Montana Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

Short-term rentals (Tourist Homes) are strictly regulated in Whitefish and are only permitted in specific high-density residential and commercial zones (WR-3, WR-4, WB-1, WB-2, WB-3, and WCR). Hosts must obtain a one-time STR permit, an annual business license, and a State of Montana Public Accommodations license, while paying an 11% total tax rate (3% City Resort Tax + 8% State Lodging Tax).

The City of Missoula regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes,' requiring a one-time zoning permit and an annual city business license. While primary residences are generally permitted, non-primary residence rentals (Type II) in certain residential zones may require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and public hearing.

Red Lodge requires all short-term rentals to obtain a local STR permit and a state-level DPHHS license. Hosts must collect and remit a 4% local Resort Tax in addition to state lodging taxes.

Billings requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual STR permit and a city business license, pass safety inspections, and collect state lodging taxes.

West Yellowstone regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.32 of the Municipal Code, requiring an annual permit and life-safety inspections. Hosts must collect a 4% local Resort Tax in addition to Montana state lodging taxes.

Short-term rentals in Bozeman are strictly regulated based on occupancy type and zoning. All hosts must obtain an annual permit, with owner-occupied (Type 1) rentals having more flexibility than investment properties (Type 2/3).

Short-term rentals in Gardiner must obtain a state health license, comply with Park County zoning (Tourist Home designation), and pay the local resort tax.

Short-term rentals in West Glacier are regulated under the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System (CALURS) and require both county land-use approval and a state-issued Public Accommodation License.

Columbia Falls requires a city Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP) or a full Conditional Use Permit (CUP), a state public health license, and a city business license for all short-term rentals.

Unincorporated Park County does not have a specific 'STR license' but regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes' through the zoning code. Most properties require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a public hearing and one-time fee of approximately $500.

Helena does not have a specific STR ordinance but requires a general city business license and a state-mandated Public Accommodation License administered through the county health department.

Livingston currently does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance but classifies them under general business and zoning 'Tourist Home' definitions. Hosts must comply with the city's 4% Resort Tax and obtain a standard business license.

Unincorporated Gallatin County does not have a centralized short-term rental permit; however, most rentals fall under the state definition of a 'Tourist Home.' Hosts must comply with state-level licensing through the Montana DPHHS and adhere to specific zoning district land-use regulations which vary by neighborhood.