Permit Requirements: Austin vs Denver
How do permit requirements rules compare between Austin, TX and Denver, CO?
Austin and Denver have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
View full Austin rules →Denver, CO
Denver County
Denver requires STR license ($150/year) limited to primary residences only. Host must live on-site 183+ days/year. No investor-owned STRs. License number required on all listings. $1M liability insurance required.
View full Denver rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | ~$836 (new application) | $150/year |
| License Term | 2 years (as of Oct. 2025) | - |
| Types | Type 1, 2, and 3 | - |
| Local Contact | Required, 2-hour response | - |
| Fine | Up to $500/day unlicensed | - |
| Eligibility | - | Primary residence only (183+ days) |
| Insurance | - | $1M aggregate liability |
| Investor STRs | - | Prohibited |
| False Claims | - | Felony — up to $500,000 fine |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Austin?
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Austin?
License Fee: ~$836 (new application). License Term: 2 years (as of Oct. 2025). Types: Type 1, 2, and 3. Local Contact: Required, 2-hour response.
Denver FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Denver?
Denver requires STR license ($150/year) limited to primary residences only. Host must live on-site 183+ days/year. No investor-owned STRs. License number required on all listings. $1M liability insurance required.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Denver?
License Fee: $150/year. Eligibility: Primary residence only (183+ days). Insurance: $1M aggregate liability. Investor STRs: Prohibited.
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