A New Framework for Short-Term Rentals in Arapahoe County

Confirm that the property is within unincorporated Arapahoe County. Review the dwelling type, property-line separation, multifamily cap and waitlist, bedrooms, on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS), parking, and HOA or lease requirements.

A license is required before advertising or operating a short-term rental. Each license covers one unit. The applicant must be the owner or a qualifying long-term lessee, and the unit generally must be the applicant’s primary residence. Legacy exceptions may apply.

Qualifying historical operations may receive a legacy designation that can exempt them from the primary-residence requirement, separation requirement, and multifamily license cap. The status expires when property ownership or tenancy changes, or when the status is not renewed.

The official legacy filing deadline was August 23, 2026. During implementation and review of legacy applications, the County will not accept new non-legacy applications. Opening is estimated for late autumn 2026.

Maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance. The responsible agent must be able to provide live voice contact within 15 minutes and appear in person within 60 minutes. Text messages, email, and an answering service do not satisfy the live voice contact requirement.

Occupancy is generally limited to two people per bedroom, plus two additional people, subject to a lower OWTS capacity. Only one booking party is permitted, and gatherings are limited to twice the licensed occupancy. Overnight sleeping in tents or RVs is not permitted.

Maintain smoke, carbon-monoxide, egress, and other safety items. Comply with parking, trash, neighbor information, and OWTS requirements, with evidence displayed where applicable.

Required neighbors must receive the Good Neighbor Notice within 14 days after the license is issued. New guidelines have been announced but have not yet been released.

Once licensed, advertisements must include the required license information. Platforms also have a duty to remove advertisements after County notice.

Submit renewal applications no earlier than 120 days and no later than 60 days before the license expires.

During implementation, the County lists a $200 application fee and a $350 annual license fee. This fee information has not been updated for the new County ordinance. Fines range from $250 to $1,000.

Complete the license, safety, insurance, contact, neighbor, advertising, and tax files.