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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Stowe, VT

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days and more than 14 days per year. Owners must register each unit separately, appoint a Designated Responsible Person available to respond in-person within 45 minutes, and provide the Fire Department year-round access via an approved lockbox.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the online Short-Term Rental Registration form via the Town portal and pay the $100 fee. 2. Provide property details including E-911 address, owner contact, and Designated Responsible Person info. 3. Ensure KnoxBox access is installed and renew the registration annually starting January 1.

Regulatory Updates — Stowe

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

STR Registration Renewal Process Streamlined

Stowe updated its annual STR registration renewal process, adding online submission options and automated DRP contact verification to reduce administrative burden on operators during peak ski season.

PassedJune 2024

Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax Compliance Reminder

Stowe reminded all STR operators of their obligation to collect Vermont's Meals and Rooms Tax (9%) on all STR stays, with guidance on which platforms remit automatically versus which require operator self-remittance.

PassedFebruary 2024

DRP Response Time Standard Clarified

Stowe clarified that Designated Responsible Persons must be reachable and able to respond to the property within two hours of a complaint or emergency, specifying that an out-of-state DRP does not satisfy the requirement.

Official Resources

Official Stowe STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Vermont ski resort markets including Stowe.

Vermont Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring STR regulations across Vermont and advocating for reasonable registration standards for mountain resort property owners.

Stowe Area AssociationLocal

Local chamber and destination marketing organization for the Stowe area, promoting vacation rental accommodation as a core component of the resort's visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Stowe, VT?
STRs are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days and more than 14 days per year. Owners must register each unit separately, appoint a Designated Responsible Person available to respond in-person within 45 minutes, and provide the Fire Department year-round access via an approved lockbox.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Stowe?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Stowe. 1. Complete the online Short-Term Rental Registration form via the Town portal and pay the $100 fee. 2. Provide property details including E-911 address, owner contact, and Designated Responsible Person info. 3. Ensure KnoxBox access is installed and renew the registration annually starting January 1.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Stowe?
1. Complete the online Short-Term Rental Registration form via the Town portal and pay the $100 fee. 2. Provide property details including E-911 address, owner contact, and Designated Responsible Person info. 3. Ensure KnoxBox access is installed and renew the registration annually starting January 1.
Do I need to register each individual unit separately in Stowe?
Yes. Stowe requires a separate registration for each STR unit. If you manage multiple units at one property, each must be registered individually. Each registration requires its own Designated Responsible Person contact information.
What is a Designated Responsible Person (DRP) in Stowe?
Your DRP is the person designated to respond to complaints and emergencies at your STR property. They must be reachable at all times and able to physically respond to the property within two hours. An out-of-state DRP does not satisfy this requirement.
What Vermont state tax applies to my Stowe STR?
Vermont's Meals and Rooms Tax (currently 9%) applies to all STR stays. Major booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo automatically collect and remit this tax. If you take direct bookings, you must self-remit monthly. Confirm your platform's tax remittance coverage.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction