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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bozeman, MT

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted by zone and type; Types 1 and 2A require the host to occupy the unit as a primary residence (70% of the year). Type 2B is limited to ADUs or one additional unit in the host's primary building. New Type 3 (non-owner occupied) STRs are prohibited as of December 14, 2023, with only legacy permits allowed to continue. Occupancy is generally limited to two guests per sleeping area.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register for a State Sales & Use Tax Permit and a Gallatin City-County public accommodations license. 2) Prepare required documents including a signed Primary Residence form, floor plans, and a fire-safety inspection (conducted every 3 years). 3) Submit the application and $250 annual fee through the City's STR Permit Portal and renew annually.

Regulatory Updates — Bozeman

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedDecember 2023

Type 3 STR Permit Ban Takes Full Effect

Bozeman's ban on new Type 3 (non-owner-occupied) STR permits is fully in effect as of December 14, 2023. Only Type 1 (hosted primary residence), Type 2A (unhosted primary residence), and Type 2B (ADU or one additional unit) permits are available to new applicants.

PassedJune 2024

Primary Residence Documentation Requirements Updated

Bozeman updated its documentation requirements for Type 1 and 2A STR permits, requiring proof that the operator occupies the property as a primary residence for at least 70% of the calendar year, verified through utility and tax records.

PassedNovember 2024

Legacy Type 3 Permit Audit Initiated

Bozeman began auditing legacy Type 3 permits to confirm they remain with the original permit holder and have not been improperly transferred upon property sale, revoking permits found to have changed hands without authorization.

Official Resources

Official Bozeman STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Montana markets navigating Bozeman's restrictive STR permit framework.

Montana Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring Bozeman's STR ordinance and advocating for property owner rights amid the city's rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

Bozeman Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Bozeman's tourism and hospitality economy, monitoring STR policy impacts on the city's visitor accommodation supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Bozeman, MT?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Bozeman, MT, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by zone and type; Types 1 and 2A require the host to occupy the unit as a primary residence (70% of the year). Type 2B is limited to ADUs or one additional unit in the host's primary building. New Type 3 (non-owner occupied) STRs are prohibited as of December 14, 2023, with only legacy permits allowed to continue. Occupancy is generally limited to two guests per sleeping area. 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 Bozeman, MT?
Short-term rentals are restricted by zone and type; Types 1 and 2A require the host to occupy the unit as a primary residence (70% of the year). Type 2B is limited to ADUs or one additional unit in the host's primary building. New Type 3 (non-owner occupied) STRs are prohibited as of December 14, 2023, with only legacy permits allowed to continue. Occupancy is generally limited to two guests per sleeping area.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bozeman?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bozeman. 1) Register for a State Sales & Use Tax Permit and a Gallatin City-County public accommodations license. 2) Prepare required documents including a signed Primary Residence form, floor plans, and a fire-safety inspection (conducted every 3 years). 3) Submit the application and $250 annual fee through the City's STR Permit Portal and renew annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bozeman?
1) Register for a State Sales & Use Tax Permit and a Gallatin City-County public accommodations license. 2) Prepare required documents including a signed Primary Residence form, floor plans, and a fire-safety inspection (conducted every 3 years). 3) Submit the application and $250 annual fee through the City's STR Permit Portal and renew annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Bozeman, MT?
Vrbo is permitted in Bozeman, 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 Bozeman?
Short-term rental hosts in Bozeman 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 Bozeman?
The most recent tracked change in Bozeman is "Type 3 STR Permit Ban Takes Full Effect" (2023-12-01, status: passed). Bozeman's ban on new Type 3 (non-owner-occupied) STR permits is fully in effect as of December 14, 2023. Only Type 1 (hosted primary residence), Type 2A (unhosted primary residence), and Type 2B (ADU or one additional unit) permits are available to new applicants. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I get a new non-owner-occupied STR permit in Bozeman?
No. Bozeman permanently banned new Type 3 (non-owner-occupied) STR permits effective December 14, 2023. The only STR permits available to new applicants are Type 1 (hosted, primary residence), Type 2A (unhosted, primary residence, 70%+ occupancy), and Type 2B (ADU or one additional unit in primary building).
If I buy a Bozeman property with a legacy Type 3 permit, can I keep operating?
No. Legacy Type 3 permits cannot be transferred upon property sale. When a property with a grandfathered Type 3 permit sells, the permit expires. Bozeman is actively auditing legacy permits to catch improper transfers.
What does the 70% primary residence requirement mean for Type 2A permits?
You must occupy the Bozeman property as your primary residence for at least 70% of the calendar year — approximately 255 days. Bozeman verifies this through utility records and tax filings. If you spend more than 30% of the year elsewhere as a primary resident, you may not qualify for a Type 2A permit.
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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