Source-checked permit guide · Denver, CO
Yes. Denver requires a short-term-rental business license for stays of 1 to 29 days, and the dwelling must be the host's primary residence under the city's licensing rules.
Last reviewed September 20, 2026 · Official source: City and County of Denver
At a glance
Denver's short-term-rental license is for a host's primary residence. The city directs applicants to its primary-residence evidence requirements rather than allowing a license for any dwelling the applicant owns.
As published by City and County of Denver · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · Verify current
Denver treats stays of 1 to 29 days as short-term rentals. Rentals of 30 days or more fall under the city's residential rental property licensing program instead.
As published by City and County of Denver · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · Verify current
The city's program page publishes review targets of 30 days for complete applications and up to 90 days when more review is needed. Applicants should not assume immediate approval.
As published by City and County of Denver · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · Verify current
Address-level verification
This summary was checked against materials published by City and County of Denver. Read the official program page and ask Department of Excise and Licenses, Business Licensing Center to confirm the current rule for the specific property.
Not legal advice. This page summarizes a primary government source reviewed on September 20, 2026; it is not a permit decision or a guarantee that the source remains current. Requirements can vary by address, zoning, ownership, and proposed use. Confirm the current rule with City and County of Denver and appropriate counsel before buying, listing, advising, or operating. The STR Permit Explainer can help prepare a research checklist.
FAQ
Yes. Denver requires a short-term-rental business license for stays of 1 to 29 days, and the dwelling must be the host's primary residence under the city's licensing rules. Confirm the current rule for the exact address and proposed use with City and County of Denver before relying on this summary.
Short-term rental business license. The responsible office is Department of Excise and Licenses, Business Licensing Center. The official program overview does not state one current flat fee; verify the application and renewal charges in Denver's online licensing portal before filing.
Denver Revised Municipal Code, Chapter 33, Article III. Open the official source and confirm any amendments, effective dates, zoning conditions, and address-specific requirements.
No. This source-checked summary and RealtrAI's STR Permit Explainer are research aids, not legal advice or a current-rule guarantee. Confirm the requirements with City and County of Denver and qualified counsel.
The STR Permit Explainer creates an informational draft. Verify every current rule with the official jurisdiction and qualified counsel.
