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The Finding Every Council Member Needs to Know: Arvada’s citywide STR rate of 1.33% looks manageable — but that number masks a more significant problem. Point-in-polygon analysis of all 386 CORA-licensed STRs shows that 86% operate within Low Density Residential zones — the single-family neighborhoods that make up the fabric of Arvada’s residential communities. These zones were never intended to host commercial lodging operations.
86%
of STRs in Low Density Residential zones
386
Licensed STRs citywide (CORA 2026-209)
13
STRs in Multi-Family zones
What This Map Shows
This map overlays Arvada’s 386 licensed STR locations on the city’s official zoning districts. Amber shading marks Low Density Residential zones (RN-4, RN-6, RN-7.5, RN-12.5, RN-D) — the single-family neighborhoods where the overwhelming majority of STRs are operating. Purple marks multi-family zones; blue marks mixed-use zones.
What the Zoning Overlay Reveals
Contrary to assumptions that STRs primarily displace apartment renters, the data shows that STRs in Arvada are predominantly a single-family residential zone issue. When you look at the map, STR dots cluster densely across the amber Low Density zones — particularly in Districts 2 and 3 in east Arvada. The implication for policy is significant.
- 86% of STRs operate in zones designated for permanent single-family residential use — not commercial lodging.
- Only 13 STRs (3.4%) are located in dedicated multi-family zones (R6, R13, R24).
- STR concentration in low-density zones competes directly with the housing stock available to long-term Arvada families and residents.
- A primary residence requirement — requiring STR operators to live in the property they rent — would directly address the commercialization of single-family residential zones.
The Geographic Concentration
The amber Low Density zones are spread across all of Arvada — but STRs within them are not. Districts 2 and 3 hold 76.2% of all licensed STRs despite being just two of four council districts. The zoning overlay makes this concentration visible: the same Low Density residential neighborhoods that exist across the entire city are experiencing STR activity at dramatically different rates depending on which side of the city they are in.
How to Use the Map
- The zoning layer shows land use designations across Arvada. Multi-family zones appear in a distinct color.
- STR dots are overlaid on the zoning layer — zoom in to see how individual properties relate to their zoning designation.
- Use the Layers panel to toggle the zoning overlay and filter by council district independently.
- Use the fullscreen button (top left) for the best viewing experience on any device.
Data Sources
- STR permit data: City of Arvada, CORA Request 2026-209 — 386 active licenses as of December 31, 2025.
- Zoning data: City of Arvada GIS open data portal.
- Multi-family housing units by ZIP code: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Table B25024 (Units in Structure), 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates.
- Geocoding: U.S. Census Bureau Geocoding Services.
- This map is for advocacy and informational purposes. All source data is public record.
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