What are the permit fees in Columbia Falls?

Neighbor notification: The city notifies all neighbors within 150 feet of your intent to operate an STR during the ACUP process.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Columbia Falls?

R-1 Zoning: If your property is in the R-1 zone, an ACUP is not enough; you must apply for a full Conditional Use Permit, which involves a Planning Board hearing and City Council approval.

What should Columbia Falls hosts know about property tax hike: montana law?

Property Tax Hike: Montana law passed in 2025 significantly increases property taxes on non-primary residence STRs (non-homestead rate) starting in 2026.

What are the key requirements for Columbia Falls hosts?

Local Manager: You must provide a local contact person who lives within 60 miles of the property.

Columbia Falls, MT Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permits

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Regulation details

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Eligibility4 rules

Columbia Falls does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Columbia Falls allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment, Residential unit.
Columbia Falls: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements11 rules

Columbia Falls requires STR registration. The permit is called "Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP)". Apply through Planning & Zoning Department. Processing time: 4-8 weeks. Renewal is required.
Columbia Falls STR warning: Neighbor notification: The city notifies all neighbors within 150 feet of your intent to operate an STR during the ACUP process.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Columbia Falls: To operate an STR in Columbia Falls, you must apply for a specific zoning permit (ACUP) and undergo inspections from both the Fire Department and County Health Department. You also need a state-issued 'Tourist Home' license and a city business registration. Note that properties in R-1 zones face a more complex public hearing process for approval.

Fees & costs2 rules

Columbia Falls charges a registration fee of $325 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $100 (Annual City Business License fee is $100; ACUP fee of $325 is one-time.).
Columbia Falls: Neighbor notification: The city notifies all neighbors within 150 feet of your intent to operate an STR during the ACUP process.

Taxes3 rules

Columbia Falls charges a Columbia Falls Resort Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO generally collect and remit the 3% resort tax and 8% state tax.
Montana has a state sales tax of 0.08% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Columbia Falls enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
Columbia Falls occupancy calculation: Limited by State Public Health License capacity and fire safety egress. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Columbia Falls limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: Limited by State Public Health License capacity and fire safety egress

Safety requirements1 rule

Columbia Falls requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress window compliance, 2 off-street parking spaces minimum, Local contact person within 60 miles available 24/7.

Penalties2 rules

Columbia Falls enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or fine. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Columbia Falls: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Columbia Falls exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Columbia Falls: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Columbia Falls

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Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Columbia Falls?

3Are there rental night limits in Columbia Falls?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Columbia Falls?

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