The City of Aspen just rolled out changes to its short-term rental ordinance that simplify the process for permit holders while tightening enforcement on platforms. Here's what changed and what it means for owners.
Simplified Renewal Process
HOA affidavits are no longer required for permit renewals. If you're in an uncapped zone district and applying for a new permit, you also won't need to mail public notices anymore. Both changes reduce administrative friction for compliant operators.
Learn more about Aspen's zone district classifications and STR caps.
Emergency and Transition Relief
Properties rendered untenable by natural disasters may now qualify for tax filing exemptions. A similar exemption applies to properties under active building permits, recognizing that major renovations can temporarily prevent rental use.
The city also introduced a new STR-Temporary permit designed for property transactions. If you buy a home with pre-existing reservations booked by the prior owner, this permit allows you to honor those commitments without going through the full permitting process immediately.
Check the City of Aspen's STR permit portal for exemption application procedures and STR-Temporary permit details.
Platform Accountability
Short-term rental platforms are now required to mandate that permit numbers appear in all listings. They're also responsible for removing non-compliant advertisements, shifting enforcement responsibility upstream.
Transfer Provisions
In cases of death or divorce, active STR permits can now transfer to individuals named in legal documents. This acknowledges that life circumstances change and provides continuity for families managing inherited or divided assets.
What This Means for Aspen Owners
These updates reflect the city's effort to balance regulatory oversight with practical flexibility. The HOA and mailing notice changes reduce compliance costs. The emergency exemptions recognize real-world disruptions. The platform enforcement provisions signal that Aspen is tightening the enforcement net on unpermitted operators.
If you own or are considering buying a property in Aspen with short-term rental potential, understanding these rules matters. Compliance isn't optional, and the updated framework makes it clearer where the lines are drawn.
For complete details on Aspen's short-term rental regulations, visit the City of Aspen's official STR information page.
Need help navigating Aspen's STR landscape or evaluating a property's rental potential? Let's talk.
