1. Overview of STR Allowance in Absarokee, MT
Short-term rentals (rentals for less than 30 consecutive days) are allowed in Absarokee, MT and Stillwater County under Montana state regulations. There are no specific city-level restrictions identified for Absarokee (which is an unincorporated community), so investors must comply with state and county requirements.

2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business
To operate legally in Absarokee/Stillwater County, follow these steps:

• Obtain a Public Accommodations License from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
• Register for state and local lodging taxes.
• Maintain a guest registry for at least one year.
• Ensure compliance with state health and safety regulations (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers).
• Confirm property zoning compliance with Stillwater County Environmental Health (permits for public accommodations).

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
| Requirement | Source/Issuer | Details | |---------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Public Accommodations License | Montana DPHHS | Annual license required; apply via state health department. | | Guest Registry | Host Responsibility | Must keep records for all guests for ≥1 year (Montana state requirement). | | Lodging Tax Registration | Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) | Register to collect/remit state lodging tax (4% lodging tax cited). | | Local Tax Registration | Stillwater County Treasurer | Register for local lodging/biz taxes; remit to county treasurer. | | Environmental Health Permit | Stillwater County Environmental Health | Permit required for "public accommodations" (includes STRs). |

4. Specific Regulations (City/County/State)

• State (Montana):
  • Mandatory Public Accommodations License (renewed annually).
  • 4% lodging tax + local taxes on STR revenue.
  • Guest registry retention requirement.
  • Safety compliance (fire safety, health codes).
• County (Stillwater):
  • Environmental Health permits for public accommodations.
  • Local tax remittance to County Treasurer.
• Absarokee (Unincorporated): No specific city zoning or STR permits identified.

5. Contact Information for Local Authority
| Authority | Phone | Email | Website | Address | |------------------------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Stillwater County Environmental Health | (406) 322-8055 | sfisher@stillwatercountymt.gov | www.stillwatercountymt.gov/184/Environmental-Health | West Annex, 431 Quarry Rd, Columbus, MT 59019 | | Stillwater County Treasurer | (406) 322-8020 | treasurer@stillwatercountymt.gov | www.stillwatercountymt.gov/government/departments-staff/treasurer | 400 E 3rd Ave N, Columbus, MT 59019 | | Montana Dept. of Revenue (Field Office) | (406) 322-8050 | DORPADRedLodge@mt.gov | revenue.mt.gov/home | 444 N 9th St, Suite 2, Columbus, MT 59019 |

6. Links to Source Pages

• Montana STR Licensing Requirements: Trailside Structures Article
• Stillwater County Environmental Health: Contact/Permits Page
• Montana Department of Revenue: Official Website

Key Recommendations for Investors:

• Contact Stillwater County Environmental Health at (406) 322-8055 to confirm permit requirements for your specific property type.
• Register with the Montana DOR for lodging tax compliance before listing your property.
• Verify HOA/covenants if operating within a planned community (though none were identified in sources).
• Maintain meticulous guest records to comply with state registry requirements.

Disclaimer: Regulations may update periodically; verify with state/county authorities before operating.