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

**Yes**, Whitefish requires a Short-Term Rental Permit, also known as a Tourist Home permit, to operate legally. You need to ensure your property is located in a permitted zone (WR-3, WR-4, WB-1, WB-2, WB-3, and WCR). After that, you must apply and pass inspections from the city.

What is the TOT tax rate in Whitefish?

**11% TOT** is the total tax rate applicable to short-term rentals in Whitefish. This is comprised of a 3% City Resort Tax and an 8% State Lodging Tax. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the appropriate authorities on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Whitefish?

**Yes**, short-term rentals, or Tourist Homes, are allowed but with significant restrictions in Whitefish. They are only permitted in specific zoning districts, including WR-3, WR-4, WB-1, WB-2, WB-3, and WCR. Rentals are banned in the more common residential zones, such as WR-1 and WR-2, so check zoning carefully.

How much does an STR permit cost in Whitefish?

**$750** is the one-time application fee for a Short-Term Rental Permit in Whitefish. In addition to this initial fee, hosts must also obtain an annual business license, which costs $100 per year. These fees are required to legally operate a tourist home within the city limits.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Whitefish?

**No**, the regulations do not explicitly address whether tenants can host on Airbnb in Whitefish. It's important to review your lease agreement and obtain permission from the property owner before listing a rental property on short-term rental platforms. Contact the city planning department for clarification.

Whitefish, MT Short-Term Rental... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Summary

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).

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 33 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $750
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Whitefish, you must first verify your property is in a permitted zone, as rentals are banned in the most common residential zones (WR-1 and WR-2). You need three different approvals: a state health license, a city fire inspection, and a city STR permit. There is a significant one-time application fee of $750, plus a $100 annual business license. Once active, you are responsible for making sure guests follow quiet hours and that you never exceed the 10-guest limit.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$750

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.STRs are strictly PROHIBITED in WR-1 and WR-2 zones (standard low-density residential).
2.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built after 2019 cannot be used as short-term rentals.
3.A State of Montana Public Accommodation license is required BEFORE the city will issue a permit.
4.The 3% City Resort Tax is mandatory and must be collected on all stays under 30 days.
5.There is a strict occupancy cap of 10 people regardless of home size.
6.Failure to obtain a permit can result in daily fines of $500.
7.One-time permit fee is $750, which is significantly higher than neighboring jurisdictions.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Whitefish does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Whitefish prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Recreational Vehicles, Tents.
•Whitefish: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Whitefish allows STRs in the following property types: House, Townhouse, Condo, Apartment.

Requirements(16)

•Whitefish requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Confirmation of liability insurance required during business registration.
•Whitefish STR warning: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or 'guest houses' cannot be used for short-term rentals in Whitefish.

Application Process(9)

•Whitefish STR permit - Step 4: Schedule Fire Inspection. The Fire Marshal will contact you to schedule the mandatory annual inspection. Time: 1-2 weeks.
•Whitefish STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning. Check the Whitefish Zoning Map to ensure your property is in a permitted STR zone (WB-3, WRR-1, WRR-2, WRB-1, WRB-2). Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Whitefish charges a registration fee of $400 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Whitefish: Airbnb/VRBO do NOT collect the 3% Resort Tax; you must register and remit this manually to the city monthly.
•Whitefish charges a Resort Tax of 3%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Airbnb/VRBO collect 8% state tax but NOT the 3% local Whitefish Resort Tax; hosts must remit 3% manually to the City.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Whitefish occupancy calculation: Limited by septic capacity or fire code (2 persons per bedroom + 2). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Whitefish enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•Whitefish limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Whitefish requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual fire marshal inspection, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Visible address numbers from road.

Penalties(2)

•Whitefish: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Whitefish enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by violation type. Second offense: Escalated fines. Third offense: Revocation of permit. Maximum fine: $500 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Whitefish exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels/Motels, Bed and Breakfasts.
•Whitefish: The 3% Resort Tax applies to stays of 29 days or less; stays of 30+ days are exempt.
•Whitefish: 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.

Whitefish

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Whitefish

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 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 Whitefish?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Whitefish?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Whitefish?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Whitefish?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Whitefish?

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