Purpose: This guide consolidates public information from the City of Rexburg, news coverage, and local HOA policy to help short‑term rental (STR) investors understand the current regulatory environment in Rexburg, Idaho.

Date context: The legal framework and council attitudes summarized here are drawn from 2016–2025 public records and reporting. City policy may evolve; contact the City for the most current requirements.

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Rexburg, ID?

• Short‑term rentals are allowed in Rexburg, but the level of allowance and the regulatory process depend on the property’s zoning and, in some cases, HOA rules.
• City code treats “short‑term rental,” “bed and breakfast,” and “boarding house” differently by density zone:
  • Low‑density residential zones: The city has historically not allowed STRs, even while recognizing that illegal Airbnb operations persist.
  • Medium‑density residential zones: Short‑term rentals and bed & breakfasts are allowed with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and an on‑site manager/owner requirement.
  • High‑density residential zones: Short‑term rentals and bed & breakfasts are allowed by right (no CUP), also with an on‑site manager/owner requirement.
• The city’s current ordinance emphasizes an on‑site owner or manager requirement and has signaled limited appetite to weaken that standard when variances are sought.
• Idaho state law has limited municipalities’ ability to regulate STRs, but Rexburg retains oversight authority over health, safety, and neighborhood impacts.

Key references:

• News coverage confirms Rexburg has an active STR ordinance and council policy discussions, with the on‑site manager/owner requirement as a central feature.
• 2016 development code updates established definitions and zoning‑based allowances, including the on‑site manager/owner language and CUP requirements for medium‑density zones.

References: [RSJ 2025; RSJ 2016; rexburg.org (code)]

Starting an STR Business in Rexburg

1. Confirm zoning

• Identify whether your property is in a low‑density, medium‑density, or high‑density residential zone (or another zone type).
• Low‑density: Not permitted under current code. Properties in these zones operating as Airbnbs are doing so in violation, and the city has historically told operators to cease.
• Medium‑density: Permitted only by Conditional Use Permit (CUP), with an on‑site owner/manager requirement.
• High‑density: Permitted by right, with an on‑site owner/manager requirement.

2. Prepare for the permitting process (if in medium‑density)

• Submit a Conditional Use Permit application to Planning & Zoning.
• Be ready to demonstrate compliance with on‑site owner/manager residency and other operational safeguards.
• Expect a public hearing where neighbors can provide input and the city can impose conditions.

3. Ensure operational compliance

• Maintain an on‑site owner or manager who lives in the unit (or, for bed & breakfasts, a manager on site or on an adjacent lot).
• Adopt parking plans consistent with the city’s expectations (parking requirements have been discussed with “one space per bedroom” as a benchmark standard).

4. Check HOA and neighborhood rules

• Some HOAs explicitly prohibit STRs. For example, Parkside Home Owners Association states that STRs are not permitted within the HOA.
• Even where not prohibited, HOAs can impose quiet hours, occupancy, parking, and occupancy‑related rules that affect STR operations.

5. Track council policy and code updates

• The City Council has repeatedly signaled that the on‑site owner/manager rule is a key control. Proposals to loosen the rule have not advanced.

References: [RSJ 2025; RSJ 2016; PSHOA]

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Operational Guidelines

Key permits and approvals

• Medium‑density zones: Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for short‑term rentals and bed & breakfasts (public hearing required; conditions may be imposed).
• High‑density zones: No CUP required for short‑term rentals or bed & breakfasts.
• Citywide: Definitions and operational expectations apply to all STRs:
  • “Short‑term rental”: Rental for fewer than 30 days.
  • “Bed & breakfast”: Facility with manager living on site or on an adjacent lot.
  • “Boarding house”: Owner’s primary residence renting rooms on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; owner must live in the unit.

Operational guidelines

• On‑site owner or manager requirement (citywide).
• Parking planning in line with city expectations (e.g., approximately one space per bedroom).
• Bed & breakfasts may be allowed “by right” for owners who live on site (per 2016 council discussion), with the manager/on‑site adjacency requirement noted above.
• Low‑density zones: STRs are not permitted; properties operating as STRs are in violation of city code.

