Lone Tree bans short-term rentals

Photo byIvan Samkov

Natasha Lovato / NewsBreak Denver

(Lone Tree, Colo.) New short-term rentals, like those rented on Airbnb and VRBO, cannot operate anywhere in the City of Lone Tree.

After a meeting on Feb. 7, the Lone Tree City Council approved two ordinances to prohibit creating new short-term rentals and regulate existing ones.

Lone Tree defined short-term rentals as a primary residence, or portion of a primary residence, used for lodging accommodations for less than 30 consecutive days.

Regulations for existing short-term rentals

The ordinances state that short-term rentals established before March 8, 2023, are permitted to continue operating, provided they operate with a city business license, remit taxes for the past three years of operation, and obtain a permit by May 7.

The ordinance for existing short-term rentals also states that new regulations are in place, and any violations are subject to fines of $500 for the first offense, $750 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third offense. 

The minimum criminal penalty is $1,000 per violation if found guilty.

The regulations include the following:

1. Compliance with building, electrical, and fire codes
2. Maximum occupancy limits of two adults per bedroom, with a maximum of eight occupants, excluding children under five years of age
3. No excess automobiles allowed, which means vehicles must be able to park on the driveway or in a designated common lot
4. Advertisements must include the city license number
5. The city reserves the right to inspect the rental premises
6. A notice must be posted on the licensed premises for renters
7. Prohibited acts such as disturbing the peace, making excessive noise, and failing to comply with all code provisions can result in a fine
8. Only one rental to one party at a time is allowed

Existing short-term rental license application

To apply for a new license or renewal, property owners must submit a completed application, including an authorized agent declaration, applicant affidavit, a licensed premises description or illustration, proof of lawful possession, proof of liability insurance, proof of operation prior to March 8, and evidence of remittance of past due lodging and sales tax to the Lone Tree City Clerk’s office.

Applications for a new short-term rental license must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by Sunday, May 7, 2023. Applications may be submitted via email, mailed to the city, or dropped off in person.