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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Idaho
  6. ·
  7. Pocatello

Pocatello

Permissive
IdahoUpdated Mar 18, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Pocatello permits short-term rentals in most residential and commercial zones, requiring a city business license, fire safety compliance, and the collection of 13% total taxes.

Restriction level

Severity 0
Classification
Permissive
0
Severity

Why this classification

  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • Safety standards required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement
  • Low permit fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To operate an Airbnb or VRBO in Pocatello, you must obtain a city business license and ensure your property meets fire safety standards, including inspections for smoke detectors and extinguishers. You are required to collect and remit state sales tax, state travel tax, and a local auditorium district tax. Rentals are prohibited in RVs and non-habitable accessory buildings, and properties can only host one guest party at a time.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$60
Processing time2-4 weeks
Max fine$1,000

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 15% Greater Pocatello Auditorium District tax is in addition to the 6% state sales and 2% state travel tax.
  2. 2Rentals are limited to one 'guest party' at a time (no room-by-room multiple bookings).
  3. 3Accessory structures (like sheds or unheated garages) cannot be used as STRs unless fully permitted for habitation.
  4. 4Off-street parking is strictly required for rental guests.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility6 rules
  • Pocatello does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
  • Pocatello prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicles (unless in approved RV Park), Accessory structures not designed for human habitation.
  • Pocatello: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Requirements11 rules
  • Pocatello STR warning: Rentals are limited to one 'guest party' at a time (no room-by-room multiple bookings).
  • Pocatello STR warning: 5% Greater Pocatello Auditorium District tax is in addition to the 6% state sales and 2% state travel tax.
  • Pocatello STR warning: Off-street parking is strictly required for rental guests.
  • Pocatello: Off-street parking is strictly required for rental guests.
Application process8 rules
  • Pocatello STR permit - Step 4: Schedule Fire Inspection. Contact the Pocatello Fire Department to schedule a life safety inspection to ensure compliance with smoke detector and extinguisher rules. Time: 1 week.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Pocatello charges a registration fee of $60 (annual).
Taxes3 rules
  • Pocatello charges a Travel & Convention + Auditorium District Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb/Vrbo generally collect state sales and state travel taxes, but owners must verify auditorium district remittance.
Limits & restrictions5 rules
  • Pocatello limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: Limited to six unrelated occupants per property
  • Pocatello enforces quiet hours: 10pm-8am.
  • Pocatello occupancy calculation: Limited to six unrelated occupants per property. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Pocatello limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Pocatello requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, NFPA 10 certified fire extinguisher, Parking must be off-street for guests.
Penalties3 rules
  • Pocatello: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Pocatello: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Pocatello: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Pocatello exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Pocatello

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Zoning

Check the Pocatello Zoning Map to ensure your property is in a permitted district (Residential or Commercial).

1 dayFree
Official resource
Step 2

Register for Tax Permits

Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission to obtain a Seller's Permit and Travel & Convention Tax permit.

10 daysFree
Documents needed
  • Business Entity Info
  • SSN or EIN
Official resource
Step 3

Apply for City Business License

Submit a Home Occupation License (for resident hosts) or general Business License application via the eTRAKiT portal.

1-2 weeks$60
Documents needed
  • Proof of Ownership
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Floor Plan
Official resource
Step 4

Schedule Fire Inspection

Contact the Pocatello Fire Department to schedule a life safety inspection to ensure compliance with smoke detector and extinguisher rules.

1 weekFree
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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