Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Big Sky, MT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Big Sky, MT, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (30 days or less) are allowed as a permitted use in specific Gallatin Canyon/Big Sky zoning districts (e.g., R-MF 3500, R-SF 7500, C-I). In other districts, they may be a conditional use requiring a permit and public hearing, or not permitted if not listed; unzoned areas have no county zoning restrictions. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (30 days or less) are allowed as a permitted use in specific Gallatin Canyon/Big Sky zoning districts (e.g., R-MF 3500, R-SF 7500, C-I). In other districts, they may be a conditional use requiring a permit and public hearing, or not permitted if not listed; unzoned areas have no county zoning restrictions.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Big Sky. 1) Verify zoning via the Gallatin County Interactive Mapper or Property Information Request Form. 2) Obtain necessary zoning approval (Permitted Use or Conditional Use Permit). 3) Apply for a Public Accommodations License through the Gallatin City-County Health Department, including a plan review, water/wastewater summary, and fire safety checklist.

1) Verify zoning via the Gallatin County Interactive Mapper or Property Information Request Form. 2) Obtain necessary zoning approval (Permitted Use or Conditional Use Permit). 3) Apply for a Public Accommodations License through the Gallatin City-County Health Department, including a plan review, water/wastewater summary, and fire safety checklist.

Vrbo is permitted in Big Sky, MT under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Big Sky are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

The most recent tracked change in Big Sky is "Gallatin County STR Permit System Updated" (2024-08-01, status: passed). Gallatin County updated its STR permit system to include enhanced safety inspections, occupancy limits, and neighbor notification requirements for new Big Sky applications. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

Yes. Gallatin County requires a short-term rental permit for all properties rented for fewer than 30 days in Big Sky. You must also register to collect and remit Montana's lodging facility use tax.

No. Big Sky is an unincorporated community governed by Gallatin County. There is no separate Big Sky city government — all STR regulations come from Gallatin County.

Yes. Workforce housing pressure is significant and growing. The Big Sky Community Housing Trust and county planners have discussed permit caps, and the political direction strongly favors tighter restrictions.