How do I start an Airbnb in Colorado Springs?
Confirm City jurisdiction, zoning, owner-occupancy classification, non-owner spacing, ADU status, and lawful dwelling status. Then assemble the City checklist, affidavit, residency evidence when applicable, insurance, listing proof, fee, and tax records before accepting bookings.
Which Colorado Springs properties qualify for short-term-rental permits?
Owner-occupied lawful dwelling units may qualify where residential use is allowed. New non-owner-occupied permits are prohibited in specified single-family zones and generally require 500 feet of separation elsewhere. ADU properties and units without a certificate of occupancy have additional or disqualifying constraints.
What does owner occupied mean in Colorado Springs?
The City defines an owner-occupied short-term rental as property physically occupied by the owner for at least 185 days per year. The City requires accepted primary-residence documentation with an owner-occupied application.
How much is a Colorado Springs short-term-rental permit?
The City lists a $124.95 annual fee for each permit. Each separate listing requires its own application and fee, and the permit must be renewed before expiration because there is no late-renewal grace period.
Can a Colorado Springs STR permit transfer with a property sale?
No. The City states that the permit is issued to a specific owner and does not run with the property. A buyer must independently confirm whether a new permit is available before underwriting rental income.
What operating rules apply to Colorado Springs rentals?
Maximum overnight occupancy is two guests per bedroom plus two per dwelling, capped at 15. Operators need a 24-hour contact able to respond within one hour, weekly trash service, lawful parking, and compliance with noise, fire, safety, building, and other City rules. Weddings and large social or commercial events are prohibited.
What taxes apply to Colorado Springs short-term rentals?
The City lists an 8.20% combined sales-tax rate and a separate 2% lodging and automobile rental tax on lodging. Marketplace facilitators collect City sales tax on their licenses, while direct-booking operators need a City sales-tax license. Confirm all State, County, PPRTA, City, and booking-channel filing duties for the property.
How do I check Colorado Springs STR zoning and spacing?
Use SpringsView for the property zoning and permit layer, then obtain written confirmation from the Short-Term Rental Program when a non-owner-occupied application depends on the 500-foot separation rule or another eligibility question.
How should I underwrite a Colorado Springs STR property?
Start with documented zoning, permit type, owner occupancy, spacing, ADU status, lawful capacity, and tax obligations. Build cash flow from property-specific acquisition and operating costs, conservative booked-night and rate assumptions, insurance, maintenance, platform fees, direct-booking compliance, taxes, and reserves.
Who can help with a Colorado Springs STR property?
The Colorado Springs Short-Term Rental Program handles permit and eligibility questions, Planning addresses zoning, the Sales Tax Office handles City licensing and filing, Neighborhood Services receives code complaints, and police non-emergency handles non-life-threatening guest disturbances. STR Search can help evaluate property selection and operating assumptions, while the City remains the permit authority.
