Overview

• Are STRs allowed in Townsend, MT?
  • Yes. Townsend and Broadwater County do not publish city- or county‑specific short‑term rental ordinances in the provided material. Montana is a property‑rights state with no statewide ban on STRs. In the absence of local bans, STRs are permitted as a residential use to the extent they comply with underlying zoning, building, life‑safety, and public health requirements. Investors should confirm that any STR parcel is in a zoning district that allows transient lodging (or confirm whether a conditional use permit is required).

Important: The only provided local regulatory document is Broadwater County’s Subdivision Regulations (adopted 12/10/2012), which governs how land may be divided and developed but does not expressly authorize or prohibit STRs. State‑level Montana statutes (lodging taxes, sanitation in subdivisions, public accommodation health rules) will apply. Verify zoning, fire, and health requirements with the city and county prior to operation.

How to Start an STR Business in Townsend/Broadwater County

1. Feasibility and zoning

   • Confirm zoning at the subject parcel. STRs must be compatible with underlying zoning (e.g., residential vs. commercial). If you are creating or reconfiguring lots, Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations govern land division, road standards, water/sanitation, fire protection, and easements.
   • If your STR will involve a multi‑lot planned layout (e.g., cabins on separate parcels), review the subdivision process and required standards (see Sections II–IV of the County regulations).

2. Site and structure readiness

   • Life‑safety and building: STRs are subject to the adopted building and fire codes (typically based on the International Building Code/International Fire Code, as adopted by the state and local authority). Ensure:
     • Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable.
     • Emergency egress and posted emergency information.
     • Approved electrical, gas, and heating systems; clear address/rural addressing for emergency response.
     • If the property is served by on‑site well/septic, confirm adequate capacity and compliance with Montana sanitation standards (e.g., 20‑acre minimums and DEQ approvals for subdivisions creating lots under 20 acres).
   • Wildfire interface: For properties in Wildland‑Urban Interface areas, Broadwater County requires enhanced fire protection planning and features (see Fire Protection section in the subdivision regulations).

3. Health and licensing triggers (if any)

   • Montana public accommodation rules (MCA Title 50, Chapter 52; ARM 37.111) apply when offering lodging and:
     • Providing food service (including free breakfast),
     • Operating a swimming pool or spa,
     • Operating a youth camp, or
     • Operating as a trailer court/campground.
   • If any such element is present, licensing/inspection by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) may be required. Confirm current thresholds and contact DPHHS to determine applicability and schedule any required inspections.

4. Fire protection

   • Broadwater County requires a Fire Protection Plan approved by the Fire Protection Authority Having Jurisdiction (local fire chief or fire service organization). STRs inside a fire district or service area may incur Fire Protection Review Fees per the County’s current schedule. Ensure water supply/access meet the County’s Fire Protection Standards.

5. Utilities and infrastructure

   • If subdividing or reconfiguring lots: the Subdivision Regulations control road access, easements (utility and irrigation), water supply systems, sewage treatment, and solid waste. These standards are mandatory for subdivisions creating lots under 20 acres and for significant land developments that involve utilities.

6. Taxes and business registration

   • Lodging facility use tax: Montana levies a 4% statewide lodging facility use tax on the price of lodging. Additional local lodging taxes or resort taxes may apply (some Montana communities levy a local lodging tax; confirm whether Townsend or Broadwater County has adopted any local lodging tax and register with the Montana Department of Revenue).
   • Sales tax: If you sell taxable goods or services (e.g., food, drinks, merchandise), sales tax may apply. Register and remit via the Department of Revenue.
   • Business licensing: Montana generally does not require a separate state “vacation rental” license. Confirm if the City of Townsend requires a local business license (not provided in the documents). If a business license is required, obtain and keep on file.

7. Record‑keeping and guest safety

   • Maintain guest logs and safety documentation consistent with lodging rules (if licensed). Post emergency contacts, property address, and evacuation plans.

8. Ongoing compliance

   • Annual fire protection certification and any required health inspections, if applicable.
   • Timely tax remittance (monthly/quarterly lodging and sales taxes).
   • Maintain on‑site well/septic compliance and any required county checks (e.g., subdivisions created after 12/10/2012 must meet sanitation/water standards).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning verification
  • Confirm permitted/transient use with the City of Townsend and Broadwater County planning.
• Subdivision compliance (if dividing or reconfiguring land)
  • Follow Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations (pre‑application, preliminary plat, final plat).
  • Provide a Fire Protection Plan approved by the local fire chief.
  • Water and sanitation plans per the Sanitation in Subdivisions Act (Montana DEQ standards).
• Building and life‑safety
  • Adhere to adopted building/fire codes (IBC/IFC), including smoke/CO alarms and emergency egress.
• Health licensing (if triggered)
  • DPHHS public accommodation license and inspection (if food service, pool/spa, youth camp, or similar features).
• Taxes and registration
  • Montana Lodging Facility Use Tax registration and remittance (4% base state rate; confirm any local lodging taxes).
  • Montana Sales Tax registration if selling taxable goods/services.
  • City business license (confirm with City of Townsend if required).
• Subdivision‑specific (as applicable)
  • Parkland dedication or cash‑in‑lieu for residential subdivisions (percentages vary by lot size).
  • Noxious Weed Management Plan and weed board fee.
  • Right‑to‑Farm declaration (filings required).
  • Fire protection review fee and annual certification.
  • Utility and irrigation easements; roadway and drainage standards.

