Overview: Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Whitefish, MT, but only within specified zoning districts. Owners must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and a Business License before operating. STRs are defined as rentals of entire dwellings or portions thereof for stays less than 30 days, and they are distinct from hotels, motels, timeshares, and traditional bed-and-breakfasts.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Whitefish

• Confirm zoning eligibility

  • STRs are permitted in the following districts: WB-3 (General Business), WRR-1 (Low-Density Resort Residential), WRR-2 (Medium-Density Resort Residential), WRB-1 (Limited Resort Business), and WRB-2 (General Resort Business).
  • STRs are not permitted in other zones within city limits.
  • Check your parcel via the city’s interactive zoning map (see Sources).

• Prepare and submit application

  • Submit a joint Short-Term Rental Permit and Business License application to the Planning & Building Department.
  • Current application fee: $400 per year (single fee covers both the STR permit and business license).
  • Prior materials referenced a $100 review fee plus $100 + $50 per unit; verify current fees at the time of application.
  • File as a business registration with the Planning Office.

• Schedule and complete required inspections and registrations

  • Fire Marshal inspection: After the Planning Department deems your application complete, the Fire Marshal will contact you to schedule an on-site inspection for fire code compliance.
  • Health and state licensing: Apply for a State of Montana public accommodation (tourist home) license via the Flathead County Environmental Health Department.
  • Resort Tax registration: Register to collect and remit Whitefish Resort Tax monthly.

• Operational requirements and ongoing compliance

  • Off-street parking must meet city standards.
  • Post an emergency contact notice visibly on the front door with owner/manager name and phone number.
  • Maintain current STR permit and business license, renew annually, and comply with fire inspection annually.
  • Report and remit Resort Tax monthly.
  • Keep proof of state tax registrations (Tourist Facility Use Tax and Lodging Facility Use Tax) available.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• City-level

  • Short-Term Rental Permit + Business License (joint application), approved by Planning & Building and Fire Marshal.
  • Annual fire inspection approval.
  • Off-street parking compliance documentation.
  • Posted emergency contact notice.
  • Proof of resort tax registration and monthly filings.

• State/county-level

  • Montana public accommodation (tourist home) license from Flathead County Environmental Health.
  • State tax registrations with the Montana Department of Revenue (Tourist Facility Use Tax and Lodging Facility Use Tax) and verification of Bed Tax registration status.

Specific Regulations (Whitefish)

• Definition and scope

  • Short-term rentals are rentals of entire dwellings or portions for stays less than 30 days. Bed-and-breakfasts, hostels, motels, and hotels are not classified as STRs under this code.

• Zoning

  • STRs are permitted only in WB-3, WRR-1, WRR-2, WRB-1, and WRB-2 districts.
  • STRs are prohibited in all other zoning districts; operating outside permitted zones violates city code.

• Parking and posting

  • Off-street parking standards must be met at all times.
  • Emergency contact notice must be posted visibly at the front door.

• Enforcement and penalties

  • Violations (e.g., noise, peace disturbances, operating outside permitted zones, failure to meet standards) may result in suspension or revocation of the business license and STR permit, as well as other enforcement action.
  • City has dedicated enforcement focus on unregistered (illegal) STRs; there is a position focused on STR enforcement.

Montana State-Level Requirements

• State tax obligations

  • Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for the Tourist Facility Use Tax and Lodging Facility Use Tax.
  • File and remit lodging taxes per state timelines; maintain documentation.

• Health licensing

  • Obtain and maintain a public accommodation (tourist home) license administered by the Flathead County Environmental Health Department.

Additional Operational Notes

• Fee structure

  • Current annual application/permit and business license fee: $400 per year.
  • Verify all fees prior to submission as schedules may change.

• Resort tax

  • Whitefish Resort Tax is separate from and in addition to any state lodging taxes. Owners must report and remit monthly per city requirements.

Contact Information

• City of Whitefish – Planning & Building Department

  • Address: 418 E 2nd Street, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937
  • Phone: 406-863-2410
  • Fax: 406-863-2409
  • Short-Term Rental Specialist: 406-863-1246
  • Website: cityofwhitefish.gov/departments/planning-building

• Flathead County Environmental Health Department

  • Phone: 406-751-8130
  • Notes: Handles state public accommodation (tourist home) licensing

• Montana Department of Revenue

  • Phone: 406-444-6900
  • Notes: State lodging tax registrations and compliance

Source Pages

• Short-Term Rental overview and procedures (City of Whitefish)

  • www.cityofwhitefish.gov/187/Short-Term-Rental
  • Short-Term Rental/Vacation Rental Information (PDF)
    • www.cityofwhitefish.gov/DocumentCenter/View/176/Short-Term-or-Vacation-Rentals-PDF

• Interactive zoning map (ArcGIS Web App)

  • cityofwhitefish.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2efe5bdac0f64c6dba05d709256afd2e

• News context: STR enforcement and unlicensed rentals in Whitefish

  • montanafreepress.org/2023/11/16/whitefish-takes-aim-at-illegal-short-term-rentals/