Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Livingston?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Livingston, though state and county regulations may still apply. You will need to obtain a standard business license from the city. It's important to check with the Livingston planning department for any zoning restrictions before you start hosting.

What is the TOT tax rate in Livingston?

**The TOT rate is 4%** for short-term rentals in Livingston. You need to collect this Resort Tax from your guests, in addition to Montana state lodging taxes, and remit it to the city. Ensure compliance with all local tax regulations to avoid penalties. Tax rates can change, so verify with the city.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Livingston?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Livingston, but they are classified under the general business and zoning 'Tourist Home' definitions. While there are no specific night caps or owner-occupancy rules currently, the city frequently discusses new regulations. Always check with the planning department before operating a short-term rental.

How much does an STR permit cost in Livingston?

**No** specific STR permit is required in Livingston, so there is no associated permit fee. However, you will need a standard business license to operate legally. Contact the city's business licensing department for details on business license costs and application procedures. Always confirm current requirements before hosting.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Livingston?

**No**, Livingston currently does not have any owner-occupancy requirements for short-term rentals. You are not required to live in the property to rent it out on platforms like Airbnb. However, the city is actively discussing new regulations, so stay updated with the Livingston planning department for potential changes.

Livingston

Permissive

MontanaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 2 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 2

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 3

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

Reporting required
No STR-specific permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Livingston, you don't need a special STR permit, but you must get a standard city business license. You are required to collect a 4% local Resort Tax from your guests in addition to the Montana state lodging taxes. Be aware that while there are no 'night caps' or owner-occupancy rules yet, the city frequently discusses new regulations, so check with the planning department if you are near residential boundaries.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You must pay the 4% local Resort Tax in addition to the 4% state lodging tax.
2Livingston does not have a dedicated STR ordinance, making it 'unregulated' but subject to general business laws.
3Stays over 30 days are exempt from the Resort Tax.
4A Montana State public accommodation license from DPHHS is often required before local licensing.
5Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may have specific zoning restrictions; verify with the Planning Department.
6Resort tax reports are typically due quarterly even if you had zero revenue.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility2 rules

Livingston: State License Mandatory: You cannot legally operate without the Montana DPHHS Public Accommodation License for a 'Tourist Home'.
Livingston: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements13 rules

Livingston STR warning: Guest Register: You are required by state law to keep a physical or digital guest registry for at least one year.
Livingston: Noise Ordinance: Standard city noise quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM) are strictly enforced in residential neighborhoods.

Application process9 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Livingston: Step 1: Obtain State Public Accommodation License - Apply with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) for a Tourist Home license. Documents needed: Application form, Plan review. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 40. More info: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/fcss/publicsleepingaccommodations Step 2: Register for Montana Lodging Tax ID - Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for both Lodging Facility Use and Sales taxes. Documents needed: State Tax Registration. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/lodging-taxes/ Step 3: Obtain Local Business License - Contact the Livingston Finance Department for a standard city business license. Documents needed: Business License Application. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.livingstonmontana.org/departments/finance/business_licensing.php

Taxes2 rules

Montana has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
Livingston: No local resort tax: Unlike Bozeman or Big Sky, Livingston does NOT have a local 3-4% resort tax; you only pay the 8% state total.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Livingston occupancy calculation: Proposed limit of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Livingston enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General City Noise Ordinance).
Livingston limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Livingston requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Potable water access, Hygienic amenities standards per DPHHS.

Penalties2 rules

Livingston enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning/Notice of Violation. Second offense: Proposed civil penalties. Maximum fine: $500 (State DPHHS limit). Permit may be revoked for violations.
Livingston: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

Livingston: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Livingston exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Livingston: 30-day threshold: Stays of 30 days or longer are exempt from the state lodging taxes and state 'Tourist Home' licensing.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Livingston

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Obtain State Lodging License

Official resource

Step 2

City Business License

Apply for a general business license from the City of Livingston.

1-2 weeks

Documents needed

Business License Application

Official resource

Step 3

Register for Resort Tax

ImmediateFree

Documents needed

Resort Tax Registration Form

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 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

Livingston

Permissive

MontanaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 2 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 2

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 3

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

Reporting required
No STR-specific permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You must pay the 4% local Resort Tax in addition to the 4% state lodging tax.
2Livingston does not have a dedicated STR ordinance, making it 'unregulated' but subject to general business laws.
3Stays over 30 days are exempt from the Resort Tax.
4A Montana State public accommodation license from DPHHS is often required before local licensing.
5Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may have specific zoning restrictions; verify with the Planning Department.
6Resort tax reports are typically due quarterly even if you had zero revenue.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility2 rules

Livingston: State License Mandatory: You cannot legally operate without the Montana DPHHS Public Accommodation License for a 'Tourist Home'.
Livingston: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements13 rules

Livingston STR warning: Guest Register: You are required by state law to keep a physical or digital guest registry for at least one year.
Livingston: Noise Ordinance: Standard city noise quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM) are strictly enforced in residential neighborhoods.

Application process9 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Livingston: Step 1: Obtain State Public Accommodation License - Apply with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) for a Tourist Home license. Documents needed: Application form, Plan review. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 40. More info: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/fcss/publicsleepingaccommodations Step 2: Register for Montana Lodging Tax ID - Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for both Lodging Facility Use and Sales taxes. Documents needed: State Tax Registration. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/lodging-taxes/ Step 3: Obtain Local Business License - Contact the Livingston Finance Department for a standard city business license. Documents needed: Business License Application. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.livingstonmontana.org/departments/finance/business_licensing.php

Taxes2 rules

Montana has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
Livingston: No local resort tax: Unlike Bozeman or Big Sky, Livingston does NOT have a local 3-4% resort tax; you only pay the 8% state total.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Livingston occupancy calculation: Proposed limit of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Livingston enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General City Noise Ordinance).
Livingston limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Livingston requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Potable water access, Hygienic amenities standards per DPHHS.

Penalties2 rules

Livingston enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning/Notice of Violation. Second offense: Proposed civil penalties. Maximum fine: $500 (State DPHHS limit). Permit may be revoked for violations.
Livingston: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

Livingston: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Livingston exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Livingston: 30-day threshold: Stays of 30 days or longer are exempt from the state lodging taxes and state 'Tourist Home' licensing.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Livingston

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Obtain State Lodging License

Official resource

Step 2

City Business License

Apply for a general business license from the City of Livingston.

1-2 weeks

Documents needed

Business License Application

Official resource

Step 3

Register for Resort Tax

ImmediateFree

Documents needed

Resort Tax Registration Form

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Obtain State Lodging License

City Business License

Register for Resort Tax

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Livingston?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Livingston?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Livingston?

5Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Livingston?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Obtain State Lodging License

City Business License

Register for Resort Tax

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Livingston?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Livingston?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Livingston?

5Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Livingston?

Disclaimer