What are the permit fees in Moscow?

Non-Owner Occupied units in residential zones have a higher annual renewal fee ($170.50 vs $114).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Moscow?

Minimum 2-night stay requirement is typically enforced in residential zones.

What should Moscow hosts know about maximum occupancy for standard permits?

Maximum occupancy for standard permits is strictly capped at under 12 guests.

What should Moscow hosts know about permits expire every year on?

Permits expire every year on December 31 and are not prorated.

Moscow, ID Short-Term Rental Laws &...

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Moscow requires a short-term rental permit and annual safety inspections, with fees varying based on owner-occupancy status.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $228
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Moscow, you must apply for an annual permit and pass a fire safety inspection. The city charges higher fees for properties that are not the owner's primary residence and limits occupancy for standard rentals to fewer than 12 guests.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$228

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Moscow does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Moscow allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Multi-Family, Condo, Townhouse.
•Moscow: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Moscow: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(11)

•Moscow STR warning: Non-Owner Occupied units in residential zones have a higher annual renewal fee ($170.50 vs $114).
•Moscow STR warning: Permits expire every year on December 31 and are not prorated.
•Moscow requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Proof of commercial liability insurance for STR use required during application.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Moscow: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Ownership - Ensure the property is located in an allowed zone and check for any HOA restrictions that might prohibit short-term rentals. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/215/Maps Step 2: Prepare Documentation - Create a site plan showing parking spaces and a floor plan showing all rooms, exits, and safety equipment locations. Documents needed: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Insurance Policy. Estimated time: 3-5 days. Step 3: Submit Permit Application - Apply through the Moscow Community Development department and pay the applicable initial fee ($170.50 - $228). Documents needed: STR Application, Local Contact Info. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 228. More info: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/209/Forms-Applications Step 4: Pass Safety Inspection - Schedule and pass a fire and life safety inspection conducted by the Moscow Fire Department and Code Enforcement. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Moscow: Non-Owner Occupied units in residential zones have a higher annual renewal fee ($170.50 vs $114).
•Moscow charges a registration fee of $228 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $170.5 (Initial fee for Non-Owner Occupied is $228; Owner Occupied initial fee is $170.50.).

Taxes(2)

•Moscow charges a Idaho Travel and Convention Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 6% State Sales Tax and 2% Travel & Convention Tax.
•Idaho has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Moscow occupancy calculation: Standard STRs must have fewer than 12 guests.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Moscow enforces quiet hours: 10pm-8am.
•Moscow: Minimum 2-night stay requirement is typically enforced in residential zones.
•Moscow limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Moscow: Maximum occupancy for standard permits is strictly capped at under 12 guests.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Moscow requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress window compliance, Visible address signage, Emergency exit plan.

Penalties(2)

•Moscow: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Moscow enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $110 fine. Second offense: Increased fines and potential permit suspension. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: 110. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Moscow exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Traditional Bed and Breakfasts licensed under separate code.
•Moscow: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Idaho Markets

McCall

Idaho

Moderate

McCall requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit and pass a fire safety inspection. A 6% Local Option Tax (LOT) is required for stays under 30 days, which must be remitted quarterly to the city.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Nampa

Idaho

Permissive

Nampa requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a specific STR permit and a city business license, while adhering to occupancy and parking standards.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Idaho Falls

Idaho

Permissive

Short-term rentals are a permitted residential use in Idaho Falls, requiring no specific city-level STR permit but necessitating tax registration with the state and the Idaho Falls Auditorium District.

0.1% total tax

Sun Valley

Idaho

Moderate

Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in Sun Valley and require an annual permit and a fire safety inspection. Hosts must collect and remit a combined 12% local occupancy tax in addition to state sales taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Moscow

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Idaho Markets

McCall

Nampa

Idaho Falls

Sun Valley

Moscow

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Moscow?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Moscow?

3Are there occupancy limits for Moscow rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Moscow?

Related Content

Other Idaho Markets

McCall

Nampa

Idaho Falls

Sun Valley