Note: There is no indication in the provided materials that the City of Rexburg requires a separate registration, license, or municipal tax for STRs. Confirm with the City if any additional registration or local lodging tax applies.

References: [RSJ 2016; RSJ 2025; rexburg.org (code)]

Specific Regulations by Level (City, County, State)

City of Rexburg

• Zoning‑based allowances:
  • Low‑density residential: STRs are not permitted under current code. Operators are in violation.
  • Medium‑density residential: STRs and bed & breakfasts allowed by CUP; on‑site owner/manager required.
  • High‑density residential: STRs and bed & breakfasts allowed by right; on‑site owner/manager required.
• Definitions:
  • “Short‑term rental”: Tenancy under 30 days.
  • “Bed & breakfast”: Manager on site or on adjacent lot.
  • “Boarding house”: Owner lives on site; provides rooms on daily/weekly/monthly basis.
• Enforcement and policy posture:
  • City has historically asked operators in low‑density zones to cease operations; some illegal operations continue.
  • Council has consistently upheld the on‑site owner/manager requirement and has declined to create broad exceptions.
• Parking expectations: Planning discussions have referenced “one space per bedroom” as a typical benchmark.

Madison County

• The provided sources do not specify any separate county permitting or licensing requirements for STRs. It is reasonable to assume county health and building code requirements still apply to properties used for transient lodging, but consult the county for definitive guidance.

State of Idaho

• Idaho law has limited municipal regulatory authority over short‑term rentals while preserving city oversight for health, safety, and neighborhood impacts.
• Investors should verify any statewide taxation, registration, or safety code requirements that apply to lodging businesses.

References: [RSJ 2025; RSJ 2016; rexburg.org (code)]

Enforcement and Policy Context

• The City has previously communicated that properties operating as STRs in low‑density residential zones are operating illegally, though it has not aggressively pursued enforcement against all violations.
• Illegal STRs persist, but the City has emphasized a policy of community‑driven and risk‑based enforcement rather than proactive, platform‑wide monitoring.
• The City Council has repeatedly confirmed the on‑site owner/manager rule as a core element of local neighborhood protection.
• In 2025, the council again reviewed the ordinance and indicated no appetite to weaken the on‑site requirement; variance requests have been directed to the full council for consideration.

References: [RSJ 2025; RSJ 2016]

HOA Constraints (Private Restrictions)

• HOAs can prohibit STRs outright through covenants. Example: Parkside Home Owners Association states that short‑term rentals are not permitted within the Parkside HOA.
• Investors must review CC&Rs, bylaws, and HOA rules even if city zoning would otherwise allow an STR.

References: [PSHOA]

Contact Information

City of Rexburg (general inquiries and permits)

• Phone: 208‑359‑3020
• City website: rexburg.org
• City Hall (meeting location for public hearings): City Hall (Rexburg, ID)
• Note: Planning & Zoning and the City Council handle CUPs and ordinance amendments. Public hearings are typically held at City Hall; call the main line for current schedules and agendas.

References: [RSJ 2025; RSJ 2016]

Source Links (Where Available)

• Rexburg City – Short‑Term Rentals Information: www.rexburg.org/page/short-term-rentals-information (note: content may require JavaScript)
• Rexburg City – Development Code (definitions and permitting): rexburg.org/pages/development-code
• Laserfiche – City document link (STR info; access may vary): laserfiche.rexburg.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=336030
• Rexburg Standard Journal – “City clarifies short‑term rental definitions” (Nov 3, 2016): www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/local/city-clarifies-short-term-rental-definitions/article_8baa7946-a211-11e6-85a7-93c34c4280a6.html
• Rexburg Standard Journal – “Rexburg City Council reviews Airbnb ordinance – again” (Oct 5, 2025): www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/local/rexburg-city-council-reviews-airbnb-ordinance---again/article_da5f5e4f-edbe-4ddb-aa6c-fe716b9557c1.html
• Parkside Home Owners Association – Short‑Term Rentals Policy (Rexburg): www.pshoa.net/short-term-rentals.html

Notes:

• The official city STR page may load content dynamically; the development code link provides the codified definitions and process references cited above.
• Ordinance text, fee schedules, and any municipal registration/tax requirements can change. Confirm with the City prior to acquisition or launch.