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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Evergreen, Colorado. However, they are subject to strict regulations enforced primarily by Jefferson County (which governs most of Evergreen) with some areas falling under Clear Creek County. STRs are considered a residential use and require a two-step approval process: special exception approval from the Board of Adjustment followed by a Short-Term Rental Permit from Planning & Zoning.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Evergreen

Step 1: Board of Adjustment Special Exception Approval

• Submit an application for Special Exception to the Board of Adjustment
• This step is mandatory before applying for any STR permit
• Processing time: approximately two months from application to hearing/decision
• Section 11 of the Zoning Resolution provides detailed requirements

Step 2: Short-Term Rental Permit Application

• Apply to Planning & Zoning Division after BOA approval
• Applications accepted on first-come, first-serve basis beginning 30 days after regulation approval
• Incomplete applications will be denied and must be resubmitted in order received

Step 3: Property Preparation and Compliance

• Ensure property meets all zoning and safety requirements
• Install required safety equipment
• Obtain necessary insurance coverage
• Prepare all required documentation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses Required:

1. Special Exception Approval from Board of Adjustment
2. Short-Term Rental License from Jefferson County Planning & Zoning
3. Annual Renewal of STR License (30 days before expiration)

Required Documentation:

Application Requirements:

• Completed STR License Application form
• Floor plan showing STR area and bedroom locations
• Parking plan depicting required spaces on-site
• Trash storage/removal plan with written removal schedule
• Proof of adequate water and sewer:
  • Well permit (if applicable)
  • Jefferson County Form 1001 for centralized systems
  • OWTS permit and pumping/inspection evidence (if applicable)
  • Jefferson County Form 1001 for sanitation districts
• Defensible space compliance certification
• Fire Protection District statement confirming emergency vehicle access
• Insurance verification (minimum $500,000 liability coverage)
• Proof of ownership (deed, title commitment, or title policy)
• Two documents proving primary residence (for primary residence STR):
  • Motor vehicle registration
  • Voter registration
  • Federal/state tax returns
  • Colorado Driver's License or ID
  • Other legal documentation establishing residency
• Nonrefundable processing fee
• Signed affidavit certifying application accuracy

Safety Equipment Requirements:

• Operable smoke alarms (International Building Code standards)
• Fire extinguishers
• Carbon monoxide alarms (within 15 feet of each bedroom entrance)
• Bear-proof trash cans (Mountain Areas)

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Jefferson County (Primary Governing Body)

Property Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum size: 1 acre
• Zoning compliance: Must meet underlying zone district standards
• Dwelling types: Single-family detached, single-family attached, duplex, or ADUs only
• Maximum bedrooms: 5
• Access: Direct access from county/city/state/HOA-maintained road
• Property status: Free of violations, no substantial detriment to zoning intent

Operational Limitations:

• Separation requirement: 750 feet from other STR properties (exempt for primary residences)
• District cap: Up to 1% of dwelling units per Fire Protection District allowed as STRs
• Investment property limit: Owner may operate only one non-primary residence STR
• Simultaneous rentals: Cannot rent to multiple parties under separate contracts
• ADU restrictions: If ADU used as STR, main dwelling cannot be rented

Occupancy and Parking:

• Occupancy limit: 2 persons per bedroom or OWTS limitation (whichever is more restrictive)
• Maximum occupants: 10 (regardless of bedrooms)
• ADU occupant limit: 3 maximum or per ADU regulations
• Parking: Minimum 1 off-street space plus 1 per bedroom

Safety and Environmental Requirements:

• Defensible space: Required and recertified every 3 years
• Fire protection: Property must be within Fire Protection District
• OWTS maintenance: Annual pumping and inspection required
• Noise compliance: Jefferson County Noise Abatement Policy
• Fire restrictions: Outdoor wood/pellet/charcoal fires prohibited; propane/natural gas fires require shut-off timer
• Wildlife protection: Bear-proof trash storage required in Mountain Areas

Operational Requirements:

• Local representative: Must be within 30 minutes and authorized to make decisions
• Advertisement: Must list county license number and occupancy limits
• License display: Copy must be prominently displayed in STR
• Neighbor notification: Required within 7 days of license approval
• HOA notification: Must inform HOA before applying (verification affidavit required)
• 24-hour contact: Must be posted in prominent location with Good Neighbor Brochure

Tax and Insurance Requirements:

• Insurance: Minimum $500,000 liability coverage required
• Sales taxes: State and local sales taxes plus lodging taxes
• Income taxes: Rental income subject to federal and state taxation

Clear Creek County (Applicable to Certain Areas)

Permit Limitations:

• Non-primary residence cap: Maximum 4.5% of total residences in unincorporated areas
• Waiting list: Available through county website for permits

Tax Requirements:

• Sales taxes: State, county, local marketing district taxes
• Lodging taxes: Applicable state and county lodging taxes
• Income taxes: Federal and state income tax obligations

State-Level Regulations (Colorado)

General Requirements:

• Business registration: May be required for STR operations
• Sales tax collection: State sales tax (2.9%) plus applicable local taxes
• Income reporting: Rental income must be reported on federal and state tax returns
• Consumer protection: Compliance with Colorado Consumer Protection Act

Contact Information for Local Authority

Jefferson County Planning & Zoning

• Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80419
• Phone: 303-271-6511
• Website: jeffco.us/2427/Short-Term-Rentals
• Email: Contact through county website directory
• Department: Planning & Zoning Division

Board of Adjustment

• Review authority: Special Exception approvals
• Contact: Through Planning & Zoning Division
• Meeting schedule: Approximately 2-month processing timeline

Clear Creek County

• Website: co.clear-creek.co.us/910/Short-Term-Rental-Permitting
• Contact: Through county website for specific contact information

Source Links

1. Jefferson County STR Information: www.jeffco.us/2427/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Evergreen STR Overview: theevergreenexperience.com/evergreen-co-airbnb-requirements/
3. Jefferson County STR Regulations (Draft): www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/51928/Short-Term-Rental-Regulations-Draft-PDF
4. Lodge Compliance Information: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/evergreen-co
5. Clear Creek County STR Permitting: www.co.clear-creek.co.us/910/Short-Term-Rental-Permitting
6. Jefferson County Zoning Resolution Section 11: www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/2484/Section-11-Board-of-Adjustment-PDF

Important Disclaimer: Regulations may change, and this guide provides information based on available sources as of the content provided. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with STR operations. Failure to comply with all regulations may result in fines, permit revocation, or other legal consequences.