Overview and legality

• Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Evanston, Wyoming, but they are not “as-of-right” in all zones. The city treats STRs as a lodging use that typically requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in residential districts; commercial districts may allow lodging use subject to zoning and permitting. Statewide in Wyoming, there is no dedicated STR statute—regulation occurs locally through municipal zoning and business licensing, plus state-level taxation.

How to start an STR business in Evanston

• Verify zoning and permit pathway
  • Residential zones (e.g., MR‑E Medium Density Residential—Established): lodging (short-term rental) typically requires a Conditional Use Permit. In 2022, the City considered and approved a CUP for an STR at 805 Sioux Drive in MR‑E, illustrating the city’s process and standards. Confirm your parcel’s zoning with Planning & Zoning before proceeding.
  • Commercial or mixed-use zones: lodging may be permissible under the district’s allowed uses; verify directly with the city whether a CUP is required for your specific property and use.
• Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (if required)
  • Submit a CUP application through the City of Evanston Permit Center (online portal). Pre-application meetings with Planning staff are strongly recommended.
• Complete compliance inspections
  • After CUP approval, you will likely need building/firelife safety inspections. Coordinate inspections with the Building Inspection/Property Standards team to confirm occupancy limits and fire/life safety compliance. Correct any violations before operating.
• Obtain required business license/registration
  • Apply for a City Business License (Application and Renewal forms are available under City forms). If you plan to operate as a lodging provider or host paying transient accommodations (lodging) taxes, confirm whether a separate lodging operator registration is required; the business license application covers the underlying commercial operation.
• Register for and comply with taxes
  • Register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue to collect and remit the state lodging tax and applicable sales tax. Evanston and Uinta County do not publish separate local lodging taxes in the materials reviewed, but verify current rates.
  • Collect and remit lodging tax on transactions of 29 nights or fewer. File returns per state filing cadence (typically quarterly).
• Set up listings, policies, and on‑site compliance
  • Draft house rules, parking and quiet hours, occupancy limits, and guest screening consistent with zoning conditions and city codes.
  • Post required notices on‑site (e.g., egress diagrams, emergency contacts, occupancy limits) as directed by city inspections and licensing.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Zoning and approvals
  • Zoning confirmation from Planning & Zoning; CUP application (if required).
  • Proof of mailed notices to property owners within 250 feet of the subject property (standard requirement for CUP public notice).
  • Final CUP conditions and any operating constraints imposed by the city.
• Inspections and compliance
  • Building/firelife safety inspection checklist and approvals; occupancy determination.
  • Health/safety standards may apply under municipal property maintenance codes.
• Licensing and registration
  • City Business License (Application Form).
  • Any lodging operator or sales tax registrations required by the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
• Taxes
  • Wyoming Sales Tax (statewide): 4% on STR gross receipts for stays of 29 nights or fewer.
  • Wyoming Lodging Tax (statewide): 5% on STR gross receipts for stays of 29 nights or fewer.
  • Local taxes: none identified in the provided material; verify with the Department of Revenue or county treasurer whether any local sales or lodging taxes apply in Uinta County/Evanston.
• Operations
  • House rules, guest policies, and on‑site postings required by permit or inspection conditions.
  • HOA/condo bylaws: compliance confirmation may be required by lenders, insurers, or the city where applicable.

Specific regulations (Evanston, Uinta County, Wyoming)

• City of Evanston
  • Zoning pathway: STRs typically require a Conditional Use Permit in residential zones; commercial zones may allow lodging subject to zoning. The city’s 2022 case (805 Sioux Drive, MR‑E) confirms lodging as a use subject to CUP approval and conditions.
  • Public notice: mailed notice to property owners within 250 feet of the subject property for CUP consideration.
  • Inspections: building/firelife safety compliance, occupancy limits, and correction of any violations prior to operating.
  • Licensing: apply for a City Business License; lodging-specific registration may be required depending on city rules.
• Uinta County
  • No county-level STR rules identified in the provided sources; county treasurer handles property taxes and may administer certain local tax overlays, but none are specifically cited for STRs in the materials provided.
• State of Wyoming
  • No statewide STR licensing statute; local governments regulate land use and business operations.
  • State taxes: Wyoming sales tax (4%) and lodging tax (5%) apply to STRs for stays of 29 nights or fewer; register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and file returns as required.
  • Local tax add‑ons: additional local sales or lodging taxes may apply depending on jurisdiction; confirm current rates and requirements.

Contact information (Evanston, WY)

• City of Evanston – Planning & Zoning
  • Permit Center (online permitting): evanstonpermits-evanstonwy.hub.arcgis.com/
  • Phone: (307) 783‑6370
  • Email: planning@evanstonwy.org
  • Address: 1200 Main Street, Evanston, WY 82930
• City of Evanston – Building Inspection / Property Standards
  • Phone: (307) 783‑6370
• City of Evanston – City Hall general
  • Phone: (307) 783‑6300
  • Address: 1200 Main Street, Evanston, WY 82930
• City of Evanston – Business Licensing (City Clerk)
  • Business License Application (downloadable): www.evanstonwy.org/DocumentCenter/View/3147
  • Business License Renewal (online): secure.xpressbillpay.com/portal/payment_forms/?id=MTg5OTA%3D
• Wyoming Department of Revenue (state taxes)
  • Website: revenue.wyo.gov/
  • Tax types relevant to STRs: Sales Tax and Lodging Tax; register and file online through the Department of Revenue portal.

Links to source pages (if available)

• City of Evanston Permit Center (apply for permits, including CUP): evanstonpermits-evanstonwy.hub.arcgis.com/
• City forms list (Business License Application, other forms): evanstonwy.org/558/Forms
• Business License Application (PDF): www.evanstonwy.org/DocumentCenter/View/3147
• Business License Renewal (online): secure.xpressbillpay.com/portal/payment_forms/?id=MTg5OTA%3D
• Planning & Zoning Commission agenda (Jan 10, 2022) showing STR CUP process in MR‑E: www.evanstonwy.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01102022-390
• Wyoming Department of Revenue (Sales and Lodging Tax information): revenue.wyo.gov/
• City Code of Evanston (municipal code, ordinances): ecode360.com/EV2229

Notes for investors

• Because STRs are not uniformly “as‑of‑right,” properties in residential zones almost always need a Conditional Use Permit, public notice, and compliance inspections. Plan lead time for the CUP process and inspections.
• Even if you operate in a commercial zone, confirm whether any special use approvals are still required and obtain a City Business License before listing.
• Register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging and sales tax, and retain a clear recordkeeping process for filings and remittances.
• If the property is part of an HOA or condo regime, verify that short‑term leasing is permitted by the governing documents; this is often required by lenders and insurers, and may be relevant to city approvals.

Disclaimer

• This guide synthesizes available city and state sources and does not replace professional legal or planning advice. Permit requirements, tax rates, and application procedures can change; verify current rules directly with the City of Evanston and the Wyoming Department of Revenue.