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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Englewood, Colorado, but with significant restrictions and requirements. The city has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits STR operations while maintaining community standards and residential character. The key limitation is that STR operators in residential zone districts must be the primary resident of the property and live there for no less than 185 days per year. Properties in commercial/industrial zones (M-1, M-2, MU-B1, MU-B2) do not have this primary residency requirement, making them more suitable for full-time investment STR operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Englewood

Step 1: Property Zone Assessment

Begin by determining your property's zoning classification using the city's Interactive Zoning Map. This classification determines your regulatory pathway:

• Residential Zones (R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-2-A, R-2-B, MU-R-3-A, MU-R-3-B, MU-R-3-C): Primary residency required (185+ days/year)
• Commercial/Industrial Zones (M-1, M-2, MU-B1, MU-B2): No primary residency requirement

Step 2: Review Governing Ordinance

Read Ordinance 25 to understand the complete legal framework governing STR operations.

Step 3: Document Preparation

Gather all required documentation based on your property's zone district (see detailed requirements below).

Step 4: Obtain Required Licenses

1. City Sales and Use Tax License (mandatory for all operators)
2. STR License (property-specific)

Step 5: Fee Payment and Application Processing

Pay all required fees and complete the application process including property inspection.

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain compliance with all ongoing requirements including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety standards.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licenses

1. City Sales and Use Tax License

• Fee: $25 (bi-annual, non-refundable)
• Application: Through Finance Department
• Email Contact: revenuediv@englewoodco.gov
• Website: Apply for Sales Tax License

2. STR License

• New Application Fees:
  • $500 (due at application submission)
  • $55 (due after application deemed complete, before inspection)
  • $200 (due after inspection approval, before license issuance)
• Renewal Application Fees:
  • $300 (due at application submission)
  • $55 (due after application deemed complete, before inspection)
  • $200 (due after inspection approval, before license issuance)

Required Documentation by Zone District

Residential Zone Properties (R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-2-A, R-2-B, MU-R-3-A, MU-R-3-B, MU-R-3-C)

Primary Residency Required - Additional Documentation:

1. Property Ownership Proof:

   • Current deed on file with Arapahoe County showing ownership

2. Tax Return Documentation:

   • First page of current federal tax return with financial and social security numbers redacted

3. Primary Residency Verification (2+ required):

   • Valid motor vehicle registration
   • Colorado driver's license or Colorado identification card
   • Voter registration

4. Legal Documentation:

   • Proof of Residency and Ownership Affidavit notarized by a Colorado Notary, identifying every owner and establishing primary residence status

5. Insurance and Compliance:

   • Insurance and HOA Affidavits/Waiver and Release
   • Insurance declarations page with minimum $1M personal liability coverage

6. Property Documentation:

   • Legible floor plan showing all levels with specific safety features indicated:
     • Fire extinguisher locations
     • Carbon monoxide detector placement (outside sleeping areas)
     • Smoke detector locations (bedrooms, hallways, living/recreation rooms)
     • All exit points including compliant egress windows in basement sleeping areas
     • Restriction: Non-habitable areas cannot be used as sleeping areas

7. Parking Plan:

   • Minimum one permanent parking space per bedroom for rent
   • Maximum two spaces can be on-street, public parking
   • Must show all parking areas

8. Posting Requirements:

   • Posting Notice for display in the rental property

Commercial/Industrial Zone Properties (M-1, M-2, MU-B1, MU-B2)

No Primary Residency Requirement - Streamlined Documentation:

1. Property Ownership Proof:

   • Current deed on file with Arapahoe County

2. Insurance and Compliance:

   • Insurance and HOA Affidavits/Waiver and Release
   • Insurance declarations page with minimum $1M personal liability coverage

3. Property Documentation:

   • Same floor plan requirements as residential zones (fire safety, CO2 detection, smoke detectors, egress)

4. Parking Plan:

   • Same parking requirements as residential zones

5. Posting Notice:

   • Same posting requirements as residential zones

Sample Plans and Resources

• Sample Floor Plan: Download Sample Plan

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Primary Residency Requirements (Residential Zones)

• STR operators must be the primary resident of the property
• Must live at the property for minimum 185 days per year
• This requirement applies to all residential zone districts: R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-2-A, R-2-B, MU-R-3-A, MU-R-3-B, MU-R-3-C

Safety and Building Requirements

• Fire Safety: Minimum one fire extinguisher per property
• Carbon Monoxide Detection: Required outside each sleeping area
• Smoke Detection: Required in each bedroom, hallways accessing sleeping areas, and living/recreation rooms
• Egress Requirements: Compliant egress windows required in basement sleeping areas
• Occupancy Restrictions: Non-habitable areas (kitchens, closets, hallways) cannot be used as sleeping areas

Parking Requirements

• Minimum: One permanent parking space per bedroom for rent
• Maximum On-Street: No more than two parking spaces can be on-street, public parking
• Parking Plan: Must be submitted showing all parking areas

Insurance Requirements

• Minimum Coverage: $1M personal liability coverage
• Documentation: Current insurance declarations page required
• Compliance: HOA compliance affidavit required if applicable

Application and Renewal Process

• New Application Fee: $755 total ($500 + $55 + $200)
• Renewal Application Fee: $555 total ($300 + $55 + $200)
• Inspection Required: Property inspection required for both new and renewal applications
• Timeline: Application must be deemed complete before inspection can be scheduled

Operational Compliance

• Posting Requirements: STR posting notice must be displayed in the rental property
• Ongoing Monitoring: City maintains complaint and enforcement mechanisms
• License Renewal: STR licenses must be renewed annually

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Community Development Department (STR Licensing)

• Email: commdev@englewoodco.gov
• Application Portal: IMS Portal

Finance Department (Sales Tax Licensing)

• Email: revenuediv@englewoodco.gov
• Phone: 303-762-2300
• Application: Sales and Use Tax License

General City Information

• Main Phone: 303-762-2300
• Address: City of Englewood, Colorado
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Website: www.englewoodco.gov

Complaint and Enforcement

• STR Complaint Filing: STR Complaint Form
• General City Services: Request for Service

Additional Resources and Source Links

Primary Source Documents

• STR Ordinance 25: https://www.englewoodco.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/31600/638539761149730000
• Interactive Zoning Map: https://www.englewoodco.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/zoning/zoning-map#!/
• STR FAQ: https://www.englewoodco.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/short-term-rentals-new/frequently-asked-questions-about-short-term-rentals

Required Forms and Affidavits

• Proof of Residency and Ownership Affidavit: https://www.englewoodco.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/30505/637986977308000000
• Insurance and HOA Affidavits/Waiver and Release: https://www.englewoodco.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/30507/637986981932600000
• Sample Floor Plan: https://www.englewoodco.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/30352/638473155463830000
• Posting Notice: https://www.englewoodco.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/30354/638472319286170000

Application Portals

• STR License Application: https://ims.englewoodco.gov/ims/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fims%2F
• Sales Tax License Application: https://www.englewoodco.gov/government/city-departments/finance/sales-use-and-other-business-licenses

Related City Resources

• Zoning Information: https://www.englewoodco.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/zoning
• Building Codes and Inspections: https://www.englewoodco.gov/government/city-departments/building-division
• Municipal Code: https://www.englewoodco.gov/government/englewood-municipal-code

Note: This guide is based on current city regulations as of the information provided. STR regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Englewood before making investment decisions. The primary residency requirement (185+ days) significantly impacts the viability of residential properties for investment STRs, making commercial/industrial zone properties more attractive for full-time STR operations.