Overview: STR Status in Golden, CO

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Golden, Colorado, subject to strict regulatory requirements. The city has implemented comprehensive regulations for STRs under Chapter 18.22 of the Golden Municipal Code. Properties can operate as short-term rentals if they obtain proper licensing, meet safety requirements, and comply with zoning and operational standards. The city has moved to proactive enforcement with tools to identify non-compliant operations, and unlicensed STRs face escalating citations starting at $150.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Golden

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Eligibility

• Confirm your property is within Golden city limits using the Jefferson County map (city boundary appears in blue)
• Use the Golden Planning Map to determine your zoning designation
• If you cannot find your property zoning, it may be outside city limits

Step 2: Determine License Type Based on Zoning

Two license types available:

1. Short Term Rental License (Residential Zoning)

   • Applies to: RE, R-1, R1-A, R-2, R-3 and residential PUDs
   • Requires owner occupancy minimum 10 months per year
   • Only one dwelling unit per lot eligible if multiple units exist

2. Tourist Home License (Commercial Zoning)

   • Applies to: C-1, C-2, RC, CMU and commercial PUDs
   • No owner occupancy requirement
   • No proof of primary residency required

Step 3: Obtain Sales and Use Tax License

• Apply with Finance Department before STR license
• Sales and Use Tax License number required on STR application
• Visit business taxes & fees page

Step 4: Submit STR License Application

• Apply through the online permit portal
• License fee: $200 for two years (non-refundable, non-transferable)
• Processing time: Up to 10 business days

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Requirements

1. Sales and Use Tax License (from Finance Department)
2. STR License Application ($200, two-year term)
3. License number displayed in all advertising

Required Documentation for Application

Proof of Ownership:

• Recorded warranty deed for the property

Primary Residence Proof (residential zoning only):

• Two (2) proofs from: voter registration, car registration, driver's license, or tax documents
• Must include primary address for residential districts

Insurance Coverage:

• Proof of fire, hazard, and liability insurance coverage
• Minimum: $1 million per person/occurrence
• Alternative: Liability Insurance Affidavit

Safety Certifications:

• Life and Safety Certification Form (signed and initialed)
• Short-Term Rental Affidavit (signed and notarized, for residential zoning only)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Golden Regulations

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum 4 unrelated persons per STR unit
• Occupancy cannot exceed zoning district dwelling limits
• Single-family lots limited to 4 unrelated individuals

Operational Requirements:

• Parking required per Chapter 18.36
• Primary or accessory dwellings allowed with STR use
• All structures must meet zone district requirements (size, height, lot coverage, setbacks)
• If multiple dwelling units on lot, only one eligible for STR license

Advertising Requirements:

• All online listings must include City STR license number
• Must include statement: "Occupancy of the unit is limited to four (4) unrelated persons"
• Applies to Airbnb, VRBO, and other hosting platforms

Property Standards:

• Structures must comply with primary/accessory structure regulations
• Must meet maximum size, height, lot coverage, and setback requirements
• No more than 5 bedrooms per STR unit

Jefferson County Regulations (County Level)

For properties outside Golden city limits but within Jefferson County:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Property must be minimum 1 acre
• Must be single-family detached dwelling or portion thereof
• Maximum 5 bedrooms
• Used for accommodations fewer than 30 consecutive days

Two-Step Approval Process:

1. Board of Adjustment Special Exception (required first)
2. STR Permit from Planning & Zoning Division

Requirements:

• Meet underlying zone district standards
• Adequate parking provided
• Valid water and sanitation
• Defensible space requirements met
• No substantial zoning violations
• Free from intent conflicts with zoning resolution

Renewal Requirements:

• 6 months after BOA approval
• Then annually thereafter
• Process takes approximately 2 months from application to BOA hearing

State of Colorado Regulations

Tax Requirements:

• STRs subject to Colorado sales and use tax
• Lodging taxes may apply (under investigation per city documents)
• Must obtain appropriate state tax registrations

Enforcement and Compliance

City of Golden Enforcement

• Proactive enforcement with tools to identify non-compliant STRs
• Escalating citation structure starting at $150
• STR Helper company monitors compliance and manages call center
• Call center assistance: 303-479-3193

Non-Compliance Consequences

• Unlicensed operations must apply for license if regulations can be met
• If regulations cannot be met, must convert to long-term rental (30+ days)
• Non-compliant properties face escalating penalties
• City Manager has authority to revoke permits based on nuisance complaints

Contact Information

City of Golden - Planning Department

• Address: 1445 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401
• Phone: (303) 384-8097
• Email: planning@cityofgolden.net
• Website: www.cityofgolden.gov/business/land_use_development/short_term_rentals.php

General City Information

• Main Phone: (303) 384-8000
• Address: 911 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

STR Compliance Call Center

• Phone: 303-479-3193
• Services: Application assistance and nuisance complaint reporting

Jefferson County - Planning & Zoning

• Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80419
• Phone: (303) 271-6511
• Website: www.jeffco.us/2427/Short-Term-Rentals

Source Links

• Golden STR Regulations: https://www.cityofgolden.gov/business/land_use_development/short_term_rentals.php
• Guiding Golden STR Information: https://www.guidinggolden.com/short-term-rentals
• Jefferson County STR Information: https://www.jeffco.us/2427/Short-Term-Rentals
• Golden Municipal Code - Temporary Lodging: https://library.municode.com/co/golden/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT18PLZO_CH18.22TELORE
• Online Application Portal: https://aca-prod.accela.com/GOLDEN/Default.aspx
• Golden Planning Map: https://maps-cityofgolden.opendata.arcgis.com/apps/710e9b21475449efa11c299ba0665e17/explore
• Jefferson County Map: https://gis.jeffco.us/webmaps/jmap/index.html

This guide reflects current regulations as of the provided documentation. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before beginning STR operations.