Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Aurora, CO?

Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Aurora but only as a home occupation and only in the operator’s primary residence. You may not operate an STR in a property you own but do not live in (investment properties are not permitted in most residential zones). Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are permitted for STR use if allowed by zoning and you meet all other STR requirements. The city verifies primary residency using documents such as a notarized affidavit, driver’s license/ID, voter registration, tax documents, and utility bills. External signage or advertising is prohibited for STRs.

Whole‑home rentals are capped at 180 days per calendar year. You may rent single rooms or your entire home, but only one booking at a time is allowed—multiple overlapping bookings to different groups are not permitted. You do not need to be present during bookings.

Note: Aurora may be in multiple counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas). The content above is the authoritative municipal (city) guidance; state‑level Colorado STR rules are not provided in the source material.

How to Start an STR Business in Aurora

Follow these steps in order to launch legally and compliantly:

1. Check HOA or Lease Restrictions: Confirm short‑term rentals are permitted. HOAs may prohibit them, and leases typically require landlord approval.
2. Confirm Zoning and ADU Eligibility (if applicable): If your property includes an ADU, verify ADU use is allowed by current zoning. Contact Planning & Development Services for zoning confirmation.
3. Apply for the General Business/Lodger’s Tax License: Obtain your license online before listing or operating. Include your license number in your online listings once issued.
4. Post Your License Number on Listings: Display your STR license number prominently on all online listings.
5. Prepare to Collect and Remit Taxes:

• Aurora Lodger’s Tax: 8% on short‑term rentals.
• Colorado Sales Tax: 7.55% (state rate; local add‑ons vary by county).
• Some booking platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway) may collect and remit these taxes; if not, you must collect and file/pay yourself.
• After licensing, the city will set your filing schedule and deadlines.

6. Implement Safety and Compliance Measures:

• Ensure working carbon monoxide detectors are installed (required by Colorado law).
• Smoke detectors are strongly recommended and may be required by local codes.
• Confirm homeowners/renters insurance covers STR use (many do not).

7. Operate Responsibly:

• Maintain one booking at a time.
• Minimize noise and disruption; be responsive to guest issues and neighbor complaints.
• Limit whole‑home rentals to 180 days per calendar year.
• No external signage or advertising is permitted for STRs.

8. Leverage Free Marketing Support (optional): Visit Aurora, Inc. provides free marketing support to STRs that collect lodger’s tax, including listing placement, branding guidance, visitor materials, and event‑period inventory boosts.
9. Monitor Enforcement: The city monitors licensing and tax compliance, responds to complaints, audits tax records, and may issue municipal court summonses and fines for violations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• General Business/Lodger’s Tax License (initial application and two‑year license fee: $45; renewal: $27). Apply online (link in References).
• License number must be included in all online STR listings.
• Primary Residence Verification (examples):
  • Notarized Affidavit
  • Driver’s license or State ID
  • Voter registration
  • Tax documents
  • Utility bills
  • Other documents clearly showing the address is your primary residence
• Compliance Checklist:
  • Carbon monoxide detectors installed and operational (Colorado state law)
  • Smoke detectors strongly recommended; local codes may require them
  • Insurance coverage that includes STR activity
  • HOA/landlord approval where applicable
  • ADU zoning confirmation (if applicable)
• Filing Schedule: The city will assign tax filing schedules after licensing. File and pay taxes on time to avoid penalties.

Specific Regulations (City of Aurora)

• Permitted Uses: STRs are allowed as a home occupation and only in the operator’s primary residence. Investment properties are not permitted in most residential zones.
• Whole‑Home Rental Cap: 180 days per calendar year. Exceeding this may indicate the property is not your primary residence.
• Booking Limits: Only one booking at a time is allowed. You may rent multiple rooms or the entire house to one group, but not to separate groups simultaneously.
• External Advertising: No external signage or advertising is permitted for STRs.
• Home Occupation Rules: STR activity must be secondary to your living in the home; you must minimize neighborhood impacts.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): ADUs may be used for STRs if zoning permits, and if they meet all STR and home occupation rules.
• Bed & Breakfast Option: Owner‑occupied bed & breakfasts may be allowed in certain residential areas with a conditional use permit approved by the Planning Commission.
• Boardinghouses: Non‑owner‑occupied properties are considered boardinghouses and are only allowed in higher‑density residential or mixed‑use zones; not permitted in low‑density residential neighborhoods.
• Insurance: Verify homeowners/renters insurance covers STR activity.
• Safety: Carbon monoxide detectors are required; smoke detectors recommended/required per local codes.
• Enforcement: Monitoring for licensing and tax compliance, code enforcement response to complaints, tax audits, and potential municipal court actions.

Taxes

• Aurora Lodger’s Tax: 8% on STR revenues.
• Colorado Sales Tax: 7.55% (state rate). Local sales tax add‑ons vary by county. Consult the Colorado Department of Revenue for current local rates.
• Platform Collection: Major platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway) often collect and remit these taxes. If your platform does not, you are responsible for collecting and remitting both taxes.
• Filing Schedule: The city will establish filing deadlines after you obtain your license. File and pay on time to avoid penalties.

County and State Context

• The source material provides City of Aurora STR rules and does not include county‑specific STR regulations. State‑level Colorado STR rules are not provided in the source material. Use the City of Aurora requirements as the operative regulations for STRs in Aurora.

Key Contacts

• Finance Department – Tax and Licensing Division
  Address: 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 5700, Aurora, CO 80012
  Phone: 303.739.7057
• Planning & Development Services (for zoning and ADU compliance)
  Phone: 303.739.7000
• Visit Aurora, Inc. (free marketing support for licensed STRs that collect lodger’s tax)
  Phone: 720.484.8902
  Email: info@visitaurora.com
  Website: www.visitaurora.com

References (Source Pages and Official Portals)

• Business Licensing (General Business/Lodger’s Tax License): www.auroragov.org/business_services/licenses/business_licensing/
• Lodger’s Tax and Filing Resources: www.auroragov.org/business_services/taxes/
• Aurora STR FAQ (October 10, 2025): www.auroragov.org/common/pages/GetFile.ashx?key=0Fc6ARWp
• Visit Aurora (Tourism Marketing Support): www.visitaurora.com
• Aurora Taxes Overview: www.auroragov.org/business_services/taxes/
• Combined Tax Rates and Colorado Sales Tax Reference (via Aurora Taxes page): www.auroragov.org/business_services/taxes/

Notes:

• HOA approval may be required and can be more restrictive than city rules.
• State sales tax local add‑ons vary; the city’s combined tax rates page is a helpful portal for current rates.
• The city will assign your tax filing schedule after licensing; keep to the prescribed deadlines.