Denver vs Park City

Colorado Legal with Permit | Utah Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual). Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Park City renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Denver face penalties including $999/day for unlicensed operation. In Park City, violations can result in Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Denver Overview

Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver guide →

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

Full Park City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Park City?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Park City is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) in Park City. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Park City?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Park City have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Park City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Park City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Denver charges $100 license fee for permits with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) in taxes. Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). Automatic tax collection in Denver and Park City makes compliance easier for beginners.