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

Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Westminster, Colorado, under regulations adopted by City Council on May 22, 2023. The City defines an STR as the rental of a residential dwelling unit (or a portion thereof) for fewer than 30 days, excluding hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. The ordinance establishes minimum standards to balance property rights with neighborhood compatibility and public health, safety, and welfare. Within these rules, Westminster is a viable STR market for investors.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Westminster

1. Confirm HOA Approval and Use Constraints

   • Review and secure approval from your homeowners’ association (HOA). STRs must comply with HOA rules; it is the owner’s responsibility to verify that short-term renting is permitted.

2. Confirm You Meet Eligibility Limits

   • You may operate only one licensed STR premise within Westminster city limits at any given time.
   • STRs must be residential dwellings (single-family, duplex, townhome, condominium, or similar).

3. Gather Required Documents

   • Narrative or visual identifying the portions of the dwelling to be used as the licensed STR premises.
   • Copy of the recorded deed of trust for the property.
   • Signed affidavit certifying life safety compliance with operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and any other required life safety equipment per City building, fire, or rental property maintenance codes (see City’s Affidavit example).

4. Apply for Licenses and Register for Taxes

   • Apply for the City short-term rental license (initial application is free and valid for two years).
   • Obtain a business and sales tax license from the City.
   • Register for and begin remitting accommodations tax.

5. Submit Online Application

   • Complete and submit your STR license application via the City’s online portal. Prepare all required documents for upload. City staff will review for completeness and approval; you will receive follow-up information via the email you used to apply.

6. Set Up Operations for Compliance

   • Ensure life safety equipment is installed and operational.
   • Establish weekly residential trash service.
   • Prepare to handle guest communications and complaint resolution.

7. Tax and Business License Setup

   • File for business/sales tax license.
   • Register for accommodations tax and submit using the City’s online system (GENTAX).
   • Maintain ongoing remittance and compliance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licenses

• Short-Term Rental License (City)
  • Initial Application: No registration fee required
  • Term: Two years
  • Renewal Fee: $200 plus processing fee
  • Portal: Online licensing portal (see link in “Links to Source Pages”)
• Business and Sales Tax License (City)
  • Required for all STR operations; obtain through the City Clerk’s Office
• Accommodations Tax Registration
  • Required to collect and remit accommodations tax via the City’s Finance Department (online GENTAX platform)

Required Documentation (Upload at Application)

• Narrative or visual of the dwelling unit specifying which portions constitute the licensed STR premises
• Copy of the recorded deed of trust for the subject property
• Signed affidavit certifying life safety compliance per City code (Affidavit example document provided by City)

Guidelines and Operational Standards

• Life Safety: Maintain operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and any other required equipment per building/fire/rental maintenance codes.
• Trash Service: Maintain weekly residential trash service.
• One Property Limit: No operator may hold more than one licensed STR within the City at any time.
• Advertising and Display: Display current license information as required; include license number in advertising as applicable.
• Neighborhood Compatibility: Ensure STR operations minimize incompatibility with surrounding residential areas.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Westminster City (Primary)

• Definition and Scope
  • STR is defined as the use of a residential dwelling (or portion) for fewer than 30 days, excluding hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts.
• Licensing and Limits
  • One licensed STR per applicant; license term is two years; initial application is free; renewal is $200 plus processing fee.
• Life Safety
  • Operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and other required equipment per City codes.
• Operations
  • Maintain weekly residential trash service; operate in a manner compatible with neighboring residential uses.
• Taxes
  • Business and sales tax license required; accommodations tax must be collected and remitted to the City via the Finance Department (GENTAX platform).

Jefferson County

• Westminster lies within Jefferson County. City-level STR regulations apply within Westminster city limits. County-level rules are not cited in the City’s primary STR materials; where conflicts arise, City code governs within municipal boundaries.

Colorado State

• No statewide STR-specific licensing regime exists. Operators must comply with state-level tax obligations and general property and safety codes.
• Sales, Use, and Lodging/Accommodations Taxes: State, county, and local rates may apply. Westminster’s accommodations tax is 7.00% (see taxes section below).
• General Health and Safety: Properties must comply with relevant state building, fire, and safety standards.

Taxes in Westminster for STRs

• Sales and Use Tax: 8.60% (Westminster rate)
• Accommodations Tax: 7.00% (Westminster accommodations tax)
• Notes: Sales and accommodations taxes are collected and remitted through the City’s Finance Department via the GENTAX platform. Ensure you register for business licensing and tax accounts before hosting.

Contact Information (Local Authority and Support)

• Short-Term Rental Questions and Support
  • Email: str@westminsterco.gov
  • Phone: 303-658-2342
• Sales Tax Licensing (Accommodations Tax, GENTAX)
  • Email: salestax@westminsterco.gov
  • Phone: 303-658-2065
• Business Licensing (City Clerk’s Office)
  • Email: licensing@westminsterco.gov
  • Phone: 303-658-2161
• Westminster City Hall
  • Phone: 303-658-2400
  • Address: 4800 West 92nd Avenue, Westminster, CO 80031
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Complaint Reporting
  • Online Complaint Form (STR-specific): see link in “Links to Source Pages”
  • 24/7 STR Complaint Line: 303-867-7363
  • Non-Emergency Dispatch: 303-658-4360

Links to Source Pages

• City of Westminster Short-Term Rentals page: www.westminsterco.gov/815/Short-Term-Rentals
• Westminster Municipal Code – Short-Term Rentals: library.municode.com/co/westminster/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TITXILADEGRPR_CH4ZO_11-4-18SHTERE
• Short-Term Rental Application Guide (PDF): www.westminsterco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3512
• STR License Application Portal: str.deckard.com/co-jefferson-city_of_westminster
• Affidavit Example (DOCX): www.westminsterco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1833/Affidavit-Example-DOCX
• Business & Sales Tax Licenses: www.westminsterco.gov/514/Specialty-Licenses
• Accommodations Tax Information: www.westminsterco.gov/513/Business-Sales-Tax-Licenses
• STR Complaints Form: complaints-str.deckard.com/westminster-co-str-complaints
• City of Westminster Sales Tax Information: www.westminsterco.gov/Business/WestminsterTaxes/SalesUseTaxInformation/SalesTaxInformation
• City of Westminster Other Taxes (incl. Accommodations): www.westminsterco.gov/Business/WestminsterTaxes/OtherWestminsterTaxes

Implementation Checklist for Investors

• Verify HOA approval for STR use.
• Confirm you can operate only one licensed STR in Westminster.
• Assemble required documents (deed of trust copy; narrative/visual; signed affidavit).
• Apply for STR license via the online portal.
• Obtain business and sales tax license; register for accommodations tax (GENTAX).
• Install and maintain required life safety equipment.
• Establish weekly trash service.
• Prepare operations to meet guest communication and complaint response standards.
• Display license information as required; include license number in advertising.
• Maintain ongoing tax remittance and compliance.

This guide consolidates Westminster’s official STR rules, permitting, taxation, and contacts. Where HOA rules or future ordinance updates may impose additional constraints, investors should confirm current requirements before purchase and operations.