Is Superior, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Superior, Colorado, begin by researching the town's short-term rental regulations, as Superior requires a business license and short-term rental permit with specific zoning compliance, occupancy limits, and safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Contact the Superior Planning Department to understand current ordinances, as regulations were updated around 2019-2020 to address neighborhood concerns. Next, secure financing and find a suitable property, considering that Superior's median home prices range from $600,000-$800,000, with many properties being single-family homes or townhomes in developments like Rock Creek or Coal Creek Ranch. Once you've acquired the property, obtain necessary permits including the short-term rental license (approximately $200-400 annually), ensure compliance with fire safety codes, and register for Colorado state and local taxes. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities that appeal to visitors coming for Boulder County attractions, outdoor activities, and proximity to Denver (about 20 miles south). Create professional listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with high-quality photos highlighting Superior's family-friendly community and trail access. For management, either handle bookings, cleaning, and guest communication yourself or hire a local property management company like RedAwning or Vacasa, which typically charge 15-25% of rental income. Expect to earn $150-300 per night depending on property size and season, with higher rates during summer months and University of Colorado events, while maintaining compliance with Superior's noise ordinances and parking restrictions to avoid penalties or permit revocation.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Superior, Colorado, focus on locations within walking distance of Flatirons Golf Course, near the Rock Creek Trail system, and properties offering mountain views of the Flatirons, as these areas attract both business travelers to nearby Boulder and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as Superior's newer developments like Rock Creek and Coal Creek Ranch command premium rates of $150-300 per night depending on size and season. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings in Superior's 80027 zip code, comparing rates during peak summer hiking season (June-September) versus winter months, and benchmark against nearby Louisville and Lafayette properties which typically rent for 10-15% less. Research competition by identifying the approximately 50-75 active STRs in Superior, noting that properties near Superior Town Center and with easy Boulder access perform best due to limited hotel inventory in the immediate area. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and monitor Superior's municipal regulations as the town requires business licenses for short-term rentals and has specific zoning restrictions, while leveraging resources like the Boulder County Assessor for property values and the Superior Chamber of Commerce for local event calendars that drive seasonal demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Superior, Colorado, you must first contact the Superior Planning Department at 124 E Coal Creek Drive or call (303) 499-3675 to submit a Short-Term Rental License application. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of $150-200. Superior requires STRs to maintain maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide 24/7 local contact information, display the permit number in all advertisements, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Properties must pass a safety inspection checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress routes. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission of complete application, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st. Superior also requires STR operators to collect and remit local lodging taxes and maintain a guest registry for inspection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Superior, Colorado under the town's municipal code, which has maintained a ban on STRs since approximately 2018-2019. The Town of Superior specifically prohibits the use of residential properties for transient lodging or short-term rental purposes, defining these as rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. This prohibition applies to all residential zones within the town limits, including single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes. The ban was implemented due to concerns about neighborhood character, parking, noise, and housing availability for long-term residents. Unlike some neighboring communities in Boulder County that have adopted regulatory frameworks for STRs, Superior has maintained its restrictive stance and has not indicated plans to reverse this policy. Property owners who violate the STR prohibition can face code enforcement actions and fines, and the town actively monitors for illegal short-term rental operations through various means including online platform monitoring.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Superior, Colorado include the neighborhoods near the Rock Creek Trail system and Flatirons Vista, which attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, biking, and trail running activities. The downtown Superior area around Coal Creek Golf Course offers appeal to golf tourists and visitors attending events at the nearby Louisville Recreation Center. Properties near the Superior Town Center and along McCaslin Boulevard benefit from business travelers visiting the numerous tech companies and corporate offices in the broader Boulder-Broomfield corridor, including proximity to major employers like Ball Aerospace, Medtronic, and various startups in the region. The residential areas near Eldorado Canyon State Park access points are particularly attractive to tourists seeking outdoor adventures and rock climbing experiences, especially during peak seasons from May through October. Additionally, properties within walking distance of Superior's community events venues and the Coal Creek Regional Trail see consistent demand from visitors attending local festivals, farmers markets, and recreational activities, with the area benefiting from its strategic location between Boulder and Denver for both leisure and business travelers.

Superior, Colorado imposes a lodging tax of 3.5% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which applies to stays of 30 days or less. The tax is collected by the host/property owner at the time of booking and must be remitted to the Town of Superior monthly by the 20th of the following month using their online portal or by submitting Form LT-1 along with payment. Boulder County also levies an additional 2.1% lodging tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 5.6%. Hosts must register with both the Town of Superior and Boulder County to obtain lodging tax licenses before operating. The taxes are calculated on the total rental amount including cleaning fees but excluding applicable sales taxes. There are no exemptions for stays under 30 days, though permanent residents (stays over 30 consecutive days) are exempt from lodging taxes. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties of 10% of the unpaid tax plus interest charges of 1% per month, and the Town of Superior actively monitors short-term rental platforms to ensure compliance.

Starting an Airbnb in Superior, Colorado requires approximately $850,000-$950,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $750,000-$850,000 based on Superior's median home prices as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$40,000 for a complete setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials cost approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Boulder County, including short-term rental licenses, business registration, and potential HOA approvals, total around $1,500-$2,500 annually. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage run $3,000-$5,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services require $1,000-$2,000 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($3,600-$6,000), maintenance and supplies ($2,000-$3,000), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($4,000-$8,000 based on bookings), and property management if outsourced ($6,000-$12,000) total approximately $17,000-$31,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Superior, Colorado demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-$300 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-$75,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include cleaning fees ($50-$80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging 10-15% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for successful operators. Success factors include proximity to Boulder (8 miles), access to outdoor recreation like Flatirons trails, modern amenities, professional photography, and responsive guest communication, with properties near the Superior Town Center and those offering mountain views commanding premium rates. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $650,000 in 2022 generates approximately $55,000 in annual revenue with $35,000 in expenses, yielding $20,000 net profit (36% margin), while luxury properties with hot tubs and mountain views can achieve 45-50% profit margins, making Superior's Airbnb market particularly attractive due to its strategic location between Boulder and Denver, strong tourism demand, and limited hotel inventory in the immediate area.

Airbnb investments in Superior, Colorado typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the city's proximity to Boulder and Denver's tech corridors attracting business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Flatirons and Rocky Mountain National Park. Properties in Superior's newer developments like Rock Creek and Coal Creek Ranch command average daily rates of $150-220, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, leading to gross rental yields of 10-14% before expenses. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties under $600,000, while higher-end homes may require 24-36 months to achieve positive cash flow after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, cleaning costs, and Superior's short-term rental licensing requirements. The market benefits from year-round demand due to Superior's location along the US-36 corridor, with peak seasons during summer hiking months and winter skiing access to nearby resorts, making it a relatively stable investment compared to purely seasonal mountain markets.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Superior, Colorado. Local real estate agents in the Boulder County area who focus on investment properties include Compass Real Estate agents specializing in STR investments, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agents with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX Alliance professionals who understand the Superior market dynamics. National services like AirDNA provide market analytics and revenue projections for Superior properties, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools specific to the area. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa can help investors understand operational aspects of Airbnb properties in Superior. Boulder-based investment firms like Colorado Real Estate Investment Group and local STR consultants who understand Superior's proximity to Boulder and Denver markets also provide valuable services. Additionally, platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local experts familiar with Superior's zoning laws and STR regulations, while companies like Awning and Roofstock occasionally feature turnkey Airbnb properties in the Colorado Front Range area including Superior.