Executive Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Douglas, Wyoming, but they are subject to comprehensive regulations designed to protect community character, safety, and housing stock. STRs are defined as rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days for lodging purposes and are permitted through a Conditional Use Permit process in residential zoning districts, subject to specific restrictions and requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Douglas, WY

Step 1: Pre-Application Planning

Before applying for a permit, ensure your property meets the basic eligibility criteria:

• Location: Property must be in a residential zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)
• Structure Type: Single-family detached, townhouse, duplex, or accessory dwelling unit
• Proximity Restrictions: Property cannot be within 1,000 feet of any school building or daycare facility
• Density Limits: No more than 2 STRs permitted within one block on the same street
• Building Type: Not permitted in multi-family dwellings with more than 4 units

Step 2: Conditional Use Permit Application

Submit a complete Conditional Use Permit Application through the CityWorks Public Portal. The application requires:

• Property Information: Address, zoning verification, structure type
• Operation Details: Advertising methods, rental type (owner-occupied vs. standalone)
• Occupancy Planning: Number of bedrooms, maximum guests, seasonal operation
• Parking Compliance: Off-street parking provision
• Tax Registration: Wyoming Excise Tax Number for lodging tax collection

Step 3: Safety and Code Compliance

Complete all required safety inspections and upgrades before permit issuance:

• Address number posting (4-inch minimum height)
• Egress doors and windows meeting building code standards
• Smoke detectors in all sleeping areas
• Carbon monoxide detectors where gas is used
• Fire extinguisher provision
• Electrical panel access
• Various other safety requirements per the city checklist

Step 4: Permit Processing

• Application Fee: $75 payable to City of Douglas
• Review Process: Community Development Department review, Planning Commission consideration, City Council approval
• Timeline: Process typically takes 30-60 days from complete application submission

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance

• Annual permit renewal requirements
• Safety inspection availability
• Advertising restrictions (no advertising without permit)
• Tax collection and remittance obligations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Permits and Licenses

1. Conditional Use Permit for STR Operation

   • Required in all residential zoning districts
   • Non-transferable between properties or owners
   • Application fee: $75
   • Source: CityWorks Public Portal

2. Building Permits (if renovations required)

   • Required for properties being renovated to accommodate STRs
   • Must comply with applicable building and fire codes
   • Source: CityWorks Public Portal - Building Permit Application

State Requirements

1. Wyoming Sales and Use Tax License

   • Required for collecting and remitting lodging taxes
   • Application through Wyoming Department of Revenue
   • Source: revenue.wyo.gov/Excise-Tax-Division/sales-and-use-tax-license-applications-forms

2. Wyoming Excise Tax Registration

   • State Tax ID number required for lodging tax reporting
   • Must be provided on STR permit application

Insurance Requirements

• Standard Homeowners Insurance: Typically does not cover STR activities
• Commercial STR Insurance: Required but not specifically mandated by city code
• Recommendation: Contact insurance provider to discuss coverage needs for STR operations

Safety and Compliance Documentation

Required safety items (per city checklist):

• Address posting with 4-inch minimum numbers
• Egress doors opening without keys/tools
• Egress windows meeting minimum size requirements (5 sq ft main floor, 5.7 sq ft second floor)
• Smoke detectors in each sleeping room and common areas
• Carbon monoxide detectors where gas appliances present
• Visible or labeled fire extinguisher
• Clear electrical panel access
• Safe use of extension cords
• Combustibles kept away from heat sources
• Dryer vent systems free of obstructions

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Douglas Regulations

Zoning and Location Restrictions

• Permitted Zoning Districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 residential districts only
• School Buffer: No STR permitted within 1,000 feet (including public right-of-way) of any school building or daycare facility
• Density Limit: Maximum of 2 STRs per block on the same street
• Building Type Restrictions: Not permitted in multi-family buildings with more than 4 units

Occupancy and Parking Requirements

• Occupancy Limit: 3 persons maximum per sleeping room listed for rent
• Parking Requirement: 1 off-street parking space per STR unit in residential zones
• Seasonal Operation: Permitted (specify seasons in application)

Operational Restrictions

• Subletting: Prohibited - no person may sublet an STR unit
• Permit Transfer: Non-transferable between properties or owners
• Owner Presence: Various options including owner-occupied, adjacent owner, or detached operation
• Length of Stay: Fewer than 30 consecutive days maximum

Tax Obligations

• Sales Tax: Collected and remitted as required by state law
• Lodging Tax: STRs classified as lodging facilities by state, owners responsible for payment
• Registration: Must obtain Wyoming Excise Tax Number and register with Department of Revenue

Utility Requirements

• No Separate Meters: Electric, gas, sewer, and water services must be interconnected to principal residential structure
• No Separate Billing: Services cannot have separate meters, service lines, or billing

Code Compliance and Enforcement

• Building Code Compliance: All STRs subject to applicable building and fire codes
• Safety Inspections: Subject to inspection by Community Development Department as deemed necessary
• Advertising Violations: Advertising without permit constitutes violation subject to enforcement under Chapter 9 of Municipal Code

Converse County Regulations

No specific county-level STR regulations were identified in the provided materials. Douglas municipal regulations govern STR operations within city limits.

State of Wyoming Regulations

• Taxation: Wyoming levies sales and lodging taxes on STR operations
• Business Registration: STR operators must obtain appropriate tax licenses and registration
• Building Standards: All properties must meet applicable state building and safety codes

Contact Information

City of Douglas - Community Development Department

• Address: 101 N. 4th Street / P.O. Box 1030, Douglas, WY 82633
• Phone: (307) 358-2132
• Fax: (307) 358-2133
• Website: www.cityofdouglas.org
• Department: Planning & Community Development
• Contact for: Conditional Use Permits, building permits, zoning questions, safety inspections

City Main Contact

• Phone: (307) 358-3462
• Website: www.cityofdouglas.org

Wyoming Department of Revenue

• Website: revenue.wyo.gov
• Purpose: Sales and Use Tax License applications, lodging tax registration
• Online Application: revenue.wyo.gov/Excise-Tax-Division/sales-and-use-tax-license-applications-forms

Permit Application Portal

• CityWorks Public Portal: app05.cityworksonline.com/CLIENT_DouglasWY-public
• Purpose: Submit all permit applications online

Links to Source Pages

1. Douglas Municipal Code - STR Regulations: www.cityofdouglas.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/5245?fileID=4564
2. STR Conditional Use Permit Application: www.cityofdouglas.org/DocumentCenter/View/1517/Conditional-Use-Permit-Short-Term-Rental-Application-PDF-Form?bidId=
3. City Council Meeting - STR Ordinance Discussion: wy-douglas.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ArchivedAgenda/_08112022-757?packet=true
4. City Applications & Permits Portal: www.cityofdouglas.org/198/Applications-Permits
5. Wyoming Department of Revenue - Tax Applications: revenue.wyo.gov/Excise-Tax-Division/sales-and-use-tax-license-applications-forms

Key Takeaway for STR Investors: Douglas, Wyoming permits short-term rentals but with strict regulatory oversight designed to balance tourism opportunities with community protection. Success requires careful attention to location restrictions, thorough permit processing, comprehensive safety compliance, and ongoing operational adherence to municipal requirements. The city's proactive regulatory framework provides clear guidelines for legitimate STR operations while maintaining neighborhood character and safety standards.