Longmont, Colorado Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Longmont?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Longmont, Colorado, but they are strictly regulated. The City of Longmont permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals for fewer than 30 days) of entire dwellings or individual rooms in owner-occupied dwellings, subject to comprehensive licensing requirements, safety standards, and zoning compliance. Only City of Longmont residents are eligible to operate short-term rentals within city limits. All STRs require both a Short-Term Rental license and a Sales & Use Tax license, with annual renewals mandatory.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Longmont?

Longmont hosts earn a median $31,752/year with $155 ADR and 72% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $46,470+ per year.

See the full Longmont market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Longmont

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you are a Longmont resident (this is mandatory)
Property Assessment: Verify your property is in an allowable zone (not N-PE or N-PF zoning)
Sales Tax License: Apply for a Sales & Use Tax license first (required before STR license)
STR License Application: Apply for Short-Term Rental license online or in person
Compliance Setup: Install required safety equipment and meet all safety standards
Approval & Operation: Await approval and begin operations within regulatory framework

Application Platforms

Online: Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal at aca.longmontcolorado.gov/citizenaccess/Default.aspx
In-Person: Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark Street, Longmont

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Licenses (Mandatory)

Sales & Use Tax License
- Processing fee: $25 (one-time)
- Contact: (303) 651-8672 or sales.tax@longmontcolorado.gov
- Required before STR license application
Short-Term Rental License
- Initial fee: $100
- Annual renewal: $100
- Must be renewed annually
- Online application available through ACA portal

Safety & Compliance Documentation

Self-certification of safety compliance (City may inspect)
Floor plan/map showing evacuation routes and meeting areas
Documentation of permitted basement finishes and additions

Zoning & Conditional Use Documentation (if applicable)

Property zoning verification
Conditional use application (if required in R-RU or R-SF zones)
Pre-application meeting records
Neighborhood meeting documentation
Public hearing documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Eligibility & Ownership Requirements

Residency Requirement: Must be City of Longmont resident
Ownership Threshold: Applicant must have at least 50% ownership of the property
Investment Properties: Maximum one investment dwelling STR per Longmont resident
Non-Residents: Prohibited from operating STRs within city limits

Zoning Restrictions

Allowed: All zones except Non-residential Primary Employment (N-PE) and Public (N-PF)
Conditional Use Required: R-RU and R-SF zones when another STR exists on same side of street per block
ADU Restrictions: Generally prohibited except in specific Planned Unit Developments

Occupancy Limits

Entire Dwelling: Maximum 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people
Room Rentals: Only permitted if owner/agent/property manager resides and is present
Fire Suppression: Required for dwellings with 5+ bedrooms

Safety Requirements (Mandatory)

Smoke detector in every bedroom
Smoke detector in hallway/area outside bedrooms
Carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of each bedroom (if attached garage or fuel-fired appliances present)
Bedroom egress: Direct door to outside OR working egress window (minimum 20" width, 24" height, 5.7 sq ft openable area above ground/5.0 sq ft on/below ground, maximum 48" height from floor to window ledge)
Sanitary bathroom conditions (no leaks)
Working fire extinguisher readily accessible
Accessible electrical panel
Adequate combustion air and proper venting for furnace/hot water heater
Floor plan with evacuation routes provided to guests

Operational Restrictions

Minimum Stay: Fewer than 30 days
Maximum Rentals: No citywide cap, but one per street segment in R-RU/R-SF zones without conditional use approval
ADU Operation: Generally prohibited unless specifically allowed in PUD

City, County, and State Regulatory Framework

City of Longmont (Primary Jurisdiction)

Licensing authority: Planning and Development Services
Contact: (303) 651-8695 or code.enforcement@longmontcolorado.gov
Inspections: City reserves right to inspect before issuance or during renewal
Enforcement: Unlicensed operation results in fines up to $500/day

Boulder County (Unincorporated Areas Only)

Important: The provided Boulder County regulations apply ONLY to unincorporated areas. Since Longmont is an incorporated city, Boulder County STR regulations do not apply to properties within Longmont city limits.

