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Is Airbnb legal in Aspen, Colorado?

Legal with a Classic permit, but zone caps and waitlists apply. Aspen's STR-C (Classic) permit covers non-owner-occupied whole homes at $394 a year plus a $150 business license, with no annual night cap. The catch is zoning: Classic permits are number-limited in certain residential districts, and new applicants face a waitlist where caps are full. Permits die at closing, so buying a licensed STR does not give you the license.

Showing the researched rules for Aspen, CO below. Type your Aspen address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal with a Classic permit, but zone caps and waitlists apply

Aspen's STR-C (Classic) permit covers non-owner-occupied whole homes at $394 a year plus a $150 business license, with no annual night cap. The catch is zoning: Classic permits are number-limited in certain residential districts, and new applicants face a waitlist where caps are full. Permits die at closing, so buying a licensed STR does not give you the license.

Permit and costs

Permit
STR-C (Classic) Permit
Issued by
City of Aspen
Cost
$394 / year plus $150 / year business license
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Zone caps
Classic permits capped in some residential districts; waitlist applies
Transfer
Permit terminates at closing; buyer applies fresh
Night cap
None for STR-C
Advertising
Permit number and max occupancy required on all ads

Taxes

Lodging taxes
21.3% per night for STR-C properties

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check the zone cap
    Ask the city whether your zone district still has Classic permit capacity or only a waitlist.
  2. 2
    Apply on MuniRevs
    File the STR permit application online with the required ownership and property documents.
  3. 3
    Get the business license
    Obtain the $150 annual city business license and display both permit numbers in every ad.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
Condo and HOA rules can restrict STRs beyond the city permit.
Buying licensed property
The seller's permit does not transfer; budget a fresh application and possible waitlist.

Sources

City of Aspen STR Program Guidelines · Airbnb Aspen host rules

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.