Is Airbnb legal in El Paso?

In El Paso, Colorado, the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs), including platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, is currently minimal and not codified under a specific ordinance. As it stands, there are no explicit permitting requirements for renting out one’s primary residence as a short-term rental. This allows hosts significant freedom to operate without bureaucratic hurdles typically found in other major cities.

However, if hosts wish to utilize an accessory structure for short-term rental purposes, they must seek zoning approval. Although El Paso County recommends adherence to Good Neighbor Guidelines, which encourage respectful interactions with neighbors, quiet enjoyment of property, and responsible waste management, these guidelines are advisory and lack enforceability.

Recent discussions among the El Paso City Council have raised the potential for stricter regulations in the future, such as requiring STR operators to register for permits, establishing distance requirements between rental properties, and setting maximum occupancy limits. The county is also considering the introduction of a 17.5% hotel occupancy tax for short-term rentals, designed to ensure that STRs contribute to municipal revenues in a manner comparable to traditional hotels.

In the absence of formal regulations, reporting nuisances—such as noise or parking violations—can be directed to local law enforcement or relevant public agencies. Overall, while the current environment is relatively permissive for STR operators, impending changes suggest that stakeholders should remain vigilant and adaptable to evolving regulations in El Paso.