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When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your city. As a platform and marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to give you some useful links that may help you better understand laws and regulations in the City of Boulder. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, contact the Community Planning and Sustainability Department or other city agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

• Land Use Regulations. Title 9 of the Boulder Revised Code regulates uses in Boulder. You should review Title 9 to see if your listing is consistent with any zoning requirements or use definitions. Important terms include “accessory unit,” “accessory use,” “bed and breakfast,” “dwelling unit,” “hotel/motel,” “lodging facility,” “owner-occupied,” “owner’s accessory unit,” and “residential structure.”
• Building and Housing Codes. Title 10 of the Boulder Revised Code specifies minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain regulations applicable to residential and non-residential uses may be relevant to your listing. You should consult Title 10 or contact the Building Construction and Code Enforcement division of the Community Planning and Sustainability Department for more information.
• Rental Housing License. Boulder requires certain rental property owners and operators to have a valid rental license and abide by certain standards. Vacation rentals may be exempt from this requirement. Please review Chapter 10-3 of the Boulder Revised Code and the City of Boulder’s website explaining the rental housing licensing process, including this helpful FAQ.
• Accommodations Tax. Boulder may assess accommodations tax on hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and other short-term rentals. A “short-term rental” is defined as a guest stay of less than 30 days. More information about the accommodations tax is available at the City's website. Colorado may also impose a sales tax on the rental of accommodations to guests for less than 30 days. More information may be found on the State's FAQ page.
• Other Rules. It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

We are committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.

Last updated: January 26, 2015