For reference only (unincorporated Boulder County):

Short-Term Rental License: $350 initial, $250 renewal
Vacation Rental License: $500 initial, $300 renewal
Two-year license terms
Geographic caps for vacation rentals
Wildfire mitigation requirements in certain zones

State of Colorado

The provided content does not include specific Colorado state-level STR regulations. For comprehensive state requirements, consult Colorado Department of Local Affairs or Colorado Attorney General's office resources.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Authority (City of Longmont)

Planning and Development Services - Code Enforcement

Phone: (303) 651-8695
Email: code.enforcement@longmontcolorado.gov
Address: Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark Street, Longmont, CO
Online Portal: aca.longmontcolorado.gov/citizenaccess/Default.aspx

Sales Tax Office

Phone: (303) 651-8672
Email: sales.tax@longmontcolorado.gov
Responsible for: Sales & Use Tax licensing

Application Status & Records

ACA Portal: aca.longmontcolorado.gov/citizenaccess/Default.aspx
Current Licenses: Available at longmontcolorado.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Current-STR-Licenses-Updated-11-4-2024.pdf

Sources and References

City of Longmont STR Information: longmontcolorado.gov/planning-and-development-services/development-applications-and-permits/short-term-rentals/
Longmont STR News Release: longmontcolorado.gov/news/short-term-rental-permits-available/
Boulder County STR Regulations (Unincorporated Areas Only): bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-planning-permitting/short-term-dwelling-vacation-rental-licensing/

Critical Notes for Investors:

Always verify current zoning and licensing requirements before purchasing property
Consider the one-per-block restriction in R-RU and R-SF zones when evaluating investments
Budget for annual renewal fees and potential inspection costs
Factor in compliance costs for safety equipment installation
Monitor regulatory updates as city policies may evolve

This guide provides comprehensive information based on available sources as of the provided content. Always verify current requirements with the City of Longmont before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Longmont

Longmont sits in northern Boulder County, Colorado, with a small portion extending into Weld County. With a population of roughly 98,000, it is one of the larger communities in the corridor between Denver and Fort Collins. The city has a relaxed, mid-sized feel that blends agricultural heritage with the craft-beer and outdoor culture that has spread up the Front Range. Longmont is often considered a gateway to the northern Rockies and is well known for its proximity to both Boulder and the high country. It lies approximately 35 miles north of Denver and about 15 miles northeast of Boulder, making it a convenient base for travelers exploring the northern Front Range.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the country and lies roughly 65 miles northwest of Longmont, generally a 90-minute to two-hour drive depending on traffic and the route through Estes Park. The park offers alpine hiking, wildlife viewing, and the famous Trail Ridge Road, which crests above 12,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is a year-round draw, with summer wildflowers and autumn elk rutting season among the biggest attractions.

St. Vrain State Park covers more than 600 acres just east of Longmont and is one of the closest places in the region to see sandhill cranes during their spring migration. The park has ponds, trails, and campsites along the St. Vrain Creek, and from most parts of Longmont the drive is only about 10 to 15 minutes. It is popular for birdwatching, fishing, and casual outdoor recreation close to town.

Longmont's historic downtown is centered around Main Street and a few adjacent blocks, where late-1800s brick buildings house independent restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and a handful of well-known craft breweries. The area is walkable and hosts farmers' markets and seasonal events throughout the year. Left Hand Brewing, founded in the early 1990s, is one of the older craft breweries in Colorado and a frequent stop for beer travelers touring the northern Front Range.

Longmont appeals to short-term rental investors because it offers the best of both worlds: small-city walkability, an active food and craft-beer scene, and easy day-trip access to Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder, and Denver. Visitors who want a quieter, more affordable alternative to staying in Boulder or Estes Park often choose Longmont as their home base, and the city's mix of outdoor recreation, agricultural roots, and Front Range convenience gives it broad year-round appeal.