Great Falls, Montana Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Great Falls, Montana, but they operate under a primarily state-level regulatory framework rather than extensive city-specific ordinances. As of the latest available information, Great Falls takes a more permissive approach compared to other Montana cities like Bozeman or Missoula, requiring compliance with state Public Accommodation License requirements while maintaining relatively minimal additional local restrictions.

This guide provides comprehensive information for real estate investors seeking to establish or operate short-term rental properties in Great Falls, Montana.

Whether Short-Term Rentals Are Allowed in Great Falls, MT

Explicit Statement

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Great Falls, MT. The city operates under a state-first regulatory approach where most short-term rental requirements are established at the Montana state level, with minimal additional city-specific restrictions.

Market Context

Great Falls represents one of Montana's more investor-friendly markets for short-term rentals, with fewer regulatory barriers than cities like Bozeman (which prohibits non-owner occupied STRs in residential districts) or Missoula (which requires extensive neighbor notification procedures). This regulatory environment creates opportunities for both owner-occupied and non-owner occupied short-term rental operations throughout most of the city.

Key Distinctions

State Requirements Apply: All short-term rentals must comply with Montana's Public Accommodation License requirements
Minimal Local Restrictions: No specific city-level short-term rental licensing requirements beyond general business license provisions
Zoning Compliance: Properties must comply with underlying zoning designations, but no STR-specific zoning restrictions were identified
Registration Standards: State guest registry requirements apply to all operators

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Great Falls

1. Initial Research and Due Diligence

Before purchasing or converting property, investors must conduct thorough research to ensure compliance viability:

Property Suitability Assessment:

Verify the property is suitable for short-term rental use
Confirm adequate parking availability (typically one space per bedroom, up to four spaces maximum)
Assess property location relative to tourism attractions and demand drivers
Evaluate infrastructure capabilities (water, sewer, electrical systems)

Regulatory Compliance Research:

Review Montana state Public Accommodation License requirements
Understand state lodging tax obligations (8% combined rate)
Confirm local zoning allows short-term rental operations
Research any homeowner association restrictions if applicable

2. State-Level Licensing Process

Montana requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a Public Accommodation License from the Department of Public Health and Human Services:

Application Requirements:

Complete state application forms with detailed property information
Submit proof of property ownership or lease agreement
Provide property specifications including floor plans
Include owner identification and contact information
Pay applicable state licensing fees
Submit safety compliance certifications

Processing Timeline:

Standard processing time: 30-45 business days
Annual renewal requirement
Expedited processing may be available for additional fees

3. Tax Registration and Setup

Required Tax Registrations:

Lodging Facility Use Tax (4%)
Lodging Sales Tax (4%)
State income tax registration for rental income reporting
Local tax registration if applicable

4. Safety and Compliance Preparation

Implement required safety measures to meet state public accommodation standards:

Essential Safety Equipment:

Working smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas
Carbon monoxide detectors for properties with gas appliances or fireplaces
Fire extinguishers (minimum one per floor, properly maintained)
Emergency exit plans posted prominently
First aid kit and emergency contact information

Property Maintenance Standards:

Potable water supply compliance
Adequate wastewater disposal systems
Hygienic amenities including laundry facilities
Thorough cleaning and maintenance protocols
Proper electrical and plumbing system maintenance

5. Operational Setup

Establish systems for compliant operation:

Guest Management Systems:

Implement guest screening procedures
Establish check-in and check-out protocols
Create guest communication standards
Develop emergency response procedures

Documentation Systems:

Maintain guest registry with required information
Implement booking and payment tracking systems
Establish tax collection and remittance procedures
Create maintenance and inspection records

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

Public Accommodation License

Authority: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Validity: Annual renewal required Cost: Variable based on property size and occupancy Required Documentation:

Completed application form (Public Accommodation License Application)
Property deed or lease agreement
Property floor plans and specifications
Owner identification and contact information
Local contact information (required for non-local owners)
Safety compliance certifications
Insurance documentation

Tax Registration Documents

Authority: Montana Department of Revenue Requirements:

State tax identification number
Lodging tax registration
Local tax registration (if applicable)
Federal EIN (if operating as business entity)

City-Level Requirements

General Business License

Authority: City of Great Falls Applicability: Required for all commercial operations Process: Standard business license application through city planning department Cost: Standard business license fees apply

Safety Inspection Certificate

Authority: City of Great Falls Fire Department Requirements:

Fire safety inspection
Building code compliance verification
Safety equipment installation confirmation Frequency: Initial inspection and periodic renewals

Essential Operational Documents

Guest Registry Requirements

Regulatory Basis: Montana state public accommodation rules Information Required:

Guest name and contact information
Arrival and departure dates
Accommodation details Retention Period: Minimum one year Format: Can be maintained electronically or in physical books

Insurance Documentation

Required Coverage:

