Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Unincorporated Pitkin County requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license and adhere to strict occupancy and safety standards. Following the passage of Ballot Issue 1A in 2022, a 5% excise tax is applied to all STR stays in addition to the standard 2% lodging tax.
To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Pitkin County (outside of Aspen or Snowmass city limits), you must get a county STR license. You are limited to renting out only one property at a time, and you must pay a special 5% STR tax directly to the county every month. Make sure your property has passed a fire inspection and that your license number is clearly displayed on your Airbnb or VRBO listing.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM