Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Longmont?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Longmont, Colorado, but they are strictly regulated. The City of Longmont permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals for fewer than 30 days) of entire dwellings or individual rooms in owner-occupied dwellings, subject to comprehensive licensing requirements, safety standards, and zoning compliance. Only City of Longmont residents are eligible to operate short-term rentals within city limits. All STRs require both a Short-Term Rental license and a Sales & Use Tax license, with annual renewals mandatory.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Longmont

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you are a Longmont resident (this is mandatory)
2. Property Assessment: Verify your property is in an allowable zone (not N-PE or N-PF zoning)
3. Sales Tax License: Apply for a Sales & Use Tax license first (required before STR license)
4. STR License Application: Apply for Short-Term Rental license online or in person
5. Compliance Setup: Install required safety equipment and meet all safety standards
6. Approval & Operation: Await approval and begin operations within regulatory framework

Application Platforms

• Online: Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal at aca.longmontcolorado.gov/citizenaccess/Default.aspx
• In-Person: Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark Street, Longmont

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Licenses (Mandatory)

1. Sales & Use Tax License

   • Processing fee: $25 (one-time)
   • Contact: (303) 651-8672 or sales.tax@longmontcolorado.gov
   • Required before STR license application

2. Short-Term Rental License

   • Initial fee: $100
   • Annual renewal: $100
   • Must be renewed annually
   • Online application available through ACA portal

Safety & Compliance Documentation

• Self-certification of safety compliance (City may inspect)
• Floor plan/map showing evacuation routes and meeting areas
• Documentation of permitted basement finishes and additions

Zoning & Conditional Use Documentation (if applicable)

• Property zoning verification
• Conditional use application (if required in R-RU or R-SF zones)
• Pre-application meeting records
• Neighborhood meeting documentation
• Public hearing documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Eligibility & Ownership Requirements

• Residency Requirement: Must be City of Longmont resident
• Ownership Threshold: Applicant must have at least 50% ownership of the property
• Investment Properties: Maximum one investment dwelling STR per Longmont resident
• Non-Residents: Prohibited from operating STRs within city limits

Zoning Restrictions

• Allowed: All zones except Non-residential Primary Employment (N-PE) and Public (N-PF)
• Conditional Use Required: R-RU and R-SF zones when another STR exists on same side of street per block
• ADU Restrictions: Generally prohibited except in specific Planned Unit Developments

Occupancy Limits

• Entire Dwelling: Maximum 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people
• Room Rentals: Only permitted if owner/agent/property manager resides and is present
• Fire Suppression: Required for dwellings with 5+ bedrooms

Safety Requirements (Mandatory)

• Smoke detector in every bedroom
• Smoke detector in hallway/area outside bedrooms
• Carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of each bedroom (if attached garage or fuel-fired appliances present)
• Bedroom egress: Direct door to outside OR working egress window (minimum 20" width, 24" height, 5.7 sq ft openable area above ground/5.0 sq ft on/below ground, maximum 48" height from floor to window ledge)
• Sanitary bathroom conditions (no leaks)
• Working fire extinguisher readily accessible
• Accessible electrical panel
• Adequate combustion air and proper venting for furnace/hot water heater
• Floor plan with evacuation routes provided to guests

Operational Restrictions

• Minimum Stay: Fewer than 30 days
• Maximum Rentals: No citywide cap, but one per street segment in R-RU/R-SF zones without conditional use approval
• ADU Operation: Generally prohibited unless specifically allowed in PUD

City, County, and State Regulatory Framework

City of Longmont (Primary Jurisdiction)

• Licensing authority: Planning and Development Services
• Contact: (303) 651-8695 or code.enforcement@longmontcolorado.gov
• Inspections: City reserves right to inspect before issuance or during renewal
• Enforcement: Unlicensed operation results in fines up to $500/day

Boulder County (Unincorporated Areas Only)

Important: The provided Boulder County regulations apply ONLY to unincorporated areas. Since Longmont is an incorporated city, Boulder County STR regulations do not apply to properties within Longmont city limits.

For reference only (unincorporated Boulder County):

• Short-Term Rental License: $350 initial, $250 renewal
• Vacation Rental License: $500 initial, $300 renewal
• Two-year license terms
• Geographic caps for vacation rentals
• Wildfire mitigation requirements in certain zones

State of Colorado

The provided content does not include specific Colorado state-level STR regulations. For comprehensive state requirements, consult Colorado Department of Local Affairs or Colorado Attorney General's office resources.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Authority (City of Longmont)

Planning and Development Services - Code Enforcement

• Phone: (303) 651-8695
• Email: code.enforcement@longmontcolorado.gov
• Address: Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark Street, Longmont, CO
• Online Portal: aca.longmontcolorado.gov/citizenaccess/Default.aspx

Sales Tax Office

• Phone: (303) 651-8672
• Email: sales.tax@longmontcolorado.gov
• Responsible for: Sales & Use Tax licensing

Application Status & Records

• ACA Portal: aca.longmontcolorado.gov/citizenaccess/Default.aspx
• Current Licenses: Available at longmontcolorado.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Current-STR-Licenses-Updated-11-4-2024.pdf

Sources and References

1. City of Longmont STR Information: longmontcolorado.gov/planning-and-development-services/development-applications-and-permits/short-term-rentals/
2. Longmont STR News Release: longmontcolorado.gov/news/short-term-rental-permits-available/
3. Boulder County STR Regulations (Unincorporated Areas Only): bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-planning-permitting/short-term-dwelling-vacation-rental-licensing/

Critical Notes for Investors:

• Always verify current zoning and licensing requirements before purchasing property
• Consider the one-per-block restriction in R-RU and R-SF zones when evaluating investments
• Budget for annual renewal fees and potential inspection costs
• Factor in compliance costs for safety equipment installation
• Monitor regulatory updates as city policies may evolve

This guide provides comprehensive information based on available sources as of the provided content. Always verify current requirements with the City of Longmont before making investment decisions.