What are the permit fees in Helena?

High initial startup fees: Plan review and inspection fees total $480 before the annual $40 fee.

Are there rental limits in Helena?

State law (SB 262) prevents the city from banning STRs or limiting night caps.

What are the key requirements for Helena hosts?

Guest registry: You must maintain a record of all guests for at least 365 days.

What should Helena hosts know about noise: the city enforces quiet?

Noise: The city enforces quiet hours for amplified sound between 11 PM and 6 AM.

Helena, MT Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing Guide

Baseline Verification

100%

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Verified: Feb 9, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 5 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Helena, you must obtain a city business license and a Public Accommodation License from the Lewis and Clark County health department. You are required to maintain a guest registry and collect state lodging taxes totaling 8%. Because state law protects STRs as a residential use, the city cannot ban them or restrict the frequency of your bookings.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$10

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Max Fine

$500

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

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

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Helena: 1. High initial startup fees: Plan review and inspection fees total $480 before the annual $40 fee. 2. State law (SB 262) prevents the city from banning STRs or limiting night caps. 3. Guest registry: You must maintain a record of all guests for at least 365 days. 4. Noise: The city enforces quiet hours for amplified sound between 11 PM and 6 AM.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Helena: To host a short-term rental in Helena, you must obtain a city business license and a Public Accommodation License from the Lewis and Clark County health department. You are required to maintain a guest registry and collect state lodging taxes totaling 8%. Because state law protects STRs as a residential use, the city cannot ban them or restrict the frequency of your bookings.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Helena charges a registration fee of $10 (annual).
•Lewis and Clark County charges a registration fee of $40 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Helena: High initial startup fees: Plan review and inspection fees total $480 before the annual $40 fee.
•Montana has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Helena occupancy calculation: Commonly 2 per sleeping area plus additional as per health code. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Helena: State law (SB 262) prevents the city from banning STRs or limiting night caps.
•Helena limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Helena enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM - 6:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Helena requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Potable water supply, Adequate wastewater disposal, Proper solid waste storage, Hygienic amenities.

Penalties(2)

•Helena: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Helena enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by general code violation. Maximum fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Helena exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Helena: 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 Montana Markets

Whitefish

Montana

Moderate

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).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Missoula

Montana

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Red Lodge

Montana

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Park County

Montana

Permissive

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Helena

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(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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 Montana Markets

Whitefish

Missoula

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Helena

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 Helena?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Helena?

3Are there rental night limits in Helena?

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

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Missoula

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