https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/ Recent short-term rental regulatory updates across Montana markets. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:16:32 GMT https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/columbia-falls/ Multi-jurisdictional study examining STR impacts on workforce housing availability across Flathead County; Columbia Falls included in county-wide scope; recommendations expected in 2026. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT montana-columbia-falls-2025-09-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/whitefish/ Flathead County (governing unincorporated areas around Whitefish including the Columbia Falls corridor and Flathead Lake communities) is coordinating with the city on STR policy to prevent displacement of restricted operators to surrounding areas. Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT montana-whitefish-2025-08-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/big-sky/ The Big Sky Community Housing Trust advocated for STR restrictions to free up housing inventory for year-round workers, with county support for reviewing permit cap levels. Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT montana-big-sky-2025-02-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/bozeman/ 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. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT montana-bozeman-2024-11-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/whitefish/ A Whitefish workforce housing study found that vacation rental conversions have removed a significant percentage of the rental housing supply, contributing to a crisis in which resort, hospitality, and service workers cannot afford to live in the community. The study recommends considering license caps or primary-residence requirements. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT montana-whitefish-2024-10-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/big-sky/ Gallatin County updated its STR permit system to include enhanced safety inspections, occupancy limits, and neighbor notification requirements for new Big Sky applications. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT montana-big-sky-2024-08-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/bozeman/ 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. Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT montana-bozeman-2024-06-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/big-sky/ Montana's Department of Revenue increased enforcement of lodging facility use tax collection for Big Sky STRs, requiring operators to register and remit taxes directly. Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT montana-big-sky-2024-05-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/columbia-falls/ City enacted STR licensing requirement for properties within city limits; operators must obtain annual license and collect city lodging tax in addition to county requirements. Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT montana-columbia-falls-2024-03-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/bozeman/ 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. Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT montana-bozeman-2023-12-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/columbia-falls/ County requires annual STR operating permit for all unincorporated county properties; fire safety compliance, county business license, and lodging tax registration required. Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT montana-columbia-falls-2023-06-01 https://regulations.comparent.com/regulations/montana/whitefish/ Whitefish requires all short-term rental operators to register with the city, designate a 24/7 local contact, pass a safety inspection, and comply with occupancy and noise standards. Annual renewal is required. The city monitors listing platforms to identify unregistered operators. Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT montana-whitefish-2023-06-01