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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Keystone, SD

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (vacation home establishments) must comply with South Dakota health and safety standards, including quarterly water sampling for private systems, specific sanitation/bathing facility requirements, and maintenance of premises. Rentals are defined as entire homes/cabins rented for more than 14 days per year without an owner present.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Apply for a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) License through Pennington County and pay the $150.00 fee. 2. Ensure the property meets South Dakota health and safety standards (Rule 44:02:08), including water testing if applicable. 3. Renew the county license every three years.

Official Resources

Official Keystone STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Keystone, SD?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Keystone, SD, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals (vacation home establishments) must comply with South Dakota health and safety standards, including quarterly water sampling for private systems, specific sanitation/bathing facility requirements, and maintenance of premises. Rentals are defined as entire homes/cabins rented for more than 14 days per year without an owner present. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Keystone, SD?
Short-term rentals (vacation home establishments) must comply with South Dakota health and safety standards, including quarterly water sampling for private systems, specific sanitation/bathing facility requirements, and maintenance of premises. Rentals are defined as entire homes/cabins rented for more than 14 days per year without an owner present.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Keystone?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Keystone. 1. Apply for a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) License through Pennington County and pay the $150.00 fee. 2. Ensure the property meets South Dakota health and safety standards (Rule 44:02:08), including water testing if applicable. 3. Renew the county license every three years.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Keystone?
1. Apply for a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) License through Pennington County and pay the $150.00 fee. 2. Ensure the property meets South Dakota health and safety standards (Rule 44:02:08), including water testing if applicable. 3. Renew the county license every three years.
Is Vrbo legal in Keystone, SD?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Keystone, SD, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Keystone?
Short-term rental hosts in Keystone 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Keystone?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Keystone. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction