City announces new features for its Festival Lodging Rental License

On April 2, 2026, City Council approved updates to the recently created Festival Lodging Rental License. The license is designed to allow homeowners, property owners and now tenants - with property owner approval - to rent out their space for less than a month during a city-approved Special Festival Event.

The license will help visitors stay in Boulder during Special Festival Events by creating lodging opportunities and will also help support the local economy and reduce climate and traffic impacts.

Key updates to the license include:

• New options for owners of and tenants in properties with Long-Term Rental Licenses to rent out their space during city-approved Special Festival Events. Tenants must receive the property owner's consent to participate.
• Allowing property owners with vacant units that have a Long-Term Rental License to participate.
• Establishing a new one-year license term, with a $75 fee, eligible on properties holding a Long-Term Rental License.
• Balancing additional lodging opportunities with the desire to ensure the primary use of most residential properties remains housing for long-term residents.
• Increasing lodging opportunities for festival attendees, particularly along major transit corridors, where many existing Long-Term Rental Licenses are located.

The updates are intended to promote equity for all community members and property owners to rent an entire residence or individual bedrooms during city-approved Special Festival Events.

The Festival Lodging Rental License can be used for city-approved Special Festival Events, plus a buffer of 10 days before and nine days after the event. It is limited to a maximum of 29 days per year and allows owners of any property type to hold a license.

Applications for the license are open and will be issued beginning May 4. For a full list of requirements and details, visit the city's website.