insurance restriction.
Taxes, Renewal & Enforcement
- Tax layer
- Marketplace facilitators collect City tax on their own licenses; direct operators need the applicable City sales-tax license.
- Filing
- Make sure all City taxes are remitted before permit issuance and follow Colorado tax requirements.
- Renewal
- Renew annually before expiration; the permit cannot be transferred.
- Deadline
- There is no late-renewal grace period.
- Enforcement
- Late renewal, nuisance activity, false information, or zoning violations can void or revoke the permit.
Your Colorado Springs STR Action Plan
Keep the jurisdiction, approval, documents, tax, operating, and renewal work in one property record.
Confirm eligibility before paying
RequiredNew non-owner-occupied STRs are excluded from listed single-family zones and generally require a 500-foot separation elsewhere.
Prepare the government application
RequiredOrganize every document needed for the Colorado Springs Short Term Rental Permit.
Track operating and renewal proof
RequiredRenew annually before expiration; the permit cannot be transferred.
Build a Colorado Springs STR checklist
Enter the property address and Pine will organize the Colorado Springs eligibility, application, tax, document, and renewal work.
You’ll continue in Pine to review the checklist and add property details. Final government submissions remain under your control.
Sources
Review the official Colorado and Colorado Springs sources used for every rule and step in this guide.
- 1Sales and Use Tax Topics: Rooms and Accommodations
Colorado Department of Revenue
State and state-administered lodging tax, licensing, marketplace, local district, and permanent-resident guidance.
- 2Short Term Rentals
City of Colorado Springs
Owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rules, zoning and distance limits, permit documents, fee, one-year term, taxes, operating standards, and renewal.
- 3Short-Term Rental Application Requirements
City of Colorado Springs
Official application checklist, acknowledgement, renewal, transfer, public-notification, and self-inspection requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short-term rentals legal in Colorado Springs?
Allowed with an annual City permit; non-owner-occupied units face zoning and distance limits.
What approval is required in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs Short Term Rental Permit. There is no late-renewal grace period.
Is a primary residence required in Colorado Springs?
Owner-occupied means the owner physically occupies the property at least 185 days per year.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Regulations and agency procedures can change. Confirm the current requirement with the linked government office before operating or submitting an application.