Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in McCall, ID?

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in McCall, Idaho within city limits, subject to specific regulatory requirements. The city adopted comprehensive STR regulations effective October 1, 2022, establishing a permitting system that applies to all short-term rental operations within the McCall city limits. Properties located in the McCall Impact Area follow a different regulatory framework, requiring only a declaration of compliance rather than a full STR permit.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in McCall

Step-by-Step Process for City Limits Properties

1. Determine Your Property Location

   • Verify whether your property is within McCall city limits or the Impact Area using the city's mapping tool
   • City limits properties require a full STR permit; Impact Area properties need only a declaration of compliance

2. Calculate Maximum Occupancy

   • Standard occupancy calculation: number of bedrooms × 2 + 2 additional persons
   • If resulting occupancy is 11+ persons, you must obtain a Conditional Use Permit before proceeding
   • Alternative: Self-limit occupancy to 10 persons through notarized affidavit with matching insurance coverage

3. Submit Short-Term Rental Permit Application

   • Complete the online STR permit application
   • Application fee: $225
   • Submit required documentation (detailed below)

4. Schedule Fire, Health and Safety Inspection

   • Annual inspection required through McCall Fire Protection District
   • Fee: $270 (includes initial inspection and one follow-up if needed)
   • Additional follow-up inspections cost $75 each
   • Must be completed within 30 days of initial inspection if corrections needed

5. Post Required Notices and Guidelines

   • Display STR permit number in each rental unit
   • Post comprehensive rules notice using city-provided template
   • Include emergency evacuation plan approved by Fire Code Official

6. Establish Tax Collection and Remittance

   • Register for Local Option Tax collection (7% total rate)
   • Either collect through third-party platforms or remit directly to city
   • Payment options: monthly, quarterly, or annually (fiscal year ends September 30)

Process for Impact Area Properties

1. Submit Declaration of Compliance
   • Simplified process compared to city limits
   • No separate STR permit required
   • Still subject to tax collection requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Short-Term Rental Permit Application Requirements

Core Documentation:

• Proof of ownership and property legal description
• Valley County Assessor parcel information
• Property address and bedroom count verification

Technical Plans:

• Dimensioned floor plan showing:
  • Room names and intended uses
  • Location of all egress doors
  • Bedroom classifications per International Fire Code standards
• Site plan including:
  • Parking space locations and count
  • Parking access routes
  • Compliance with one space per bedroom requirement

Operational Information:

• Local contact person details (must respond within 60 minutes, 24/7)
• Property owner contact information
• Business name under which operations will be conducted
• Maximum occupancy calculations
• Proof of established solid waste/refuse removal service

Regulatory Compliance:

• Mailing list and proof of notice to all property owners within 300-foot radius
• Notice content must include:
  • STR property address
  • Maximum occupancy and vehicle allowance
  • Local contact person information and phone number
• Signed acknowledgment of all STR regulations
• Notarized affidavit (if self-limiting occupancy to avoid CUP requirement)

Permit and Inspection Requirements

Primary Permits:

• Short-Term Rental Permit (city limits) - $225 annual fee
• Conditional Use Permit (required for 11+ person occupancy)
• Annual Fire, Health and Safety Inspection - $270

License Renewal:

• Annual renewal required (permits expire December 31)
• Change of ownership automatically cancels existing permit
• New permit required for new owners

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of McCall Regulations

Occupancy Standards:

• Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons
• Absolute cap of 10 persons without Conditional Use Permit
• Final bedroom count determined through fire inspection process
• All occupancy limits must be reflected in insurance policies

Property Use Requirements:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit restrictions: If property contains both primary residence and ADU, one must be owner-occupied or operated as non-STR housing
• No exterior modifications that eliminate residential appearance
• All parking must be contained on-site (one space per bedroom maximum)
• No parking on public right-of-way

Operational Standards:

• Noise Restrictions: No loud music, outdoor activities, or noise audible beyond property lines between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM
• Local Contact Requirement: Designated person must respond to complaints within 60 minutes, 24/7
• Event Restrictions: No events permitted without Conditional Use Permit
• Solid Waste Service: Mandatory proof of established refuse removal service

Safety and Inspection Requirements:

• Annual fire, health, and safety inspection mandatory
• Compliance with International Fire Code bedroom definitions
• Emergency escape and rescue openings required
• Posted emergency evacuation plans in all units

County-Level Regulations

Note: The provided content focuses primarily on city-level regulations. Properties outside McCall city limits but within the county should consult Valley County directly for applicable regulations.

State-Level Regulations (Idaho)

Note: The provided content does not include specific Idaho state-level STR regulations. Investors should consult Idaho state statutes and the Idaho Tax Commission for state-level requirements including state lodging taxes and any additional compliance obligations.

Local Option Tax Requirements

Tax Structure (7% total):

• 3% Base Lodging Local Option Tax
• 1% General sales tax
• 3% Street projects tax (effective January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2026)

Collection and Remittance:

• All STR operators responsible for tax collection and remittance
• Major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Evolve) typically collect on behalf of owners
• Owner verification required to ensure tax collection when using third parties
• Payment frequency options: monthly, quarterly, or annually
• Annual fiscal year ends September 30

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary STR Administration

Amanda Payne
Local Option Tax and Short-Term Rental Compliance Administrator
Phone: 208-634-8929
Email: apayne@mccall.id.us

Planning and Zoning

Meredith Todd
City and Sustainability Planner (Conditional Use Permits)
Phone: 208-634-4168
Email: mtodd@mccall.id.us

Fire Protection District

Captain Ryan Garber
Fire Prevention Officer
Phone: 208-634-7070
Scheduling: Use online calendaring system for inspections
Fire District Address: 201 Deinhard Lane, McCall, ID 83638

City Administration

City Clerk's Department
Phone: 208-634-7142 (for general inquiries and form assistance)
City Address: 216 East Park Street, McCall, Idaho 83638

Complaint Reporting

• First contact: Property's local contact person or property manager
• Response time required: 60 minutes
• Secondary contact: STR Complaint Form (online submission)
• Response time: 3 business days

Source Links and Resources

Permits and Applications

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application
• Declaration of Compliance (Impact Area)
• Conditional Use Permit Application

Technical Requirements

• Sample Short-Term Rental Guidelines Form (PDF)
• Safety Pre-Inspection Check Sheet (PDF)
• Egress Window Requirements (PDF)
• Example Floor Plan (PDF)
• Site Plan Instructions (PDF)
• Occupancy Self-Limitation Affidavit (PDF)

Mapping and Location Tools

• City Limits vs. Impact Area Map
• 300-Foot Radius Property Mapping Tool
• County Assessor Property Information

Tax and Compliance

• Local Option Tax Voucher
• Short-Term Rental Database (XLSX)
• STR Complaint Form

Fire Department Resources

• Fire Department STR Information
• STR Pre-Inspection Checklist (PDF)
• Schedule Fire Inspection
• Schedule Phone Consultation

Municipal Code References

• McCall City Code Title 3.13.036 & 3.13.09
• McCall City Code Title 4.13
• Title 4.1.1 STR Permit Requirement

Educational Resources

• Short-Term Rental FAQ
• "Be a Good Neighbor" Flyer (PDF)

Important Disclaimers for Investors:

• All regulations subject to change through city council action
• Current fee structure established by city council resolution and may change
• Compliance with all requirements mandatory before advertising or operating
• Annual renewal required with potential for permit revocation for non-compliance
• Insurance coverage must match stated occupancy limits
• Local contact person must be available 24/7 during rental periods