Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sturgis, SD

Airbnb listings are allowed in Sturgis, SD, but with restrictions. City zoning code defines 'Bed and Breakfast' as a private home offering temporary (<30 days) accommodations with not more than four units and a daily average of no more than eight persons; temporary residential camping and campground uses are regulated by city zoning (Title 18.05.18). Separately, the South Dakota Dept. of Health requires lodging licensure for vacation homes/bed & breakfasts, so short-term rentals used as lodging must meet state lodging rules (plan review, safety/health standards) and comply with local zoning. 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.

City zoning code defines 'Bed and Breakfast' as a private home offering temporary (<30 days) accommodations with not more than four units and a daily average of no more than eight persons; temporary residential camping and campground uses are regulated by city zoning (Title 18.05.18). Separately, the South Dakota Dept. of Health requires lodging licensure for vacation homes/bed & breakfasts, so short-term rentals used as lodging must meet state lodging rules (plan review, safety/health standards) and comply with local zoning.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sturgis. 1) Complete the South Dakota Department of Health lodging licensing packet and application (including the Lodging Facilities Plan Review Questionnaire and floor plans) and submit plans to the DOH for review; 2) DOH performs plan review and onsite inspection to verify compliance with applicable administrative rules (ARSD 44:02:02/05/06/08); 3) After approval and inspection, DOH issues the lodging license; additionally verify and obtain any applicable local zoning approvals or certificates from the City of Sturgis (zoning certificate/conditional use as required by Title 18).

1) Complete the South Dakota Department of Health lodging licensing packet and application (including the Lodging Facilities Plan Review Questionnaire and floor plans) and submit plans to the DOH for review; 2) DOH performs plan review and onsite inspection to verify compliance with applicable administrative rules (ARSD 44:02:02/05/06/08); 3) After approval and inspection, DOH issues the lodging license; additionally verify and obtain any applicable local zoning approvals or certificates from the City of Sturgis (zoning certificate/conditional use as required by Title 18).

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