Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Bennett, CO?

Yes—based on the provided sources, there is no evidence of a city- or county-level prohibition on short-term rentals (STRs) in Bennett. State-level Colorado law does not ban STRs, and the statewide trend is for local governments to regulate rather than prohibit. That said, municipalities can regulate STRs (e.g., licensing, caps, zoning, health/safety requirements). Bennett appears on the Colorado Division of Local Government’s list of “Subject Jurisdictions” under HB24-1152 (Accessory Dwelling Units), indicating it must allow ADUs; ADUs can be STR-eligible (subject to local rules). Bottom line: STRs are likely allowed in Bennett unless a local code or HOA provision restricts them. Confirm directly with Bennett Town Hall and your HOA before investing.

How to Start an STR Business in Bennett, CO

• Verify land use:
  • Confirm STRs are a permitted use in your zoning district and not restricted by HOA covenants. Colorado HOA law generally treats STRs as residential use unless covenants explicitly prohibit them.
• Align with ADU rules:
  • If your property includes or will include an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), review HB24-1152’s rules for ADUs and STRs (e.g., objective standards, limited parking constraints, owner-occupancy tied only to STR licensing). Bennett, as a “Subject Jurisdiction,” must allow one ADU where single-unit detached dwellings are allowed, but local codes may still regulate ADU/STR operations.
• Apply for licenses/permits:
  • Check with the Town of Bennett (and any relevant county departments) for a business license, STR license, and any related permits.
• Tax registration:
  • Register with the Colorado Department of Revenue for sales/use tax and lodge tax; verify the current state rate and any local add-ons.
• Insurance and safety:
  • Obtain appropriate landlord/property insurance and meet any local safety standards (e.g., smoke/CO detectors, egress, fire safety).
• HOA compliance:
  • If in an HOA, review covenants; HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions but cannot override state-mandated ADU allowances.
• Set up operations:
  • Choose platforms (Airbnb, VRBO), establish pricing/operations, implement guest screening and house rules, and maintain records.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on Colorado norms and the provided sources, expect to provide:

• Identification (driver’s license/state ID) and proof of property ownership or lease authorization
• Business license application (Town of Bennett)
• STR license/registration application (if applicable)
• Sales/lodging tax account registration (Colorado Department of Revenue)
• Insurance verification (general liability/property)
• Floor plans/occupancy info (if required)
• Safety compliance documentation (e.g., smoke/CO detectors)
• Property management agreement (if using a manager)
• HOA documentation or approval (if applicable)
• ADU-related documentation (if the STR unit is an ADU): proof that it meets ADU standards and any STR licensing tied to owner-occupancy requirements.

Note: Bennett may have additional local forms, inspection, or fee requirements. Use the Contacts section below to verify.

Specific Regulations: City (Bennett), County (Adams), and State (Colorado)

• City of Bennett (municipal):
  • No specific STR ordinance content was provided. Assume business licensing and STR regulation are possible. Verify any caps, operational standards, and inspection requirements with the Town.
• Adams County:
  • No county-specific STR regulation is provided. County rules may apply for properties outside town limits. Confirm with Adams County.
• State of Colorado:
  • ADU law (HB24-1152): Bennett must allow at least one ADU per lot where single-unit detached dwellings are allowed; ADUs can be STRs subject to local rules. The law restricts owner-occupancy requirements to the point of licensing STRs; objective standards are required for approvals; parking requirements are limited and cannot prohibit ADUs; side/rear setbacks cannot exceed those for primary dwellings; minimum lot size standards cannot be stricter for ADUs; HOA restrictions are limited.
  • Legal landscape: State law allows municipalities to regulate STRs; courts have upheld reasonable local regulations but struck down owner-occupancy requirements that discriminate against out-of-state owners and scrutinized retroactive restrictions that impair vested rights.
  • Property tax: STRs are typically classified as residential for property tax purposes.
• Neighborhood and private restrictions:
  • HOAs: Colorado courts have held that STRs generally constitute residential use unless covenants explicitly prohibit “commercial” activity; HOAs can apply reasonable restrictions consistent with other accessory building standards.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• Town of Bennett (Municipal)
  • Website: www.bennettcolorado.gov/ (not provided in sources; confirm with Town Clerk)
  • Phone: Not provided in sources
  • Email: Not provided in sources
• Adams County (if applicable for unincorporated areas)
  • Website/Contact: Not provided in sources
• Colorado Department of Revenue (Sales/Lodging Tax)
  • Website: tax.colorado.gov/
  • Phone: 303-238-7378 (for excise tax questions)
• Colorado Division of Local Government (DOLA)
  • DLG: dola.colorado.gov/ (Main)
  • ADU Program: dlg.colorado.gov/accessory-dwelling-units
  • Phone: 303-864-7720
  • Email: dola_dlg_helpdesk@state.co.us

Source Pages and Links

• Colorado Bar Association—Legal overview of STRs (May 2023):
  • cl.cobar.org/features/the-long-and-short-of-short-term-rentals/
• Colorado Division of Local Government—ADUs in Colorado (HB24-1152):
  • dlg.colorado.gov/accessory-dwelling-units
• Summit County—Short-Term Rentals (example local program; not Bennett):
  • www.summitcountyco.gov/services/community_development/short_term_rentals/index.php

Important: The provided sources do not include Bennett’s specific STR ordinance or contact details. Confirm local requirements with the Town of Bennett and any applicable HOA before proceeding.