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1. What is a Short Term Rental?

A single family detached dwelling or portion thereof that contains not more than 5 bedrooms, that is used for, or advertised and available for use for, accommodations or lodging of guests paying a fee or other compensation, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days.

2. Are Short Term Rentals considered a residential use?

Yes. Jefferson County considers Short Term Rentals to be a residential use. Planning and Zoning Division requirements for a STR include the provision that the property must be a residential dwelling. The Assessor’s Office taxes STRs as residential structures. In addition, the Division of Building Safety applies residential building codes and not commercial building codes to STRs. The permission for a dwelling to be used for STRs is a temporary permit, and does not ‘run with the land’. 

Jefferson County allows Short Term Rental (STR) of Single Family Residential Units by way of a two-step process. The first step is to seek approval of a Special Exemption from the Board of Adjustment. The second step is to apply for a Short Term Rental Permit from the Planning and Zoning Division. The limitations for a residence to be eligible for consideration for a Short Term Rental Permit include: 

• The property must be a minimum of one (1) acre in size 
• The building standards of the underlying zone district must be met 
• Adequate parking is provided 
• Defensible Space requirements are met 
• Valid water and sanitation must be demonstrated 
• No more than five (5) bedrooms are in the dwelling 

3. Can I have a Short Term Rental?

All Short Term Rentals must first go to the Board of Adjustment for Special Exception Approval before applying for a STR Permit. Section 11 of the Zoning Resolution provides details.

4. What do I need to do to get a Short Term Rental Permit?

A Short Term Rental (STR) permit must be first approved through a Special Exception by the Board of Adjustment. If it is approved, a STR permit must be obtained by Planning & Zoning.

5. Who reviews Short Term Rentals?

The Board of Adjustment

6. How long can I have a Short Term Rental?

If the Short Term Rental is approved by the BOA, the permit must be renewed 6 months after with the BOA and then annually after that.

7. What do I need to provide for a Short Term Rental permit?

Section 2 of the Zoning Resolution has an overview of the requirements.

8. What are the Short Term Rental Criteria?

Property must be minimum of 1 acre, meet the underlying zone district, have adequate parking, meet the requirements set for by the Wildfire Hazard Overlay District, have valid water and sanitation, have legal access, use the primary dwelling unit, be free of violations, and have no substantial detriment to the intent of the Zoning Resolution.

9. How long does a Special Exception Case take?

Roughly two months from application submittal to the Board of Adjustment hearing/decision.