Step 1
Apply for Helena Business License
Register your short-term rental as a home occupation with the City of Helena Utility Customer Services Division.
1 week$10
Documents needed
- Business License Application form
Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
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.
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.
Step-by-step guide for Helena
Register your short-term rental as a home occupation with the City of Helena Utility Customer Services Division.
Submit a Public Sleeping Accommodation Plan Review Application to Lewis and Clark County Public Health for state approval.
Schedule a pre-operational health inspection with the county sanitarian to verify health and safety standards.
Upon passing inspection, pay the annual state licensing fee to receive your Public Accommodation License.
Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for a Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax permit if you book directly outside major platforms.
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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