Aspen Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO) ($394) — See below for other permit types |
| Primary Residence | Varies by permit type |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days–unlimited (varies by permit type) |
| Tax Rate | 17.35% |
| Max Penalty | $1,000 per violation |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
- Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO) — Primary residence required — limited to 120 days/year — No quantity restrictions in permitted zones. Deed-restricted housing is NOT eligible. ($394/year)
- Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C) — No primary residence requirement — 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. ($394/year)
- Short-Term Rental Lodging Exempt (STR-LE) — No primary residence requirement ($148/year)
Short-Term Rental Owner-Occupied (STR-OO)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $394 |
| Renewal | $394 / Annual |
The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.
Short-Term Rental Classic (STR-C)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $394 |
| Renewal | $394 / Annual |
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)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $148 |
| Renewal | $148 / Annual |
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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State Sales Tax | 2.9% | State of Colorado |
| Pitkin County Sales Tax | 3.6% | County |
| Roaring Fork Transit Authority Sales Tax | 0.4% | district |
| Aspen Fire Protection District Sales Tax | 0.5% | district |
| Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District Sales Tax | 0.25% | district |
| City of Aspen Sales Tax | 2.7% | City of Aspen |
| City of Aspen Lodging Tax | 2% | City of Aspen |
| STR Excise Tax (Owner-Occupied/Lodge-Exempt) | 5% | City of Aspen |
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
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
Maximum penalty: $1,000 per violation.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Aspen:
- 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)).
- 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.
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $394 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Aspen Finance Department (via MUNIRevs).
- Collect and remit taxes. 17.35% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($394 / $148). See permit types above.