Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lake County, MT

Vacation rentals are treated as 'public sleeping accommodations' and must meet Montana DPHHS standards; they are allowed only where zoning permits, as some districts explicitly disallow them. Operators must pass a pre-opening plan review and inspection by Lake County Environmental Health, meet specific wastewater capacity requirements (which set bedroom limits), maintain a 1-year guest log, and obtain a Montana Public Accommodation license.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lake County. 1) Contact Lake County Planning Dept to confirm zoning and obtain a Zoning Conformance Permit; 2) Submit the Public Sleeping Accommodation Plan Review Application to Lake County Environmental Health with the $150 fee, provide water test results, and pass a pre-opening inspection; 3) Upon county approval, submit the Montana Public Accommodation License application and fee to DPHHS and register with the Montana Department of Revenue for lodging taxes.

1) Contact Lake County Planning Dept to confirm zoning and obtain a Zoning Conformance Permit; 2) Submit the Public Sleeping Accommodation Plan Review Application to Lake County Environmental Health with the $150 fee, provide water test results, and pass a pre-opening inspection; 3) Upon county approval, submit the Montana Public Accommodation License application and fee to DPHHS and register with the Montana Department of Revenue for lodging taxes.