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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bigfork, MT

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Maximum occupancy is determined by sewage capacity; operators must provide a local 24/7 contact reachable within one hour and notify neighbors within 150 feet via certified mail. Requirements include adequate off-street parking, a State Public Accommodation License, and collection of state bed taxes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application to the Planning & Zoning office with a plot plan, floor plans, and the required fee ($430 + $75 GIS fee). 2. Provide proof of certified mail notification to all property owners within 150 feet. 3. Obtain a State of Montana Public Accommodation License for a Tourist Home from the Health Department.

Official Resources

Official Bigfork STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Bigfork, MT?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Bigfork, MT, but with restrictions. Maximum occupancy is determined by sewage capacity; operators must provide a local 24/7 contact reachable within one hour and notify neighbors within 150 feet via certified mail. Requirements include adequate off-street parking, a State Public Accommodation License, and collection of state bed taxes. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bigfork, MT?
Maximum occupancy is determined by sewage capacity; operators must provide a local 24/7 contact reachable within one hour and notify neighbors within 150 feet via certified mail. Requirements include adequate off-street parking, a State Public Accommodation License, and collection of state bed taxes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bigfork?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bigfork. 1. Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application to the Planning & Zoning office with a plot plan, floor plans, and the required fee ($430 + $75 GIS fee). 2. Provide proof of certified mail notification to all property owners within 150 feet. 3. Obtain a State of Montana Public Accommodation License for a Tourist Home from the Health Department.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bigfork?
1. Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application to the Planning & Zoning office with a plot plan, floor plans, and the required fee ($430 + $75 GIS fee). 2. Provide proof of certified mail notification to all property owners within 150 feet. 3. Obtain a State of Montana Public Accommodation License for a Tourist Home from the Health Department.
Is Vrbo legal in Bigfork, MT?
Vrbo is permitted in Bigfork, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Bigfork?
Short-term rental hosts in Bigfork 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Bigfork?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bigfork. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction