Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Douglas County, SD

Airbnb listings are allowed in Douglas County, SD, but with restrictions. Short-term lodging uses such as bed and breakfasts are classified as conditional uses requiring Board of Adjustment approval. Requirements include a detailed site plan, public notice (mailed, published, and posted), and a public hearing; the Board may impose specific conditions regarding parking, utilities, and compatibility. 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 lodging uses such as bed and breakfasts are classified as conditional uses requiring Board of Adjustment approval. Requirements include a detailed site plan, public notice (mailed, published, and posted), and a public hearing; the Board may impose specific conditions regarding parking, utilities, and compatibility.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Douglas County. 1) Submit a written conditional use application to the Zoning Administrator signed by the owner, including a scaled site plan showing property lines and structures. 2) Attend a public hearing before the Board of Adjustment following a 10-day public notice period. 3) Upon approval, obtain a building permit for the change of use and pay all established fees.

1) Submit a written conditional use application to the Zoning Administrator signed by the owner, including a scaled site plan showing property lines and structures. 2) Attend a public hearing before the Board of Adjustment following a 10-day public notice period. 3) Upon approval, obtain a building permit for the change of use and pay all established fees.

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