Short-Term Rental Allowance Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Jackson, Wyoming, but with significant restrictions and regulatory requirements that vary by location within the city and county. The regulations are complex and depend on whether your property is located inside or outside specific zoning areas.

Town of Jackson vs. Teton County Regulations

Town of Jackson: Beginning January 1, 2024, short-term rentals (defined as rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days) are permitted in residential neighborhoods with proper permits and compliance with strict limitations.

Teton County: Short-term rentals (rentals less than 31 days) are prohibited in most areas of Teton County, with exceptions only for specifically approved developments and resort areas.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Jackson

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Location and Eligibility

First, you must determine whether your property is located:

• Within the Town of Jackson boundaries
• Within Teton County but outside Jackson town limits
• Inside or outside the Lodging Overlay/Planned Resort Zone

Step 2: Verify Zoning Compliance

For Town of Jackson properties outside the Lodging Overlay:

• Properties must be in approved residential zones: NL-1 to NL-5, NM-1, NM-2, NH-1, R, MHP, and OR
• Limited to maximum 3 separate stays per calendar year
• Limited to maximum 60 total rental nights per calendar year

For Teton County properties:

• Short-term rentals are only permitted in the following approved developments:
  • The Aspens (condominiums and single-family homes)
  • Crescent H "Fish Lodges" (Crescent H lot 8)
  • Golf Creek (condominiums only)
  • Teton Shadows (condominiums only)
  • Jackson Hole Racquet Club Resort Commercial Area (Teton Pines 64 lodging units)
  • Spring Creek Ranch (up to 200 units of the 301 dwelling units permitted)
  • Teton Village Area I (condominiums and single-family homes)
  • Teton Village Area II (condominiums and townhouses)
  • Snake River Sporting Club Resort Area II & III
  • Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Resort (cabins only)
  • Grand Targhee Resort

Step 3: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

For Town of Jackson:

1. Apply for Basic Use Permit (BUP) from Planning Department
2. Apply for Business License from Finance Department
3. Both permits require annual renewal

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Town of Jackson Requirements

Basic Use Permit (BUP) Application Requirements:

For properties INSIDE the Lodging Overlay:

• Standard BUP application submitted via email to planning@jacksonwy.gov
• No annual renewal required
• No neighbor notification required
• Paper applications not accepted

For properties OUTSIDE the Lodging Overlay:

• BUP-Short Term Rentals application through SmartGov Portal
• Annual renewal required
• Neighbor notification within 200 feet required annually
• All applications must be submitted through the SmartGov Portal at: twn-jackson-wy.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home

Required Documentation for STRs Outside Lodging Overlay:

• Completed Submittal Checklist Form
• Narrative description of use
• Rental Dates and Number of Nights Rented form
• Notarized Letter of Authorization or Warranty Deed
• Notice to Neighbors within 200 feet (including HOA if applicable)
• Parking Plan
• Floor Plan

Business License Requirements:

• Annual business license from Town of Jackson Finance Department
• Must be renewed annually
• Contact Finance Department for specific application procedures

Processing Times and Fees

• BUPs may take up to 45 days after application is deemed sufficient
• Business license may take up to 30 days
• Check current fee schedule for specific costs

HOA Requirements

If your property is in a Homeowners Association, you must:

• Provide proof of notification to the HOA of intent to operate an STR
• Obtain written HOA approval before the town will issue a BUP

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Jackson Regulations

For STRs Outside the Lodging Overlay:

• Maximum 3 separate stays per calendar year
• Maximum 60 total rental nights per calendar year (applies to entire property/unit regardless of number of bedrooms)
• Annual neighbor notification within 200 feet required
• BUP expires December 31 annually and must be renewed
• Properties violating STR requirements cannot be issued a BUP for minimum 5 years
• Lease agreements of 30+ days that limit occupancy to less than 30 days are considered short-term rentals and must comply with all STR requirements
• Must submit rental dates form to planning@jacksonwy.gov for each rental period

For STRs Inside the Lodging Overlay:

• Standard BUP required initially
• No annual renewal of BUP required
• No neighbor notification required
• New owners must apply for business license to continue operating

Teton County Regulations

Prohibited Areas:

• Short-term rentals (less than 31 days) are prohibited throughout Teton County except in specifically approved developments listed above
• All other residential properties may only be rented long-term (minimum 31 days)

Accessory Residential Units (ARUs):

• May only be rented to persons employed within Teton County, family members, or guests of the family (guests must be free of payment)
• Minimum rental period of 90 days required
• Violation may result in immediate permit revocation

Family Occupancy Requirements:

• Single-family homes must comply with "family" definition: one or more individuals related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship, or not more than six individuals not so related, living as a single housekeeping unit

Violation Penalties

Town of Jackson:

• Properties violating STR requirements lose eligibility for BUP for minimum 5 years

Teton County:

• Fines up to $750 per offense
• Each day of continued violation is a separate offense
• County Attorney may seek abatement of violations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Town of Jackson

Planning Department (STR Permits):

• Email: planning@jacksonwy.gov
• Phone: 307-733-3932
• Address: 150 E Pearl Avenue, Jackson, WY 83001
• SmartGov Portal: twn-jackson-wy.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home

Finance Department (Business Licenses):

• Phone: 307-733-3932
• Address: 150 E Pearl Avenue, Jackson, WY 83001

Teton County

Planning & Building Department:

• Phone: 307-733-3959
• Address: 200 South Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001

Code Compliance (Violations):

• Phone: 307-733-3959
• Online Reporting: co-teton-wy.smartgovcommunity.com/CodeEnforcement/CodeEnforcementHome

Source Links

• Town of Jackson Short-Term Rentals Information: www.jacksonwy.gov/335/Short-Term-Rentals
• Teton County Short-Term Rental Violations: www.tetoncountywy.gov/653/Short-Term-Rental-Violations
• Teton County FAQ on Rentals: tetoncountywy.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=362
• Buckrail News Article on New Rules: buckrail.com/town-of-jackson-announces-new-short-term-rental-rules/
• Avalara Tax Guide: www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2024/02/str-hosts-in-jackson-wyoming-face-new-regulations.html

Important Note: This market presents significant regulatory challenges and limitations. Properties in Teton County (outside Jackson town limits) have very limited opportunities for short-term rentals, while properties within Jackson town limits face strict annual limits on rental nights and stays. Investors should carefully verify their property's location and zoning before proceeding with any STR investment plans.