Property damage coverage
Liability protection for guest injuries
Business interruption coverage
Guest property protection Minimum Coverage: Verify specific requirements with local insurance providers and city licensing authorities

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State-Level Regulations (Montana)

Public Accommodation Standards

Montana's state-level regulations establish baseline requirements for all short-term rentals:

Water and Wastewater Requirements:

Potable water supply meeting state health standards
Adequate wastewater disposal systems
Compliance with local water and sewer service requirements

Hygienic Amenities:

Laundry facilities for guest use
Adequate bathroom facilities
Clean and sanitary accommodation standards

Property Maintenance:

Thorough cleaning protocols between guests
Regular maintenance of all safety equipment
Proper upkeep of heating, cooling, and electrical systems
Pest control management

Tax Obligations

State Lodging Taxes:

Lodging Facility Use Tax: 4% of accommodation charges
Lodging Sales Tax: 4% of accommodation charges
Total combined state rate: 8%

Tax Collection Requirements:

Registration with Montana Department of Revenue
Quarterly tax filing and remittance
Record-keeping for all rental transactions
Compliance with local tax requirements where applicable

Local Regulations (Great Falls, MT)

Zoning Compliance

Current Status: No specific short-term rental zoning restrictions identified General Requirements:

Properties must comply with underlying zoning designations
Commercial and residential zone compatibility varies
No specific STR overlay districts currently established

Operational Standards

Noise and Nuisance:

Standard municipal noise ordinances apply
Quiet hours typically enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM
Guest behavior monitoring and management required

Parking Requirements:

One off-street parking space per bedroom recommended
Maximum of four spaces typically required
Parking must comply with local zoning and safety requirements

Safety Inspections:

Initial fire safety inspection required
Annual safety compliance verification
Building code compliance verification

Guest Management Requirements

Local Contact Requirements:

Local contact person designation required for non-local owners
Emergency contact availability requirements
Response time standards for complaints and emergencies

Listing Display Requirements:

License numbers and registration information must be displayed
Contact information posting requirements
Emergency procedure posting requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Public Accommodation Licensing

Website: dphhs.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-2544
Email: Contact through official website
Physical Address: 1400 Broadway, Helena, MT 59620
Purpose: State Public Accommodation License applications, renewals, and compliance

Montana Department of Revenue

Tax Collection and Registration

Website: mtrevenue.gov
Phone: (406) 444-6900
Email: Contact through online portal
Physical Address: 125 N. Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59604
Purpose: Lodging tax registration, collection, and filing procedures

City of Great Falls

Planning and Community Development Department

Website: greatfallsmt.net
Phone: (406) 771-1254
Email: Planning Department contact through city website
Physical Address: 100 2nd St S, Great Falls, MT 59401
Purpose: Business licensing, zoning compliance, and safety inspections

Fire Department

Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (406) 727-8733
Purpose: Fire safety inspections and emergency response coordination

Building Department

Phone: (406) 771-1254
Email: Building Department through city website
Purpose: Building code compliance and inspection coordination

Links to Source Pages

Official Government Sources

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Public Accommodation Licensing:
- Public Accommodation License Application
- Public Accommodation Rules
Montana Department of Revenue - Lodging Tax Information:
- Lodging Tax Guidelines
City of Great Falls - Official Website:
- City of Great Falls Website
- Ordinance 3168 - Business Licenses and Safety Inspection Certificates

Educational and Industry Resources

Montana Short-Term Rental Comprehensive Guide:
- Checkmate Rentals - Montana Airbnb Laws
Montana STR Regulations Overview:
- Hostaway - Airbnb Rules in Montana
Great Falls STR Investment Guide:
- Jaken Finance Group - Great Falls STR Laws 2026

Additional Resources

Montana League of Cities and Towns:
- Local Municipal Information
Great Falls Tourism Information:
- Visit Great Falls Montana

Important Notes for Investors

Regulatory Monitoring

The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals continues to evolve. Investors should:

Monitor city commission meetings for potential regulatory changes
Stay informed about state-level legislative developments
Maintain relationships with local planning and business licensing officials
Subscribe to updates from relevant state and local authorities

Professional Guidance

Given the complexity of regulatory compliance and the evolving nature of short-term rental laws, investors should consider:

Consulting with local real estate attorneys familiar with STR regulations
Working with tax professionals experienced in short-term rental taxation
Engaging property management companies with STR compliance expertise
Regular reviews of insurance coverage and liability protection

Market Positioning

Great Falls' relatively permissive regulatory environment, combined with its tourism assets and affordability compared to other Montana markets, creates opportunities for both new and experienced short-term rental investors. The key to success lies in proactive compliance, professional property management, and understanding the market dynamics specific to this Montana community.

This guide represents the current regulatory environment as understood based on available information. Investors should verify current requirements with official authorities before making investment decisions or beginning operations.