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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Aspen, CO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in Aspen are allowed only with a city STR permit and are subject to permit-type limits (Owner-Occupied limited to 120 nights/year; Classic/STR-C subject to zone-based caps and availability), zoning eligibility via an STR Eligibility Map, primary-residence proof for owner-occupied permits, platform/advertising requirements (permit number must be displayed), and annual renewal and tax filing obligations.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an STR permit application online via Aspen’s MUNIRevs portal (select appropriate permit type: STR-LE, STR-C, or STR-OO). 2) Upload required documents per STR Program Guidelines (e.g., two proofs of primary residence for STR-OO, self-inspection affidavit, HOA affidavit where applicable), pay the non-refundable STR permit fee ($148/unit for STR-LE; $394 for STR-C and STR-OO) plus annual $150 STR business license fee, and register for monthly tax filing in MUNIRevs. 3) Renew annually during posted renewal window; new applications in capped zones may trigger public notice and waitlists per Chapter 26.530.

Regulatory Updates — Aspen

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2023

STR License Cap and Tiered Fee Structure

Aspen implemented a cap on total investor-owned STR licenses and a tiered licensing fee structure that charges significantly higher annual fees for properties not used as the owner's primary residence. Revenue from STR fees is directed to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority.

PassedAugust 2023

Non-Transferable License Policy on Sale

Aspen STR licenses do not transfer when a property is sold. Buyers of properties operating under STR licenses must reapply, and given the investor-tier cap, there is no guarantee a new license will be issued. This directly affects the investment value of STR-licensed Aspen properties.

Under ReviewJune 2025

Pitkin County STR Coordination

Pitkin County (governing unincorporated areas around Aspen including Snowmass Village environs and Basalt) is coordinating with the city to develop consistent STR policies that prevent displacement of restricted Aspen operators into surrounding county areas.

Official Resources

Official Aspen STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Colorado Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy organization representing Colorado STR operators and property managers in Aspen and Pitkin County regulatory proceedings.

Aspen Chamber Resort AssociationLocal

Local business and tourism advocacy organization balancing STR regulatory compliance resources with workforce housing advocacy in Aspen's unique high-cost-of-living environment.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy resources for vacation rental managers in Colorado's most expensive and most restricted ski resort market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Aspen, CO?
STRs in Aspen are allowed only with a city STR permit and are subject to permit-type limits (Owner-Occupied limited to 120 nights/year; Classic/STR-C subject to zone-based caps and availability), zoning eligibility via an STR Eligibility Map, primary-residence proof for owner-occupied permits, platform/advertising requirements (permit number must be displayed), and annual renewal and tax filing obligations.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Aspen?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Aspen. 1) Submit an STR permit application online via Aspen’s MUNIRevs portal (select appropriate permit type: STR-LE, STR-C, or STR-OO). 2) Upload required documents per STR Program Guidelines (e.g., two proofs of primary residence for STR-OO, self-inspection affidavit, HOA affidavit where applicable), pay the non-refundable STR permit fee ($148/unit for STR-LE; $394 for STR-C and STR-OO) plus annual $150 STR business license fee, and register for monthly tax filing in MUNIRevs. 3) Renew annually during posted renewal window; new applications in capped zones may trigger public notice and waitlists per Chapter 26.530.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Aspen?
1) Submit an STR permit application online via Aspen’s MUNIRevs portal (select appropriate permit type: STR-LE, STR-C, or STR-OO). 2) Upload required documents per STR Program Guidelines (e.g., two proofs of primary residence for STR-OO, self-inspection affidavit, HOA affidavit where applicable), pay the non-refundable STR permit fee ($148/unit for STR-LE; $394 for STR-C and STR-OO) plus annual $150 STR business license fee, and register for monthly tax filing in MUNIRevs. 3) Renew annually during posted renewal window; new applications in capped zones may trigger public notice and waitlists per Chapter 26.530.
Can investors still get new STR licenses in Aspen?
Investor-owned STR licenses are capped in Aspen, and new investor licenses may be unavailable when the cap is reached. Primary-residence licenses are more accessible but still subject to compliance requirements. Licenses are non-transferable on sale — buyers of Aspen properties currently operating as STRs must apply for new licenses. Before purchasing any Aspen investment property for STR purposes, verify the current cap status with the city's planning department.
What taxes apply to Aspen short-term rental income?
Aspen STR operators collect Colorado state sales tax (2.9%), Pitkin County sales tax (3.5%), City of Aspen sales tax (2.4%), and Colorado lodging tax. The combined rate on rental income is typically 14–18%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Colorado state and most local taxes on behalf of Aspen hosts. Direct-booking operators must register with the Colorado Department of Revenue and the City of Aspen finance department.
How severe is Aspen's workforce housing crisis relative to other ski towns?
Aspen is in a category of its own. Median home prices consistently exceed $3 million, and essential workers — schoolteachers, hospital staff, restaurant workers — commute from Glenwood Springs, Basalt, and Carbondale, 25–50 miles away. The city and Pitkin County have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in deed-restricted affordable housing for workers, but the shortage persists. The STR regulatory framework directly reflects this context: vacation rentals are viewed as directly competing with workforce housing for a severely limited housing stock.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction