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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Saint Anthony, Idaho. Saint Anthony falls under Fremont County jurisdiction, which has established a clear regulatory framework for transient rental uses. The county defines short-term rentals as "the rental of a home for lodging/sleeping purposes for terms of 30 days or less in exchange for a fee" and requires property owners to obtain either a Class I (1-15 guests) or Class II (16-30 guests) Residential Lodging permit. Properties renting to 31 or more overnight guests are classified as commercial activity requiring a different permit category.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint Anthony

Starting a short-term rental in Saint Anthony involves a systematic 10-step process established by Fremont County:

1. Initial Assessment and Permit Classification

Determine your rental capacity (1-15 guests requires Class I permit; 16-30 guests requires Class II permit). Properties accommodating 31+ guests require commercial permits.

2. Water Supply Verification

Ensure adequate potable water supply. Municipal water users must provide written verification from the service provider confirming account standing and adequate service capacity. Private/community well users must submit water sampling test results from a professional laboratory drawn from within the dwelling.

3. Sewer and Septic Considerations

Properties connected to municipal sewer require written verification of account standing and system capacity. Septic system users must complete both condition and capacity evaluations using county forms. The Idaho DEQ requires septic tanks to be twice as big as the highest daily flow, calculated as people × 40 gallons per day.

4. Fire Protection Compliance

Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers per manufacturer specifications. Properties must comply with Fremont County's Open Burning Ordinance, which regulates outdoor fires and fire pit dimensions. Post the ordinance in a conspicuous location and inform all guests of requirements.

5. Nuisance Prevention and Waste Management

Implement proper garbage disposal using closeable, and in some areas animal-proof, receptacles. Ensure no noise, litter, or odor extends beyond property lines. Provide weekly waste collection and screen outdoor storage areas from public view through landscaping or fencing.

6. Off-Street Parking Requirements

Provide adequate parking per Appendix C of Fremont County Development Code: one parking space per four guests for transient rentals. All trailers (camper, boat, utility, transport) must be parked off-street. Spaces should be 10-12 feet wide and 18-24 feet long with adequate vertical clearance.

7. Signage Compliance

Install one non-illuminated wall sign not exceeding six square feet and one non-illuminated directional sign not exceeding four square feet at the driveway entrance. Transient rentals must post a contact information sign (maximum two square feet) inconspicuously on the building where neighbors can easily read it.

8. Idaho State Tax Registration

Obtain Idaho State Tax Commission Registration and Travel and Convention Tax Collection numbers. Failure to collect and remit applicable sales and use taxes may result in permit suspension or revocation.

9. Complete Application Package

Submit completed Home Occupation/Transient Rental permit application, inspection forms, verification letters, and application fee. The review process requires 7-10 working days.

10. Final Inspection and Approval

Upon approval, maintain compliance with all permit conditions and be prepared for periodic inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits Required

• Class I Residential Lodging Permit: For 1-15 guests
• Class II Residential Lodging Permit: For 16-30 guests
• Fee: $195 (as indicated on permit application)
• Review Timeline: 7-10 working days

Required Documentation

1. Completed Home Occupation/Transient Rental Class I Permit Application with owner and applicant information
2. Legal Property Description including section, township, range, and parcel number
3. Proof of Ownership
4. Scaled Site Plan showing:
   • Verified access to public road
   • Well location and separation distances
   • Septic/sewer locations
   • Required designated parking areas
   • Setback from property lines
   • Solid waste disposal area
   • Location and dimensions of proposed signage
5. Water Supply Verification:
   • Municipal: Written evidence from service provider of account standing and adequate capacity
   • Private/Community Well: Professional water sampling test results
6. Sewer/Septic Documentation:
   • Municipal/County Sewer: Written verification of account standing and capacity
   • Septic: Both condition and capacity evaluation forms from Eastern Idaho District Health Department
7. Idaho State Tax Commission Registration Number and Travel and Convention Tax Collection number
8. Detailed Letter explaining the home occupation application
9. Eastern Idaho District Health Department/Septic System Form (completed)

On-Site Requirements

• Smoke, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers installed and maintained per manufacturer specifications
• Open Burning Ordinance acknowledgment and proper posting
• Contact information signage (maximum 2 square feet) for transient rentals
• Adequate garbage receptacles with weekly collection service
• Off-street parking meeting county standards
• Address and property access directions posted on interior front door

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Fremont County Requirements

• Guest Limits: Class I permits allow 1-15 guests; Class II permits allow 16-30 guests
• Stay Duration: Limited to 30 days or less to qualify as transient rental
• Inspection Cycle: Septic and well inspections required every two years
• Parking Standards: One space per four guests; all trailers must be parked off-street
• Signage Restrictions: Maximum six square feet for wall signs, four square feet for directional signs, two square feet for contact information
• Noise and Nuisance Control: No detectable noise, litter, or odor at property lines

State of Idaho Requirements

• Sales Tax: 6% total (includes 2% travel and convention tax)
• Tax Registration: Required with Idaho State Tax Commission
• Collection Requirement: Must collect and remit applicable taxes from guests

Safety and Health Standards

• Fire Safety: Compliance with Open Burning Ordinance mandatory
• Water Quality: Potable water supply verification required
• Wastewater Management: Adequate septic or sewer capacity verification
• Wildlife Protection: Proper garbage storage to prevent wildlife attraction

Enforcement and Compliance

• County focuses on compliance rather than punishment for violations
• Water and septic inspections required every two years
• Permit suspension possible for tax non-compliance
• Residential care facilities with 8 or fewer residents require same permit

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Fremont County Planning and Building Department

Address: 125 North Bridge Street, Suite 1, St. Anthony, ID 83445
Phone: (208) 624-4643 (office)
Fax: (208) 624-1320
Email: p&b@co.fremont.id.us
Website: www.co.fremont.id.us

Supporting Agencies

Eastern Idaho District Health Department
Phone: (208) 624-7585
(for septic system evaluations and health department forms)

Idaho State Tax Commission
Phone: (208) 334-7660
Website: tax.idaho.gov
(for tax registration and compliance questions)

Links to Source Pages

1. Fremont County Residential Business & Lodging Brochure: www.fremontcountyid.gov/DocumentCenter/View/646/Residential-Business---Lodging-Brochure-PDF

2. Home Occupation/Transient Rental Permit Application: www.fremontcountyid.gov/DocumentCenter/View/644/Home-Occupation-Transient-Rental-Permit-PDF

3. GoSummer Market Analysis: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/saint-anthony-idaho

4. East Idaho News STR Article: www.eastidahonews.com/2021/06/short-term-rental-issues-plague-a-small-idaho-town-near-yellowstone/

5. Blue Pine Property Management: www.bluepinepm.com/st-anthony-property-management

Important Notes for Investors

• Saint Anthony does not have city-specific short-term rental ordinances, making Fremont County the primary regulatory authority
• The county has been actively permitting short-term rentals with approximately 600 currently permitted cabin rentals
• Properties must maintain residential character and blend into neighborhoods
• Permit requirements are standardized across the county, providing regulatory certainty
• Strong seasonal demand exists due to proximity to St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Henry's Fork of the Snake River, and access to Yellowstone National Park
• Enforcement focuses on compliance rather than punitive measures, though failure to obtain required permits or comply with tax obligations can result in permit suspension

This regulatory framework provides clear pathways for legitimate short-term rental operations while maintaining community standards and neighborhood integrity.