Evergreen, Colorado Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Evergreen?

Evergreen hosts earn a median $50,606/year with $258 ADR and 64% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $68,417+ per year.

See the full Evergreen market breakdown

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:

Special Exception Approval from Board of Adjustment
Short-Term Rental License from Jefferson County Planning & Zoning
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

Jefferson County STR Information: www.jeffco.us/2427/Short-Term-Rentals
Evergreen STR Overview: theevergreenexperience.com/evergreen-co-airbnb-requirements/
Jefferson County STR Regulations (Draft): www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/51928/Short-Term-Rental-Regulations-Draft-PDF
Lodge Compliance Information: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/evergreen-co
Clear Creek County STR Permitting: www.co.clear-creek.co.us/910/Short-Term-Rental-Permitting
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.

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Evergreen is a small mountain community and census-designated place in Jefferson County, Colorado, set in the foothills of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. With a population of approximately 9,000 in the CDP, it has retained a relaxed, small-town character that feels far removed from urban life despite being well within reach of a major metro area. Evergreen is best known for its pine-forested setting, its walkable downtown, and its role as a year-round gateway to outdoor recreation in the Colorado high country. The community lies roughly 25 to 30 miles west of Denver, reached via Interstate 70 and State Highway 74 through scenic mountain canyons.

At the heart of the community sits Evergreen Lake, a 55-acre reservoir built in the 1920s that serves as the town's central gathering place. The lake is encircled by a roughly 1.3-mile trail popular with walkers and joggers, and it supports paddleboarding, kayaking, and trout fishing in warmer months, with ice skating and ice fishing taking over in winter. Located within the town itself, the lake is the kind of amenity that defines Evergreen's outdoor identity and draws both locals and visitors year-round.

A short drive from downtown brings guests to the Hiwan Homestead Museum, a beautifully preserved late-19th-century log-and-stone ranch house in the adjacent Bergen Park neighborhood. Operated as a museum by Jefferson County, the homestead offers tours that explore the lives of early settlers and the Indigenous peoples who previously inhabited the area, with exhibits on local history, ranching, and mountain culture.

For a higher-altitude adventure, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway begins roughly 30 to 45 minutes southwest of Evergreen and climbs to the summit of Mount Evans, one of Colorado's famed fourteeners. The road is the highest paved highway in North America, reaching elevations above 14,000 feet and offering sweeping views of alpine tundra, herds of mountain goats, and the distant plains. The route typically opens from late spring through early fall, depending on snow conditions.

About an hour and a half to the north, Rocky Mountain National Park draws visitors with Trail Ridge Road, glacier-carved valleys, and abundant elk and bighorn sheep viewing. The park's eastern entrance near Estes Park is the most direct route from Evergreen, making the community a popular staging point for travelers planning a multi-day national park visit.

Evergreen's combination of small-town charm, walkable amenities, and immediate access to mountains, lakes, and one of America's most visited national parks gives it enduring appeal for travelers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience without sacrificing convenience. Its consistent year-round visitor traffic and proximity to Denver make it a particularly strong fit for short-term-rental owners looking to serve leisure guests, visiting families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.