Aspen Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO)

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C)

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Capped in residential zones: RR (2), R-3 (1), R-30 (1), R-6 (81), R-15 (47), R-15A (8), R-15B (12), MU (39), NC (1), R/MF (190), R/MFA (12), SCI (2), SKI (2), AH (9). No caps in C-1, CC, L, CL, LP, LO zones.

Short-Term Rental Lodging Exempt (STR-LE)

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Online application through MUNIRevs portal. City staff reviews within 15 business days of fee payment. New permits may be applied for anytime.

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 17.35% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit. Hosts file Sales, Lodging, and STR Excise Taxes monthly through MUNIRevs.

Filing: Monthly. Filed through MUNIRevs. Deadline is on or before the 20th day of the month following the rental period.

Rental Limits

Aspen annual day limit: 120 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).

Zoning & Restrictions

Owner-occupied: No quantity restrictions in permitted zones. Deed-restricted housing is NOT eligible. Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C): Capped in residential zones: RR (2), R-3 (1), R-30 (1), R-6 (81), R-15 (47), R-15A (8), R-15B (12), MU (39), NC (1), R/MF (190), R/MFA (12), SCI (2), SKI (2), AH (9). No caps in C-1, CC, L, CL, LP, LO zones

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Aspen does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Self-Inspection Checklist and Affidavit required
• HOA Compliance Affidavit and Letter of Approval required
• Fire escape plan must be provided to renters

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• $100 for first offense
• $500 for second offense
• $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Aspen:

1. Determine your permit type. Aspen has 3 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO), Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C), Short-Term Rental Lodging Exempt (STR-LE)).
2. Meet safety requirements. Self-Inspection Checklist and Affidavit required. HOA Compliance Affidavit and Letter of Approval required. Fire escape plan must be provided to renters.
3. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application. Fees vary by type: Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO) $394; Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C) $394; Short-Term Rental Lodging Exempt (STR-LE) $148. See permit types above to determine which applies.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Aspen Finance Department (via MUNIRevs).
5. Collect and remit taxes. 17.35% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($394 / $148). See permit types above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Aspen?

Yes. Aspen requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 3 permit types — one requires the property to be your primary residence, and another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Aspen?

Permit costs in Aspen vary by type: Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO) $394; Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C) $394; Short-Term Rental Lodging Exempt (STR-LE) $148.

Does Aspen require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

It depends on the permit type. At least one Aspen permit requires the property to be your primary residence, while another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use — see the permit types above.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Aspen?

Aspen's annual rental limit depends on the situation: 120 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Aspen?

Short-term rental stays in Aspen are subject to a combined 17.35% in lodging taxes. This combines 2.9% Colorado State Sales Tax + 3.6% Pitkin County Sales Tax + 0.4% Roaring Fork Transit Authority Sales Tax + 0.5% Aspen Fire Protection District Sales Tax + 0.25% Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District Sales Tax + 2.7% City of Aspen Sales Tax + 2% City of Aspen Lodging Tax + 5% STR Excise Tax (Owner-Occupied/Lodge-Exempt) + 10% STR Excise Tax (Classic/Investment). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Aspen?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000.