Colorado county rules
Jefferson County, CO vacation rental rules and taxes
Jefferson County runs from Lakewood and Golden into the foothills around Evergreen and Conifer. Since December 2025 the county licenses short-term rentals outside city limits, and Lakewood and Golden have their own primary-residence licenses.
Checked against official sources November 8, 2026What to do
Then your town or area
Cities and towns make their own rental rules inside their limits; the county’s rules apply only outside them. Pick your area.
Towns
Golden
Golden, one of Colorado’s top-earning rental markets per listing, allows short-term rentals only in the owner’s primary residence, lived in at least ten months a year, with one per lot and up to four adults plus dependents. Licenses last two years.
Full guideLakewood
Lakewood licenses short-term rentals only in the owner’s primary residence, for $150 and then $75 a year. You need a certified home inspection, a floor plan of the whole house, $500,000 insurance, and certified-mail notice to your neighbors.
Full guideUnincorporated Jefferson County
Unincorporated Jefferson County, including Evergreen and Conifer, requires a yearly short-term rental license under rules adopted in December 2025. Rentals must be 750 feet apart, a local representative must be within 30 minutes, and the application needs a floor plan plus site plans for parking and trash, a fire district statement, and septic proof.
Sources
- Colorado Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
- Short Term Rentals · Jefferson County Planning & Zoning
A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.