Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Broomfield, Colorado, but ONLY for the property owner's principal residence. Operating an STR on a non-primary residence is strictly prohibited and subject to penalties under Broomfield Municipal Code (BMC) Section 5-39-120.

How to Start an STR Business in Broomfield

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm the property is your principal residence per Broomfield's criteria (see Required Documents below).
2. Apply for Licenses: Obtain both a Short-Term Rental License and a Sales Tax License (if not using a platform that automatically remits taxes).
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary proofs of residency and ownership.
4. Submit Application: Complete the online application via the Broomfield Licensing Portal.
5. Pay Fees: Submit the non-refundable $100 application fee.
6. Await Approval: The review process takes up to 3 weeks. Approved licenses are valid for 5 years.
7. Post-License Steps:
   • Display the license number in all marketing.
   • Post the physical license inside the property.
   • Provide renters with the official Broomfield Renter's Guide.
8. Tax Compliance: Register for Sales Tax and Lodger's Tax (if required) and remit taxes monthly/quarterly.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

1. Short-Term Rental License (Primary Requirement)

• Authority: City and County of Broomfield Clerk's Office
• Application: Online Licensing Portal
• Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
• Validity: 5 years
• Required Documents:
  • Copy(ies) of valid driver's license(s) or state-issued ID(s) showing the property address for each property owner.
  • Schedule E (Form 1040): Required only if owning multiple properties to verify principal residence (most recent tax year).
  • Sales Tax License Application: Required only if not using a platform (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) that automatically remits local sales tax.
  • Trust Documents (if applicable): Proof of beneficiary status and signed declaration from all beneficiaries acknowledging and agreeing to STR use.

2. Sales Tax & Lodger's Tax Licenses

• Authority: Broomfield Sales Tax Division
• Purpose: Collection and remittance of required taxes.
• Application: Available via the Sales Tax Portal or concurrent with STR application.
• Tax Rates:
  • Sales Tax: 4.15%
  • Lodger's Tax: 1.5%

Specific Regulations for STRs in Broomfield

1. Principal Residence Requirement (MANDATORY):

   • Owner MUST reside in the dwelling more than half the year.
   • Owner MUST not advertise the property for rent for more than 20 days in any month.
   • The owner's spouse/domestic partner cannot have a different primary residence where they live for more than half the year.
   • Documentation:
     • Driver's license, voter registration, and all dependents' school registration MUST list the STR property address.
     • The Broomfield County Assessor's Office mailing address MUST match the STR property address.

2. Occupancy Limits (Based on Interior Living Space):

   • ≤ 2,000 sq ft: Max 4 renters
   • > 2,000 sq ft and < 2,500 sq ft: Max 6 renters
   • ≥ 2,500 sq ft: Max 8 renters

3. Parking Restrictions:

   • No more than 4 vehicles associated with renters are permitted on/near the property at any time.
   • Maximum of 2 of those vehicles may be parked on the street.

4. Compliance Requirements:

   • Noise/Peace: Renters must comply with BMC Chapter 9-34 (Disturbing the Peace) and Chapter 9-36 (Noise).
   • Residential Character: STRs must maintain the residential character of the neighborhood.
   • License Display: License number must be posted in ALL advertisements. Physical license must be posted inside the property.
   • Renter Communication: Owner must provide renters with the Broomfield Renter's Guide detailing rules/regulations.

5. Enforcement:

   • Non-compliance may result in a show-cause hearing or revocation of the STR license.
   • Willful non-compliance is a misdemeanor under BMC Chapter 1-12.

6. HOA Considerations: Check your HOA agreement. STRs may be restricted or prohibited by the HOA covenants.

State-Level Regulations (Colorado)

• HB 20-1093: Grants Colorado counties the authority to license and regulate STRs (effective Sept. 14, 2020). This empowers Broomfield (as a consolidated city-county) to enforce its local ordinances.
• HB 19-1240: Requires "marketplace facilitators" (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) to collect and remit state sales tax for transactions facilitated through their platforms. Platform remittance does not fulfill local tax obligations (Sales Tax & Lodger's Tax) unless specifically arranged. Hosts remain responsible for compliance.
• Property Tax Classification: While proposed legislation has attempted to reclassify STR properties from residential to non-residential (higher tax rate), none have been passed to date. STRs are currently taxed as residential properties.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Short-Term Rental License & General Information:

• Broomfield City and County Clerk's Office
  • Phone: (303) 438-6332
  • Email: cityclerk@broomfield.org
  • Website: Broomfield.org - Short-Term Rentals

Sales Tax & Lodger's Tax:

• Broomfield Sales Tax Division
  • Phone: (303) 464-5811
  • Email: salestax@broomfield.org
  • Website: Broomfield.org - Sales Tax

Complaints/Code Enforcement:

• Code Complaint Hotline: (303) 464-5551
• Non-Emergency Police Dispatch: (303) 438-6400
• Website: Broomfield.org - Code Compliance

Links to Source Pages

• City & County of Broomfield Short-Term Rentals Main Page: https://www.broomfield.org/2857/Short-Term-Rentals
• Broomfield Short-Term Rental Guide (2018 - Updated 11/24): https://www.broomfield.org/DocumentCenter/View/28933/Short-Term-Rentals---2018
• Broomfield Short-Term Rentals FAQs (Updated 2/2023): https://www.broomfield.org/DocumentCenter/View/33629/Short-Term-Rentals-FAQs----updated-10_19_19-WEBSITE
• Broomfield Municipal Code Chapter 5-39 (Short-Term Rentals): https://library.municode.com/co/broomfield/ordinances/municipal_code?nodeId=915068
• Broomfield Municipal Code Section 5-39-120 (Penalties for Violation): https://library.municode.com/co/broomfield/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT5BUTALIRE_CH5-39SHTERE_5-39-120PEVI
• Broomfield Licensing Portal: https://broomfieldcityandcountyco.viewpointcloud.com/
• State of Colorado STR Regulations Overview (Colorado Bar Association - April 2022): https://cl.cobar.org/features/the-state-of-short-term-rentals-in-colorado/