How to Prepare Your Boulder Home for Sundance 2027 with Colorado’s New Festival Lodging License

Aug 18

Disclaimer: Always check with your local ordinances to ensure you’re following local guidelines. This includes HOAs, as some neighborhoods may prohibit home rentals.

The countdown is officially on! In January 2027 (January 21–31), the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival will host its premier event right here in Boulder, Colorado. Tens of thousands of filmmakers, industry leaders, film buffs, and global visitors will flock to our vibrant city. With hotel capacity expected to reach peak demand quickly, local homeowners are sitting on a prime opportunity: renting out their living space during the festival.

To make this seamless and legal, the City of Boulder established a brand-new Festival Lodging Rental License. But with the right roadmap and organizational plan, you can turn your home into a high-demand, welcoming retreat while protecting your personal belongings and peace of mind.

Here is everything you need to know about Colorado’s new festival lodging regulations, licensing costs, and our top professional tips for getting your home Sundance ready!

What is a Festival Lodging Rental License?

Historically, operating a short-term rental (STR) in Boulder came with strict primary-residence restrictions. The new Festival Lodging Rental License was created specifically to accommodate high-demand events like Sundance without distorting long-term housing markets.

It typically covers things like:

Time Framework: It allows homeowners to rent out their property for up to 29 days per calendar year strictly tied to city-approved Special Festival Events (inclusive of a window spanning 10 days before and 9 days after the festival).
No Primary Residence Requirement: Unlike standard Boulder STR rules, you do not need to live in the home as your primary residence. Second homes, investment properties, and non-primary residences qualify.
Dual-Licensing for Landlords & Tenants: Owners holding long-term rental licenses can hold a festival lodging license simultaneously without forfeiting their long-term status. Landlords can also opt-in to allow tenants to sublease during the event with a shared-revenue agreement.

How to Apply and How Much It Costs

Applying for the license is straightforward, but you’ll want to complete it well in advance of the festival surge.

Application Steps:

Before applying, double-check your HOA bylaws, condo covenants, or land lease agreements to confirm short-term or festival rentals are permitted.
Submit an application through the City of Boulder’s Self-Service portal.
You will sign self-certifications confirming that your home meets local safety codes, occupancy limits, and trash/parking guidelines.

Once your application is submitted, expect a response in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Application Fees:

The application fee is $190 for a 4-year license.
If you’d rather apply for a 1-year license, expect to pay a fee of $75.
A $25 per unit business license fee is added at the time of invoicing.
Stays are subject to Boulder’s short-term accommodations tax rate of 12.835%, which hosts must collect and remit.

Ready to Turn Your Boulder Home into a Festival Success?

Participating in the 2027 Sundance Film Festival is a rewarding way to share Boulder's warm community spirit while generating significant rental revenue. However, the key to an enjoyable experience is structured preparation.

If the thought of clearing closets, sorting personal items, or staging your home feels overwhelming, we’re here to take the weight off your shoulders. From systematic decluttering and secure packing to full home staging and post-festival reset, we make the process smooth, organized, and stress-free.

Alex Moore