Short-term rentals

Short-term rental generally means the rental of all or a portion of a property for less than 30 days. These rentals are generally listed on websites such as Airbnb.com or HomeAway.com.

• Short-Term Rental or STR is defined as the use of a residential dwelling unit, or portion thereof, within the City, excluding hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for periods of less than thirty (30) days, including but not limited to a single-family dwelling, duplex, townhome, condominium, or similar dwelling.
• No Applicant may operate more than one Licensed Premise as a Short-Term Rental within the City at any one time.
• Homeowner Association (HOA) rules - It is the homeowner's responsibility to adhere to any HOA restrictions regarding Short-Term Rentals. It is advised that you confirm with your HOA that Short-Term Rentals are permitted in your neighborhood.

On May 22, 2023, City Council approved short-term rental regulations. The intent of regulating short-term rentals is to provide minimum standards while minimizing incompatibility with surrounding residential areas. These standards provide additional protection for substantial private and public investments while upholding the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Who Is Required To Register?

Any person providing or offering to provide lodging in the form of a short-term rental within a residential property located within the City must first obtain and maintain a license from the City.

Application Requirements

Registration fees and expiration

Initial applications will not require a registration fee and will expire after two years.

The fee for renewing a license is $200.00 plus processing fee.

Short-Term Rental Application Guide

Documentation 

You will need to upload the following documents as part of the application form. 

• A narrative or visual of the Dwelling Unit - A narrative or visuals that specify which portions of the Dwelling Unit will constitute the Licensed Premises to be used as the Short-Term Rental.
•  A copy of the Recorded Deed of Trust - A copy of the recorded deed of trust for the subject property.
• Signed Affidavit - A signed affidavit by the Applicant certifying life safety compliance with operational smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and other life safety equipment that may be required by the City per Building, Fire or Rental Property Maintenance Code, as outlined in Title IX, W.M.C.  

  • Affidavit Example

Business License and Accommodations Tax

Short-term rentals are also required to have a business and sales tax license and remit accommodations tax.  Accommodations Tax is collected by the City's Finance Department. Please visit the City's Website to learn more about Accommodations Tax, when and how to submit Accommodations Tax, and the online sales tax revenue platform, GENTAX. 

Please direct all tax questions to the City's Sales Tax Division at salestax@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2065.  

Please direct all business license questions to the City Clerk's office at licensing@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2161. 

Application Process

1. Read the short-term rental application requirements and collect the documentation needed for application submittal. 

2. Apply for a short-term rental license by visiting the licensing portal.  Make sure to have all electronic documentation ready for upload.

3. Complete and submit the short-term rental license application. City staff will be notified of the short-term rental license application submittal and will review for completeness and approval/denial.  An email with further information regarding the license will be sent to the email address used for the application process.  

4. Apply for a business and sales tax license and remit accommodations tax.  

Please direct all business license and sales tax questions to the City's Sales Tax Division at salestax@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2065.  Please direct all business license questions to the City Clerk's office at licensing@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2161.      

Short-Term Rental Complaints

• Online Complaint Form
• City of Westminster short-term rental 24/7 complaint line: 303-867-7363 
• Non-Emergency Dispatch: 303-658-4360

Short-term Rental Contacts

• Short-term rental questions and support: str@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2342
• Sales tax licensing: salestax@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2065   
• Business licensing: licensing@westminsterco.gov or 303.658.2161