Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Arvada, CO?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Arvada, Colorado. The City of Arvada has legalized short-term rentals and established a comprehensive regulatory framework. As defined by the City, a short-term rental (STR) is "a dwelling, portion of a dwelling, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rented to guests for a period of less than 30 consecutive days."

Key Allowances:

• Properties can be rented for 1-29 days at a time
• Each operator may hold up to 3 STR licenses citywide
• Only 1 reservation allowed per property at any given time
• Maximum rental period of 240 days per calendar year per property
• Both property owners and long-term renters may operate STRs

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Arvada

Starting an STR business in Arvada requires a systematic approach involving multiple applications, compliance verifications, and ongoing management obligations. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documentation

Before applying, gather the following materials:

• Property ownership documentation or written authorization from property owner
• Site plan or floor plan (if renting only a portion of the dwelling)
• Proof of additional off-street parking (if applicable)
• Safety equipment installation confirmation

Step 2: Apply for STR License

Submit your STR permit application through the City's electronic system:

• Use the eTRAKiT application system
• Complete all required fields including property details, contact information
• Pay the $150 permit fee
• Submit safety equipment certification

Step 3: Obtain Business License

Register for a business license through MUNIRevs system:

• Required for tax collection and remittance purposes
• Separate from the STR permit but equally mandatory

Step 4: Prepare Guest Information Materials

Create required documentation for guests:

• City-provided brochure detailing local ordinances
• Custom operator brochure with local contact information

Step 5: Set Up Operational Requirements

Establish systems for:

• 24/7 emergency response capability
• Tax collection and monthly filing
• Annual occupancy tracking and reporting

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licenses and Permits

1. Short-Term Rental License ($150)

• Application through eTRAKiT system
• Annual renewal required
• Valid for one property only

2. Business License

• Required for tax collection purposes
• Obtained through MUNIRevs online system
• Separate from STR permit

Required Documentation

For STR License Application:

• Short-term rental property address
• Written authorization from property owner (if applicant is not owner)
• Name and phone number of 24/7 local contact person
• Site plan identifying STR location on property
• Floor plan identifying specific rooms (if partial rental)
• Confirmation of additional off-street parking (if partial rental)
• Safety equipment installation proof

Safety Equipment Requirements:

• Operational smoke detector
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Fire extinguisher

Guest Information Materials:

• City-provided ordinance brochure (required in-unit)
• Custom brochure containing:
  • Local contact name, email, phone number
  • Local points of interest
  • Property-specific information

Compliance Acknowledgments:

• Maximum occupancy limitations per City Code
• Prohibition on commercial events/weddings
• Compliance with all applicable laws and ordinances

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Limits

• Maximum Properties per Owner: 3 properties citywide
• Reservation Limit: Only 1 reservation per property at a time
• Annual Rental Cap: Maximum 240 days per calendar year per property
• Stay Duration: 1-29 days maximum per stay
• 30+ Day Rentals: No license required, treated as traditional leasing

Safety and Compliance Requirements

• Life Safety Equipment: Operational smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers required in all units
• Occupancy Limits: Subject to City Code limitations for unrelated persons
• Event Restrictions: No commercial events, weddings, or large social gatherings permitted
• Code Compliance: Must comply with all applicable City Code provisions, state and federal law

Parking and Property Standards

• Additional Parking: One additional off-street parking space required for partial dwelling rentals (not required for full house or ADU rentals)
• Property Maintenance: Must maintain property in compliance with all applicable codes

Guest and Contact Requirements

• 24/7 Contact: Must designate local contact person available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Response Time: Contact must be able to reach property within one hour if necessary
• In-Unit Information: Required brochures must be displayed in rental unit

Reporting and Record Keeping

• Annual Occupancy Log: Must submit Short Term Rental Annual Log verifying number of days occupied
• Tax Filing: Monthly returns required for sales tax and lodging tax remittance

Enforcement and Penalties

• First Violation: $150 fine
• Second Violation: $300 fine
• Third Violation: $1,000 fine and license revocation
• Compliance Monitoring: City may use third-party enforcement to identify unlicensed operators

State-Level Regulations (Colorado)

Colorado does not impose statewide STR regulations, leaving oversight to individual counties and cities. However, state-level tax obligations apply:

State Tax Requirements

• Sales Tax Registration: Required with Colorado Department of Revenue
• Lodging Tax Collection: Many jurisdictions charge additional lodging/accommodations taxes
• Statewide STR Taxes: Colorado administers short-term rental taxes through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, but hosts remain responsible for registration and filing

General Colorado STR Framework

• No universal state definition of short-term rentals
• Counties and cities establish individual regulations
• Most jurisdictions require local licenses and business registration
• Health, safety, and zoning requirements vary by location

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Arvada Licensing Department

Physical Address: City of Arvada 8101 Ralston Road Arvada, CO 80002

Phone: 720-898-7000

Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday

Accessibility: 711 Relay Colorado for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Disabilities

Key Online Resources:

• STR Licensing: eTRAKiT Application System
• Business Licenses: MUNIRevs Online System
• Fee Schedule: 2025 Land Use Development Fees

Additional Resources

• Municipal Code: Arvada Municipal Code
• Planning Department: For zoning and development questions
• Code Enforcement: For compliance and violation reporting

Source Pages

1. City of Arvada Short-Term Rentals Main Page: www.arvadaco.gov/259/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Arvada STR Licensing FAQ: www.arvadaco.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=100
3. Jefferson County STR Regulations: www.jeffco.us/2427/Short-Term-Rentals
4. Avalara STR Legalization Analysis: www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2020/09/short-term-rentals-legalized-in-arvada-colorado.html
5. Colorado STR Laws Overview: www.gosummer.com/post/colorado-short-term-rental-laws

Important Note: This guide provides general information for STR investors and operators. Always verify current regulations with official City sources, as ordinances and requirements may change. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance regarding your STR investment strategy and compliance obligations.