Specific Regulations for STRs (City, County, and State)

• City of Townsend
  • No STR‑specific ordinance or licensing rule is provided in the available documents. Investors must confirm zoning and any local licensing requirements directly with the city.
• Broadwater County
  • The County’s Subdivision Regulations apply when land is divided or developed:
    • Subdivision process (pre‑application, preliminary/final plat), platting standards, road access, utility and irrigation easements, and subdivision improvements guarantees.
    • Sanitation in Subdivisions Act requirements (DEQ standards) for lots under 20 acres.
    • Fire Protection Plan and standards for subdivisions and developments (includes access, water supply, and Wildland‑Urban Interface requirements).
    • Parkland dedication rules for residential subdivisions.
    • Right‑to‑Farm declarations and noxious weed management plan requirements.
• State of Montana
  • Lodging Facility Use Tax (4%) applies to short‑term lodging; local lodging taxes may also apply depending on municipality/county.
  • Public Accommodation Health Rules (MCA Title 50, Chapter 52; ARM 37.111) and the Food Service rules if lodging includes food, pools/spas, or special programs; potentially licensing and inspections.
  • Sanitation in Subdivisions Act (MCA Title 76, Chapter 4) and related DEQ rules (ARM 17.36.301 et seq.) govern water and septic for subdivisions with lots under 20 acres.
  • Building/fire codes adopted in Montana (typically IBC/IFC-based) govern life safety and emergency access.

Key excerpts from Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations (for context when subdividing or developing)

• Jurisdiction and process: County governs subdivisions; pre‑application meeting required; element and sufficiency reviews; statutory review timelines; public hearings for major subdivisions (first minor subdivisions are exempt but allow public comment). See Chapters II–III.
• Design and development standards: lot standards, road and drainage, utilities/easements, water supply systems, sewage treatment systems, solid waste, fire protection plan, and wildland‑urban interface standards. See Chapter IV.
• Special categories: Subdivisions created by rent or lease (e.g., RV parks, mobile home parks) require plans (not plats) and must comply with zoning and state licensing where applicable. See Section IV‑B‑3.
• Parcels under 20 acres: DEQ approval is required before final plat approval; water and sanitation systems must meet DEQ standards. See Sections IV‑A‑9 and IV‑A‑10.
• Fire Protection: A Fire Protection Plan must be approved by the Fire Protection Authority Having Jurisdiction (FPAHJ), and annual certification is required. See Section IV‑A‑17.
• Parkland dedication: Percentages vary by lot size; minor subdivisions are exempt. See Section IV‑A‑16.
• Right‑to‑Farm and Noxious Weeds: Required declarations and weed management plan. See Sections IV‑A‑20 and IV‑A‑18.

Contacts (City, County, State)

• City of Townsend (zoning verification; any local business license)
  • Official website: www.townsendmt.com
  • Phone/email: Not provided in the documents. Use the city website to locate Planning/Zoning and City Clerk contacts.
• Broadwater County (planning, subdivision, fire, weed board)
  • Planning Department (Subdivision Regulations/plats)
    • Website: www.townsendmt.com (County information appears on this site)
    • Phone/email: Not provided in the documents. Refer to the site directory for the Planning Department and County Commission.
  • County Fire Protection Authority Having Jurisdiction (FPAHJ)
    • Contact via Broadwater County or local fire service organization as designated by the County.
  • County Weed District
    • Contact through County offices; details not provided in the documents.
• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
  • Licensing for public accommodations (food, pool/spa, camps).
  • Phone/email: Not provided in the documents. Visit DPHHS online for current contact information.
• Montana Department of Revenue
  • Lodging Facility Use Tax and Sales Tax registration/remittance.
  • Phone/email: Not provided in the documents. Visit revenue.mt.gov for current contact information.

Links to Source Pages

• Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations (adopted 12/10/2012): www.townsendmt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Sub-Regs-adopted-12.10.12.pdf
• City of Townsend website: www.townsendmt.com

Practical Investor Checklist

• Confirm zoning allows transient lodging or obtain any necessary approvals.
• Verify fire protection access, water supply, and wildfire interface requirements (and submit the Fire Protection Plan).
• Confirm septic/well adequacy; if subdividing, comply with DEQ sanitation standards and County subdivision regulations.
• Register for Montana Lodging Facility Use Tax and any local lodging taxes.
• If your STR offers food, pools, or similar amenities, contact DPHHS for licensing/inspection requirements.
• Post guest safety information; maintain compliance with adopted fire/building codes.
• Maintain records of approvals, plans, and annual certifications.

Notes

• This guide relies exclusively on the provided Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations and the City of Townsend website. No city‑specific STR ordinance, local lodging tax, or detailed zoning code provisions were provided. Confirm all local requirements (zoning, business licensing, fire and health inspections) directly with the City of Townsend and Broadwater County before operation.