Overview: STR Legality in Allenspark

Allenspark is located within unincorporated Boulder County. STRs ARE ALLOWED under Boulder County regulations, but operate under county-level jurisdiction. As an unincorporated area, Allenspark follows Boulder County's Short-Term Dwelling and Vacation Rental Licensing Ordinance (No. 2023-02) rather than city-specific rules. Property owners must obtain a county-issued license before operating any STR. Allenspark is classified as a "historic townsite," which impacts zoning allowances (see regulations below).

How to Start a STR Business in Allenspark

1. Determine License Eligibility

   • Use the Boulder County Zoning Lookup Tool to confirm your property’s zoning and eligibility.
   • Allenspark Properties: Classified as "historic townsites," allowing Vacation Rentals even if subdivided (unlike other subdivisions in Boulder County).

2. Choose License Type

   • Short-Term Rental (STR) License: For properties used as the primary residence (rented ≤45 nights/year while owner absent). Allowed in all subdivisions and zoning districts.
   • Vacation Rental (VR) License: For non-primary residences or rentals >60 days/year. Allowed only in Forestry (F) and Mountain Institutional (MI) zones within historic townsites like Allenspark.

3. Submit Application

   • Apply online via Boulder County Accela Portal.
   • Pay license fees (see below).
   • Submit required documents (see next section).

Required Documents, Permits & Licenses

• Primary Documents:
  • Short-Term Rental License Checklist (PDF)
  • Vacation Rental License Checklist (PDF)
  • Property Inspection Checklist (PDF)
• Additional Requirements:
  • Septic system compliance verification (OWTS records via Public Health).
  • Wildfire Partners Assessment/Certification for properties in West Boulder County (Wildfire Zone 1).
  • Proof of local management contact.
• Licenses:
  • STR License: $350 initial; $250 renewal (if no violations).
  • VR License: $500 initial; $300 renewal (if no violations).
• Business Taxes:
  • Sales Tax: 7.96% total (2.9% Colorado state + 0.985% Boulder County + 3.25% RTD + 0.795% Allenspark applicability TBD). Verify local taxes with Boulder County Finance.

Specific Regulations

• Zoning Restrictions:
  • STRs: Allowed in all zone districts/subdivisions.
  • VRs: Allowed in F/MI zones in historic townsites like Allenspark.
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum of 8 guests or the septic system’s approved capacity, whichever is lower.
• Parking:
  • STRs: 2 on-site spaces.
  • VRs: 2 spaces or 1 space per 4 approved occupants (on-site only).
• Nightly Caps: STRs may rent up to 45 nights/year without the owner present. VRs have no annual caps.
• Advertising Requirements: All listings must include:
  • License number (e.g., STR-24-0123).
  • Whole-home vs. private room rental status.
  • Approved occupancy limit.
  • Number of on-site parking spaces.
• License Caps:
  • VR Licenses capped by geographic area:
    • Upper St. Vrain CCD: 194 licenses.
    • Bald Mountain CCD: 83 licenses.
    • Plains CCD: Not allowed.
  • Allenspark falls within Upper St. Vrain CCD.
• License Restrictions:
  • Licenses are non-transferable.
  • Individuals/entities limited to 1 STR + 1 VR license.
• Safety: Compliance with wildfire, wildlife, OWTS (septic), and good neighbor guidelines is mandatory.

Contact Information

• Primary Authority: Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting
  • Licensing Questions: strlicensing@bouldercounty.gov
  • Phone: 303-441-3930
  • Website: Boulder County STR Licensing
• Wildfire Partners:
  • Phone: 303-441-1420
  • Email: info@wildfirepartners.org
  • Website: wildfirepartners.org
• Septic/OWTS: Boulder County Public Health
  • Phone: 303-441-1564

Source Links

• Boulder County STR Licensing Page
• Licensing Ordinance 2023-02
• Land Use Code Text Amendments (2024)
• STR Application Portal
• Property Eligibility Lookup Tool
• Allenspark STR Regulations (STRProfitMap)

This guide consolidates Boulder County’s regulations as they apply to Allenspark investors. Always verify zoning and tax obligations directly with county authorities before investing.