What should Bismarck hosts know about the total tax rate for?

The total tax rate for short-term rentals in Bismarck is 11% (as of April 1, 2025).

What should Bismarck hosts know about stays of 30 days or?

Stays of 30 days or more are considered long-term and are exempt from lodging taxes.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Bismarck?

Properties must maintain a 'residential appearance'—large signs or commercial modifications are generally prohibited in residential zones.

What are the key requirements for Bismarck hosts?

Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.

Bismarck

Permissive

North DakotaUpdated Apr 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals are permitted in any housing unit in Bismarck with no specific permit requirement as of 2025, provided they maintain a residential appearance and comply with local nuisance codes.

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
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

Bismarck does not currently require a specific license or permit to operate a short-term rental. However, owners must follow basic rules like providing parking, respecting noise ordinances, and ensuring the property still looks like a regular home. You must also register with the state to collect and pay the relevant lodging and sales taxes.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$0

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1The total tax rate for short-term rentals in Bismarck is 11% (as of April 1, 2025).
2Stays of 30 days or more are considered long-term and are exempt from lodging taxes.
3Properties must maintain a 'residential appearance'—large signs or commercial modifications are generally prohibited in residential zones.
4Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility6 rules

Bismarck: Properties must maintain a 'residential appearance'—large signs or commercial modifications are generally prohibited in residential zones.
Bismarck does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Bismarck allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Subject to lease agreements and landlord approval.

Requirements10 rules

Bismarck: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
Bismarck STR warning: Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.
Bismarck: Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.

Application process5 rules

Bismarck STR permit - Step 2: Register with ND Office of State Tax Commissioner. Obtain a sales and use tax permit from the state to collect and remit the 11% total tax (including state, city, county, lodging, and hospitality taxes). Required documents: SSN or FEIN, Business name and address. Time: 1-2 weeks.

Taxes3 rules

Bismarck: The total tax rate for short-term rentals in Bismarck is 11% (as of April 1, 2025).
Bismarck charges a City Lodging and Hospitality Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms collect state and city sales tax; however, hosts should verify local lodging and hospitality tax remittance.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Bismarck occupancy calculation: Subject to standard building and fire occupancy codes.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Bismarck limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Bismarck enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Bismarck requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, Must comply with standard residential building codes, Egress windows required in sleeping areas.

Penalties1 rule

Bismarck enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by nuisance type. Second offense: Varies. Third offense: Varies.

Exemptions3 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Bismarck

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and HOA rules

Ensure your property is located within city limits or the ETA and check that your HOA or lease allows short-term rentals.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Register with ND Office of State Tax Commissioner

Obtain a sales and use tax permit from the state to collect and remit the 11% total tax (including state, city, county, lodging, and hospitality taxes).

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

SSN or FEIN
Business name and address

Official resource

Step 3

Prepare Property for Compliance

Ensure the property maintains a residential appearance, has adequate off-street parking, and meets safety standards (smoke/CO detectors).

VariesFree

Frequently asked questions

4 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

Bismarck

Permissive

North DakotaUpdated Apr 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals are permitted in any housing unit in Bismarck with no specific permit requirement as of 2025, provided they maintain a residential appearance and comply with local nuisance codes.

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
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$0

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1The total tax rate for short-term rentals in Bismarck is 11% (as of April 1, 2025).
2Stays of 30 days or more are considered long-term and are exempt from lodging taxes.
3Properties must maintain a 'residential appearance'—large signs or commercial modifications are generally prohibited in residential zones.
4Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility6 rules

Bismarck: Properties must maintain a 'residential appearance'—large signs or commercial modifications are generally prohibited in residential zones.
Bismarck does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Bismarck allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Subject to lease agreements and landlord approval.

Requirements10 rules

Bismarck: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
Bismarck STR warning: Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.
Bismarck: Bismarck actively monitors the sector and may introduce more formal permit requirements in the future.

Application process5 rules

Bismarck STR permit - Step 2: Register with ND Office of State Tax Commissioner. Obtain a sales and use tax permit from the state to collect and remit the 11% total tax (including state, city, county, lodging, and hospitality taxes). Required documents: SSN or FEIN, Business name and address. Time: 1-2 weeks.

Taxes3 rules

Bismarck: The total tax rate for short-term rentals in Bismarck is 11% (as of April 1, 2025).
Bismarck charges a City Lodging and Hospitality Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms collect state and city sales tax; however, hosts should verify local lodging and hospitality tax remittance.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Bismarck occupancy calculation: Subject to standard building and fire occupancy codes.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Bismarck limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Bismarck enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Bismarck requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, Must comply with standard residential building codes, Egress windows required in sleeping areas.

Penalties1 rule

Bismarck enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by nuisance type. Second offense: Varies. Third offense: Varies.

Exemptions3 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Bismarck

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and HOA rules

Ensure your property is located within city limits or the ETA and check that your HOA or lease allows short-term rentals.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Register with ND Office of State Tax Commissioner

Obtain a sales and use tax permit from the state to collect and remit the 11% total tax (including state, city, county, lodging, and hospitality taxes).

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

SSN or FEIN
Business name and address

Official resource

Step 3

Prepare Property for Compliance

Ensure the property maintains a residential appearance, has adequate off-street parking, and meets safety standards (smoke/CO detectors).

VariesFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and HOA rules

Register with ND Office of State Tax Commissioner

Prepare Property for Compliance

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bismarck?

3Are there rental night limits in Bismarck?

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

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and HOA rules

Register with ND Office of State Tax Commissioner

Prepare Property for Compliance

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bismarck?

3Are there rental night limits in Bismarck?

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

Disclaimer