Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Aspen?

**Yes**, Aspen requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all stays under 30 days. You need to apply for an annual permit categorized as Classic, Lodge, or Investment. The permit costs $148 annually. Be aware that stricter regulations were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022. (55 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Aspen?

**11.3% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Aspen. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the City Comptroller's office. A significant STR excise tax (5-10%) was implemented following Measure 2A in 2022, in addition to the TOT. (54 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Aspen?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Aspen, but they are subject to strict regulations. The City of Aspen requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit. There is a night cap of 120 nights per year. Stricter rules and a significant STR excise tax were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022. (56 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Aspen?

**The** Short-Term Rental Permit costs $148 in Aspen. The city categorizes permits into three types: Classic, Lodge, or Investment. All short-term rentals must obtain an annual permit. Keep in mind that stricter regulations and a significant STR excise tax (5-10%) were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022. (53 words)

How many nights per year can I rent my property in Aspen?

**You** can rent your property for 120 nights per year in Aspen. The City of Aspen requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit. Stricter regulations and a significant STR excise tax (5-10%) were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022, so make sure you are up to date. (53 words)

Aspen, CO Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

Baseline Verification

20%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Aspen requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit categorized into three types: Classic, Lodge, or Investment. Stricter regulations and a significant STR excise tax (5-10%) were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 48 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Moderate night cap: 120 nights/year
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

120/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$148

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your exact location; City of Aspen rules are much stricter than unincorporated Pitkin County.
2.The 5% or 10% STR Excise Tax is IN ADDITION to the standard 11.3% lodging/sales tax.
3.Investment permits (non-owner occupied) have higher fees and higher tax rates.
4.Aspen has a 120-night per year limit on STR stays for certain permits.
5.Permits are non-transferable; if the property sells, the new owner must re-apply.
6.Deed-restricted or 'affordable housing' units are strictly prohibited from STR use.
7.You must provide a local contact who can respond to the property within 60 minutes.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

•Aspen: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Aspen does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Aspen allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Condo.
•Aspen: Deed-restricted or 'affordable housing' units are strictly prohibited from STR use.

Requirements(18)

•Aspen: Verify your exact location; City of Aspen rules are much stricter than unincorporated Pitkin County.
•Aspen STR warning: Aspen has a 120-night per year limit on STR stays for certain permits.
•Aspen requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: 500,000. Must provide proof of liability insurance specifically for short-term rentals.

Application Process(11)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Aspen: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Permit Type - Determine if your property qualifies for a Classic, Lodge, or Investment permit based on occupancy and location. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://aspen.gov/1361/STR-Permit-Types-Fees Step 2: Obtain City Business License - Apply for a general business license which is a prerequisite for the STR permit. Documents needed: Sales tax license. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 150. More info: https://aspen.gov/383/Business-Navigator Step 3: Submit STR Permit Application - Complete the STR-specific application including the required affidavit for Classic permits. Documents needed: Proof of ownership, Local contact info. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Cost: 148. More info: https://aspen.gov/1360/Short-Term-Rentals

Fees & Costs(1)

•Aspen charges a registration fee of $148 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $394 (STR-Investment permits are $394; STR-Classic/Lodge are $148.).

Taxes(4)

•Colorado has a state sales tax of 2.9% that applies to STR rentals.
•Aspen: The 5% or 10% STR Excise Tax is IN ADDITION to the standard 11.3% lodging/sales tax.

Limits & Restrictions(9)

•Aspen, CO occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Aspen limits STRs to a maximum of 2 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
•Aspen limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Aspen: Aspen has a 120-night per year limit on STR stays for certain permits.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Aspen requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Snow removal plan, Trash management plan.

Penalties(3)

•Aspen enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500. Second offense: $1,000. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Up to $1,000 per day. Maximum fine: Varies by court ruling. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Aspen: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Aspen: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Aspen, CO: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Aspen exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Colorado Markets

Eagle County

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Eagle County require an annual license and are subject to a 2% County Lodging Tax. The regulations, established in 2022, focus on parking, life safety, and ensuring a local contact is available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

La Plata County

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated La Plata County require a Vacation Rental Permit and must comply with Chapter 90, Article IV of the Land Use Code. Permits are tied to specific occupancy limits based on septic capacity and require wildfire mitigation and bear-proof trash containment.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

Estes Park

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in the Town of Estes Park are strictly regulated under Municipal Code Chapter 5.20 and are subject to an annual license and a residential cap of 500 permits. Hosts must collect a total lodging tax of 7% (5% Town, 2% Marketing District) and adhere to a maximum occupancy of 8 people in residential zones.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Summit County

Colorado

Moderate

Unincorporated Summit County has strictly regulated STRs via a two-tier overlay system: 'Resort' zones have unlimited permits, while 'Neighborhood' zones are subject to strict precinct caps and a 35-night annual rental limit. All hosts must obtain an annual permit and collect a 2% STR Excise Tax in addition to standard sales taxes.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Aspen

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

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Eagle County

La Plata County

Estes Park

Summit County

Aspen

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Aspen?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Aspen?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Aspen?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Aspen?

5How many nights per year can I rent my property in Aspen?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Eagle County

La Plata County

Estes Park

Summit County