Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Columbia Falls, MT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Columbia Falls, MT, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning district (permitted by right in commercial zones, requiring permits in residential/agricultural zones). Key requirements include obtaining a Montana Public Accommodation License (Tourist Home), limiting occupancy to sewage capacity, providing a 24/7 local contact reachable within one hour, and notifying neighbors within 150 feet via certified mail. 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 are restricted by zoning district (permitted by right in commercial zones, requiring permits in residential/agricultural zones). Key requirements include obtaining a Montana Public Accommodation License (Tourist Home), limiting occupancy to sewage capacity, providing a 24/7 local contact reachable within one hour, and notifying neighbors within 150 feet via certified mail.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Columbia Falls. 1. Submit a Short-Term Rental Application to Flathead County Planning & Zoning with required fees ($380 + $75 GIS fee), site plans, and floor plans. 2. Obtain a State of Montana Public Accommodation License (Tourist Home) from the Flathead City-County Health Department. 3. Send certified mail notifications to all neighbors within 150 feet and provide proof of notification to the Planning office.

1. Submit a Short-Term Rental Application to Flathead County Planning & Zoning with required fees ($380 + $75 GIS fee), site plans, and floor plans. 2. Obtain a State of Montana Public Accommodation License (Tourist Home) from the Flathead City-County Health Department. 3. Send certified mail notifications to all neighbors within 150 feet and provide proof of notification to the Planning office.

Vrbo is permitted in Columbia Falls, 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 Columbia Falls 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 Columbia Falls is "Flathead County STR Permit Program" (2023-06-01, status: passed). County requires annual STR operating permit for all unincorporated county properties; fire safety compliance, county business license, and lodging tax registration required. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

If you're within Columbia Falls city limits, you need a city STR license plus a Flathead County permit, county business license, and lodging tax registration. Properties in unincorporated Flathead County need only the county permit and registration. Requirements differ by jurisdiction.

All three cities in the Flathead Valley require STR permits and collect lodging taxes, but have separate permit programs. Columbia Falls added city-level licensing in 2024. Always verify which jurisdiction your property falls under — city or unincorporated county.

No. Montana has no statewide STR preemption law. Each county and municipality sets its own STR rules independently. Flathead County's permit program and Columbia Falls' city licensing are separate requirements that may both apply.