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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Gallatin County, MT

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are defined as rentals of 30 days or less (28 in some districts). They are only permitted in specific zoning districts where explicitly listed; if not mentioned in a district's regulations, they are prohibited. All STRs must comply with health department standards for water, wastewater, and fire safety.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify zoning via the County Interactive Mapper or Property Information Request Form to determine if STRs are allowed or require a Conditional Use Permit. 2) If required by zoning, apply for a Conditional Use Permit or Administrative Determination. 3) Apply for a Public Accommodations License from the Gallatin City-County Health Department by submitting a plan review, water/wastewater summary, and passing a fire-safety inspection.

Official Resources

Official Gallatin County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Gallatin County, MT?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Gallatin County, MT, but with restrictions. STRs are defined as rentals of 30 days or less (28 in some districts). They are only permitted in specific zoning districts where explicitly listed; if not mentioned in a district's regulations, they are prohibited. All STRs must comply with health department standards for water, wastewater, and fire safety. 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 Gallatin County, MT?
STRs are defined as rentals of 30 days or less (28 in some districts). They are only permitted in specific zoning districts where explicitly listed; if not mentioned in a district's regulations, they are prohibited. All STRs must comply with health department standards for water, wastewater, and fire safety.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Gallatin County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Gallatin County. 1) Verify zoning via the County Interactive Mapper or Property Information Request Form to determine if STRs are allowed or require a Conditional Use Permit. 2) If required by zoning, apply for a Conditional Use Permit or Administrative Determination. 3) Apply for a Public Accommodations License from the Gallatin City-County Health Department by submitting a plan review, water/wastewater summary, and passing a fire-safety inspection.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Gallatin County?
1) Verify zoning via the County Interactive Mapper or Property Information Request Form to determine if STRs are allowed or require a Conditional Use Permit. 2) If required by zoning, apply for a Conditional Use Permit or Administrative Determination. 3) Apply for a Public Accommodations License from the Gallatin City-County Health Department by submitting a plan review, water/wastewater summary, and passing a fire-safety inspection.
Is Vrbo legal in Gallatin County, MT?
Vrbo is permitted in Gallatin County, 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 Gallatin County?
Short-term rental hosts in Gallatin County 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 Gallatin County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Gallatin County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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