Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sweet Grass County, MT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Sweet Grass County, MT, but with restrictions. Short-term/vacation rentals in Sweet Grass County are regulated as 'buildings for lease or rent' under the county Building for Lease or Rent (BLR) regulations; city of Big Timber separately lists 'Bed & Breakfast Inns' (owner-occupied overnight accommodations with a morning meal) as an allowed/conditional use in residential zones. County BLR rules require sanitation review for units served by water/wastewater and apply review and improvement requirements; exemptions exist for agricultural uses and certain lodging-tax facilities. 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/vacation rentals in Sweet Grass County are regulated as 'buildings for lease or rent' under the county Building for Lease or Rent (BLR) regulations; city of Big Timber separately lists 'Bed & Breakfast Inns' (owner-occupied overnight accommodations with a morning meal) as an allowed/conditional use in residential zones. County BLR rules require sanitation review for units served by water/wastewater and apply review and improvement requirements; exemptions exist for agricultural uses and certain lodging-tax facilities.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sweet Grass County. 1) Determine applicability; if within county (unincorporated) submit the Building for Lease or Rent Application to the County Administrator/Planner with required attachments (deed/title, site plan, narratives describing buildings, water/wastewater and solid waste plans, emergency services, access, and mitigation measures). 2) Pay the stated application fee ($200 listed on the county application); the administrator will check completeness then the governing body (or department/local reviewing authority for sanitation) will review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny (governing body decision within 60 working days after application is complete). 3) If sanitation approval is granted, record the certificate of approval and any conditions with the Sweet Grass County Clerk & Recorder as required.

1) Determine applicability; if within county (unincorporated) submit the Building for Lease or Rent Application to the County Administrator/Planner with required attachments (deed/title, site plan, narratives describing buildings, water/wastewater and solid waste plans, emergency services, access, and mitigation measures). 2) Pay the stated application fee ($200 listed on the county application); the administrator will check completeness then the governing body (or department/local reviewing authority for sanitation) will review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny (governing body decision within 60 working days after application is complete). 3) If sanitation approval is granted, record the certificate of approval and any conditions with the Sweet Grass County Clerk & Recorder as required.

Vrbo is permitted in Sweet Grass 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 Sweet Grass 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 Sweet Grass County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.