Thinking about a short-term rental in Wheat Ridge and wondering how to actually get licensed? You’re not alone. Between district caps, taxes, and safety rules, the difference between a smooth launch and a stalled plan comes down to process. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact steps to win an STR license, what it costs, how the caps work by district, and how to keep your operation compliant and profitable. Let’s dive in.
What Wheat Ridge considers an STR
A short-term rental in Wheat Ridge is any dwelling, or part of a dwelling, rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. You must have a city STR business license before you advertise or host. Longer stays of 30 nights or more are not STRs and do not need this license.
Only the legal owner can apply for the STR license. If you recently bought the property, be ready to provide proof of ownership. You can review definitions and requirements on the city’s Short Term Rentals page for clarity on who can apply and when you can start advertising. Visit the City’s official resource at the Wheat Ridge Short Term Rentals page and the MUNIRevs STR FAQ.
Two license paths: partial vs whole home
Wheat Ridge treats owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals differently. If you live on site and rent a portion of your home, that is an owner-occupied, or partial-home, STR. Whole-home STRs are non-owner-occupied and are subject to caps by City Council district.
Accessory Dwelling Units can be used as partial-home STRs only. You must live in one of the dwellings on the lot to host an ADU as an STR. ADUs cannot be licensed as whole-home STRs. Review the city’s Accessory Dwelling Units guidelines.
District caps and how to check availability
Whole-home STRs are capped in each City Council district at 2 percent of the single- and two-unit housing stock. When a district reaches its cap, the city starts a waitlist and processes applications in order as slots open. Partial-home STRs are not subject to the cap.
Before you buy or convert a unit for whole-home use, check availability and waitlist status on the city’s STR page. The city publishes remaining license counts by district and manages the waitlists.
Costs, taxes, and compliance basics
Plan for a city STR business license and ongoing tax filings. Public materials commonly reference an annual STR license fee of about $200. Confirm the current amount when you apply.
Wheat Ridge imposes a 10 percent lodgers’ tax on gross short-term rent. You must collect from guests and file monthly returns. Returns and payments are typically due by the 20th of the following month. See the city’s guidance on the STR program and lodgers’ tax.
As of the city’s FAQ, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo do not collect Wheat Ridge’s city lodgers’ tax for you. Hosts remain responsible for filing and remittance. Review the platform and city guidance in the MUNIRevs FAQ.
On safety and insurance, you certify that the unit has working smoke alarms, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher, and you provide proof of liability insurance. No routine initial inspection is required, but the city can inspect if there is a compliance concern. See details in the Wheat Ridge MUNIRevs FAQ.
Finally, once approved, post your STR license inside the unit and include the license number in your online listings. The city enforces advertising and operating requirements.
Step-by-step: how to get licensed
Request your STR account number and activation code. Email [email protected]. If you recently purchased, include proof of ownership. Instructions are on the city STR page.
Apply online in MUNIRevs. Use your account number and code to complete the STR business license application through the registration portal referenced on the city page.
Wait for city review. Zoning checks for compliance and the Finance team issues the license if approved. Applications are processed in order. Whole-home approvals depend on district availability or waitlist position.
Start monthly tax compliance. After licensing, collect the 10 percent lodgers’ tax and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month. The city STR page outlines filing expectations.
Documents to prepare:
- Proof of ownership if recently purchased
- Proof of liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage
- Safety certification for smoke alarms, CO detector, and fire extinguisher
- STR account number and activation code from the city
Timeline tips:
- Apply at least 30 days before you plan to host.
- Some applications may process in about five business days, but whole-home timing depends on district caps and waitlists. The MUNIRevs FAQ explains processing order and communications.
Strategy moves for investors
Start with eligibility. Confirm zoning, ownership, and any deed or HOA restrictions before you underwrite revenue. The city excludes certain deed-restricted and age- or income-restricted housing from STR eligibility. Review third-party restrictions as outlined in Airbnb’s local help summary on rules and prohibitions.
Choose the right path. If your target district is at its cap, consider an owner-occupied approach or an ADU strategy that qualifies only as partial-home.
Budget accurately. Include the annual license fee, the 10 percent lodgers’ tax, insurance premiums, safety equipment, and any local contact or management costs.
Protect resale value. STR licenses are not transferable. If you sell, the buyer must apply for a new license, which can affect valuation and timing. See the city’s policy on the STR page.
Operate proactively. Post your license, set clear house rules, plan for parking, and respond quickly to neighbors. This reduces complaint risk and protects your license status.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Advertising before you are licensed. The city can enforce against unlicensed advertising and operation. See enforcement context on the city’s Business Licensing page and STR FAQ.
Ignoring district caps. Whole-home licenses are limited by district and may require a waitlist. Always check the city’s availability table before committing capital.
Assuming platforms pay your local taxes. The city’s FAQ indicates Airbnb and Vrbo do not remit Wheat Ridge’s lodgers’ tax for you. Plan for monthly filings. See the MUNIRevs FAQ.
Overlooking HOAs or deed restrictions. Private covenants and restrictions can prohibit STRs even if the city allows them. Review guidance in Airbnb’s local rules summary.
Buying or selling a Wheat Ridge STR
If you are buying a property marketed as a short-term rental, know that the STR license does not transfer with the sale. You must apply as the new owner, and whole-home approvals depend on district availability or the waitlist. If you are selling, set buyer expectations early and price with this in mind.
If you want a hands-on, local advisor to pressure-test your plan, model revenue with current rules, and coordinate timing with licensing, reach out to Brian Grace. You will get straight answers, clear steps, and a service-first approach.
FAQs
What is the Wheat Ridge STR license and who needs it?
- Any dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days is an STR, and you must have a city STR business license before advertising or hosting. See the city STR page.
How do the owner-occupied and whole-home options differ in Wheat Ridge?
- Partial-home rentals require the owner to live on site and are not subject to district caps. Whole-home rentals are non-owner-occupied and are capped by district. See the city STR page.
Are ADUs eligible for short-term renting in Wheat Ridge?
- Yes, but only as partial-home STRs when you reside on the property. ADUs cannot be licensed as whole-home STRs. Review the ADU guidelines.
How does the 2 percent district cap work for whole-home STRs?
- Each City Council district allows whole-home STR licenses equal to 2 percent of its single- and two-unit housing stock. Check remaining slots and waitlists on the STR page.
What taxes do Wheat Ridge hosts collect and file?
- Hosts must collect a 10 percent lodgers’ tax on gross short-term rent and file monthly returns, generally due by the 20th of the following month. See the STR program guidance.
Will Airbnb or Vrbo collect Wheat Ridge’s lodgers’ tax for me?
- The city’s FAQ indicates they do not. Hosts are responsible for monthly remittance. See the MUNIRevs FAQ.
Are inspections required for Wheat Ridge STR licensing?
- No routine initial inspection is required, but you must certify safety devices and carry liability insurance. The city can inspect if noncompliance is suspected. See the MUNIRevs FAQ.
What happens if I operate or advertise without a license in Wheat Ridge?
- The city may issue penalties, and violators can be barred from applying for one year. Review enforcement context on the Business Licensing page and STR FAQs.
