Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lewis and Clark County, MT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lewis and Clark County, MT, but with restrictions. Lewis & Clark County regulates lodging via zoning (Helena Valley Zoning Regulations define Hotel, Bed and Breakfast and home-occupation standards) and the County’s Licensed Establishment Inspection Program inspects and reviews hotels/motels/bed & breakfasts; properties in incorporated cities (e.g., City of Helena) are subject to city STR ordinances requiring local business licensing and zoning compliance. County zoning/CUP rules and public-accommodations licensing thus restrict STRs (must comply with zone-specific uses and licensed-accommodation rules). 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.

Lewis & Clark County regulates lodging via zoning (Helena Valley Zoning Regulations define Hotel, Bed and Breakfast and home-occupation standards) and the County’s Licensed Establishment Inspection Program inspects and reviews hotels/motels/bed & breakfasts; properties in incorporated cities (e.g., City of Helena) are subject to city STR ordinances requiring local business licensing and zoning compliance. County zoning/CUP rules and public-accommodations licensing thus restrict STRs (must comply with zone-specific uses and licensed-accommodation rules).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lewis and Clark County. 1) Confirm zoning/use allowance for the specific parcel under the Helena Valley Zoning Regulations (check whether the use is a permitted use, conditional use, or requires a CUP). 2) If operating as a lodging/B&B/short-term accommodation, submit the County Public Accommodation Plan Review application or Bed and Breakfast Plan Review application, pay the published Public Accommodation fees, and schedule/complete the Licensed Establishment Inspection. 3) For properties inside the City of Helena, obtain the City business license classification for short-term rentals per Helena Ordinance and comply with City zoning/permit requirements.

1) Confirm zoning/use allowance for the specific parcel under the Helena Valley Zoning Regulations (check whether the use is a permitted use, conditional use, or requires a CUP). 2) If operating as a lodging/B&B/short-term accommodation, submit the County Public Accommodation Plan Review application or Bed and Breakfast Plan Review application, pay the published Public Accommodation fees, and schedule/complete the Licensed Establishment Inspection. 3) For properties inside the City of Helena, obtain the City business license classification for short-term rentals per Helena Ordinance and comply with City zoning/permit requirements.

Vrbo is permitted in Lewis and Clark 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Lewis and Clark 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Lewis and Clark County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.