The Boulder Festival Lodging Program is a city-endorsed housing initiative designed to allow Boulder homeowners to rent out their home during a major festival in the city. Since the Sundance Film Festival is expected to draw large crowds with many looking beyond our hotels for alternate accommodations, including private houses, guesthouses and other flexible housing, this program allows homeowners and property owners to legally rent their homes during the Festival period under a Festival Lodging Rental License.  

Yes. All Festival lodging must be properly licensed. Licensing requirements are established by the City of Boulder and may be updated prior to the 2027 festival. Find your situation above for instructions.

The Festival Lodging Rental License is the legal framework that makes the Boulder Festival Lodging program possible. 

• It allows properties (including non-principal residences and corporate-owned homes) to be rented specifically during a festival. 

• This license is different than a short-term rental license, with fewer application requirements and limited to when a city-approved Special Festival Event is occurring. 

• Rentals are limited to the festival period, plus up to 10 days before and 9 days after for a maximum of 29 days. 

• The license ensures all participating homes meet safety and occupancy standards. 

Homeowners/Property Owners: Owners of any property type can apply for the Festival Lodging Rental License and make their home available in Boulder. 

A property is eligible if it:

• Is located within the City of Boulder (not unincorporated Boulder County)
• Does not currently hold an active long‑term rental license*
• Meets basic health, safety, and occupancy standards required by the City
• Complies with any applicable HOA, condo, or lease restrictions

*Important Note: A new ordinance has been proposed to City Council on a solution that would allow participation while preserving long-term rental status.

Final eligibility is determined through the City’s licensing process.

• Property Management Companies: Vetted and approved companies will help manage the program by handling marketing, guest bookings, safety compliance, guest communication and more. 

• The City of Boulder: Oversees licensing and compliance. 

• Visit Boulder: Oversees property management companies and community outreach. 

Property management companies provide professional support to homeowners. Their role includes: 

• Ensuring homes meet licensing, safety and occupancy standards. 
• Handling guest bookings and processing payments.
• Collecting and remitting the 7.5% short-term rental tax.
• Serving as a reliable point of contact during a festival.
• Reducing administrative burden on individual homeowners. 

• Only vetted and approved property management partners are allowed to participate in the Boulder Festival Lodging program. 

Not necessarily. Homeowners may choose to manage their own rentals if they prefer. However, Visit Boulder strongly encourages working with an approved management company for: 

• Professional compliance assistance.
• Guest support and emergency response.
• Reduced risk of code violations.

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Boulder and the Festival Lodging Rental License was created to allow more people to rent their homes. 

No, if you already hold a short-term rental license, you do not need an additional rental license to rent your home during special festival events. You should rent it as a normal short-term rental during the festival timeframe.

The Festival Lodging Rental License builds upon the city’s Short-Term Rental License, but with differences. Regular Short-Term Rental Licenses are limited to owner-occupied homes and have limitations on the duration of use. It is important to note that the city only allows properties to hold one rental license type per unit at a time. What this means is that residential units that hold a long-term rental license or a short-term rental license are not eligible for a Festival Lodging Rental License. View a comparison of the two license types on the City of Boulder’s website. 

• Homeowners can only hold one rental license type at a time, preventing displacement of long-term renters. 
• Boulder Festival Lodging Rentals are capped at 29 days per year. 
• Safety standards (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, occupancy limits) are enforced. 
• Neighborhoods will have clear information about how to report rental housing licensing code violations in case of issues during a festival.  

• Earning potential: Homeowners may earn income they would otherwise not receive during this period of the year. 

• High demand: Visit Boulder estimates thousands of visitors will seek lodging in Boulder, creating high demand. 

• Low-frequency commitment: Unlike traditional short-term rentals (STRs), the Festival Lodging Rental License only allows rentals during festival dates (plus 10 days before and 9 days after), so homeowners don’t need to commit to year-round hosting. 

• Off-set personal costs: Homeowners who travel during the festival or own a second home in Boulder can earn income while they’re away. 

• Professional management support: Homeowners can work with vetted property management partners to handle logistics, guest services and compliance — making the process nearly hands-off. 

• Supporting Boulder’s economy: By opening their homes, residents help keep visitor spending (lodging, dining, shopping, etc.) in Boulder rather than neighboring cities. 

• Reducing congestion and environmental impact: More in-Boulder lodging means fewer visitors commuting long distances, lowering traffic and emissions. 

• Boosting the Festival’s success: Providing adequate housing options ensures the Sundance Film Festival thrives in Boulder, putting the city on the map as a world-class cultural destination. 

• Contributing to affordable housing: The city collects a 7.5% Short-Term Rental Tax, which helps cover program costs and contributes to the city’s affordable housing fund.  

• Tax advantage: If a homeowner rents their primary residence for 14 days or fewer during the calendar year, they may not be required to report that rental income on their federal tax return under Section 280A(g) of the Internal Revenue Code (often called the “14-day rule”). While sales and accommodations taxes still apply, this provision can offer a meaningful financial incentive for residents who choose to participate during high-demand events. 

1. Apply for the Festival Lodging Rental License through the City of Boulder (application fee: $190 + $25 business license, valid for 4 years), unless you already have a Boulder short-term rental license.
2. Certify your property meets all safety and occupancy requirements. 
3. Choose whether to work with an approved property management partner or to self-manage.  
4. List your property as available once the city issues your Festival Lodging Rental License, either through your property management company or on the booking platform of your choice for the approved Festival dates.

If you participate in the Boulder Festival Lodging Program, your home can be listed on online booking platforms like Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.