Are there rental limits in Kalispell?

Permit cap: The city limits total residential STRs to 2% of the housing stock (approx 200 units).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Kalispell?

Primary Residence: In 'R' residential zones, the property MUST be the owner's primary residence.

What are the permit fees in Kalispell?

Notification: Neighbors within 150 feet are notified and given 15 days to comment on new applications.

What should Kalispell hosts know about no transfer: permits do not?

No Transfer: Permits do not transfer to new owners upon sale of the property.

Kalispell, MT Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 10, 2026

Summary

Kalispell allows short-term rentals in most residential and business zones subject to a 2% city-wide cap and a primary residence requirement in 'R' zones.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 76 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $166
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

To host an STR in Kalispell, you must obtain an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP) and a city business license. In residential zones, the property must be your primary residence, and the total number of permits city-wide is capped at 2% of residential units.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$166

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Kalispell allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Duplex, Townhouse, Condo.
•Kalispell: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Kalispell does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Kalispell: 1. Permit cap: The city limits total residential STRs to 2% of the housing stock (approx 200 units). 2. Primary Residence: In 'R' residential zones, the property MUST be the owner's primary residence. 3. Notification: Neighbors within 150 feet are notified and given 15 days to comment on new applications. 4. No Transfer: Permits do not transfer to new owners upon sale of the property.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Kalispell: To host an STR in Kalispell, you must obtain an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP) and a city business license. In residential zones, the property must be your primary residence, and the total number of permits city-wide is capped at 2% of residential units.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Kalispell charges a registration fee of $166 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $166 (Annual renewal fee is equal to the ACUP fee then in effect.).
•Kalispell: Notification: Neighbors within 150 feet are notified and given 15 days to comment on new applications.

Taxes(2)

•Montana has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.
•Kalispell charges a Montana Lodging Facility Sales & Use Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the 8% state tax directly.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Kalispell occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Kalispell enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Kalispell limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests
•Kalispell: Permit cap: The city limits total residential STRs to 2% of the housing stock (approx 200 units).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Kalispell requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup, Properly sized parking spaces on paved surface.

Penalties(2)

•Kalispell: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Kalispell enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code enforcement. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Revocation of permit. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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

Helena

Montana

Permissive

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.

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

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

Kalispell

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(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

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

Helena

Missoula

Park County

Kalispell

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 Kalispell?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Kalispell?

3Are there residency requirements for Kalispell rentals?

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

Related Content

Other Montana Markets

Whitefish

Helena

Missoula

Park County