Short-Term and Vacation Rental Inspection Checklist

Licensing Ordinance No. 2023-02, which allows for the licensing of Short-Term and Vacation Rentals in unincorporated Boulder County requires a building inspection by the Chief Building Official or their designee.

Upon arrival to the Short-Term or Vacation Rental, the inspector will check for the following:

• A posted site address that is visible from the public right of way.
• Access to the main entrance of the home to be rented is free of any obstructions and that any steps, stairs, landings, handrails or guardrails are code compliant.
• The interior layout of the home to be rented matches the floor plan.
• The name/label and use of each room to be rented matches the floor plan.
• The location(s) of all egress doors within the rental.

While inspecting the home, the Inspector will ensure that all areas highlighted on the plans as habitable meet the following requirements:

• The ceiling height meets the minimum required by the current Building Code or the Code in effect at the time of construction.
• Bedroom ceiling height must be 7 feet minimum, and any other rooms identified as sleeping areas must also have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.
• Each habitable space must have an approved HVAC system.
• Proper light and ventilation.
• All electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems are installed and maintained property and are free from any hazards.
• All handrails and guardrails must be in place. Refer to this webpage for details on handrails and guardrails.
• Every room in the home identified as a sleeping area must have a smoke alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed within 15 feet of all bedrooms and/or sleeping areas. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed per current Building Code regardless of the age of the structure.
• All egress passages shall be free from obstructions.
• All sleeping areas shall contain an emergency escape and rescue opening installed in accordance with the Building Code in effect at the time of construction. Refer to this webpage for details on emergency escapes and rescue openings.
• No temporary wiring shall be permitted.
• An approved heat source shall be installed that is capable of heating the home to a temperature of 70 degrees at a point 3 feet above the floor. No portable heaters shall be permitted as main heat.