Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Teton Village, WY?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Teton Village, Wyoming, but under highly restrictive conditions. Unlike many jurisdictions where short-term rentals are broadly permitted, Teton Village operates under a more complex framework that differentiates between different types of developments and rental periods.

The fundamental rule in Teton County (which encompasses Teton Village) is that any lease or rental agreement, whether written or verbal, where payment or in-kind services are provided, must be for 31 days or more. However, Teton Village is specifically identified as one of the few areas where short-term rentals (rentals for less than 31 days) are permitted, though this approval is limited to specific developments and property types within the village.

This creates a bifurcated system where most residential properties in Teton County must adhere to the 31-day minimum requirement, while certain approved resort developments—including Teton Village—can operate legitimate short-term rental businesses.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Teton Village

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

Before proceeding with any permitting process, investors must first confirm their property is located within an approved short-term rental development. Teton Village is specifically listed as an approved area, but this approval extends only to:

• Condominiums in Teton Village Area I
• Single-family homes in Teton Village Area I
• Condominiums and townhouses in Teton Village Area II

Properties must also comply with building code requirements. Any building within Teton Village that was permitted prior to September 14, 2004, as a single-family dwelling, duplex, or townhouse may still be used for transient lodging.

Step 2: Understand Jurisdiction-Specific Requirements

Teton Village falls under Teton County jurisdiction for land use regulations, but investors should be aware that properties very close to the Town of Jackson limits may be subject to different rules. Always verify which jurisdiction governs your specific property.

Step 3: Compliance with County Land Development Regulations

All STR operations in Teton Village must comply with Teton County Land Development Regulations (LDRs), specifically:

• Section 6.1.4.A Residential Uses
• Section 6.1.5 Short-Term Rental Units (for approved developments)
• Section 6.1.11.B Accessory Residential Units (if applicable)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Note: The provided content does not specify exact permit requirements for Teton Village STRs. However, based on the regulatory framework described, investors should expect to need:

1. Compliance Verification with LDRs

   • Confirmation that the property is in an approved development
   • Verification that the property type (condominium, townhouse, single-family) is permitted for STR use
   • Confirmation that any building permit history meets the September 14, 2004 criteria

2. Potential Planning Permits

   • Basic Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit may be required depending on specific zoning
   • Applications submitted through Teton County's SmartGov Portal

3. Business Registration

   • State of Wyoming business registration if operating as a formal business entity
   • Sales tax and lodging tax registration with Wyoming Department of Revenue

Essential Documentation

Property Documentation:

• Warranty deed or letter of authorization proving ownership
• Building permits demonstrating pre-September 14, 2004 approval (if applicable)
• HOA approval documents (if property is in a condominium complex or has HOA restrictions)

Compliance Documentation:

• Floor plans showing legal bedroom/bathroom counts
• Parking plans demonstrating compliance with local requirements
• Wildlife feeding compliance (bear-resistant trash containers required county-wide)

Operational Documentation:

• Rental agreements emphasizing 31+ day minimums (for properties not in approved STR developments)
• Guest screening procedures
• Emergency contact information and property management protocols

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Teton County Regulations (Primary Jurisdiction)

Minimum Rental Periods:

• General Rule: All residential rentals must be for 31 days or more unless the property is in an approved STR development
• Teton Village Exception: Properties in approved Teton Village developments may rent for periods less than 31 days

Approved Teton Village Developments:

• Teton Village Area I: Condominiums and single-family homes
• Teton Village Area II: Condominiums and townhouses

Accessory Residential Units (ARUs):

• ARUs in Teton Village (if applicable) face stricter requirements:
  • Occupancy limited to persons employed within Teton County, family members, or guests of the family occupying the main house
  • Rental periods must be a minimum of 90 days
  • Guests must be free of payment or in-kind services
  • Violations can result in immediate ARU permit revocation and requirement to remove sleeping, cooking, and bathing facilities

Family Occupancy Requirements:

• Long-term rentals must comply with the "family" definition in LDRs Section 9.5
• "Family" means one or more individuals related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship, or not more than six individuals not so related, occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit

State of Wyoming Requirements

Tax Obligations:

• Wyoming sales tax: 4% on all short-term rentals
• Wyoming lodging tax: 5% for reservations lasting 29 nights or less
• Additional resort district taxes may apply in Teton Village and Grand Targhee areas

Wildlife Protection:

• Bear-resistant trash containers required throughout Teton County (mandatory since July 1, 2022)
• Wildlife feeding violations subject to enforcement

Enforcement and Penalties

Violations:

• Properties listed on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway must comply with LDRs
• Listings advertising rental periods less than 31 days outside approved developments constitute violations
• Each day's continuation of a violation is considered a separate offense

Penalties:

• Fines up to $750 per offense
• County Attorney referral for violations
• Potential abatement proceedings authorized under Wyoming Statutes
• Property owners previously renting in violation may be permanently prohibited from engaging in short-term rentals

Contact Information for Local Authority

Teton County Planning & Building Department

Primary Contact:

• Physical Address: 200 South Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001
• Phone: (307) 733-3959 (Code Compliance Officer)
• Main Office: (307) 732-8200
• Fax: (307) 739-8681
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1727, Jackson, WY 83001-1727

Online Resources:

• Code Enforcement Reporting: https://co-teton-wy.smartgovcommunity.com/CodeEnforcement/CodeEnforcementHome
• Planning & Building SmartGov Portal: https://co-teton-wy.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home

Additional Relevant Contacts

Building Department:

• Inspection Scheduling: (307) 732-5745
• Online Inspection Scheduling: Available through SmartGov Portal

Engineering Department (for grading bonds):

• Phone: (307) 733-3317

Wyoming Department of Revenue (Taxation):

• General Information: Contact state offices for sales tax and lodging tax registration requirements

Source Links

Teton County Government:

• Short-Term Rental Violations
• FAQ - Renting Properties
• Building Department FAQs

Town of Jackson (for properties near jurisdiction boundaries):

• Short-Term Rentals

Regulatory Documents:

• Teton County Land Development Regulations - Section 6.1.5

News and Updates:

• Jackson Officials Mull Changes to STR Policies

Investment Recommendation: While Teton Village offers unique opportunities for short-term rental investments due to its approved development status, investors must navigate a complex regulatory environment. The 31-day minimum rule for most of Teton County creates a challenging environment for traditional vacation rental models, making Teton Village one of the few viable options for short-term rental investments in the area. Thorough due diligence regarding specific property eligibility, compliance with building codes, and ongoing regulatory monitoring is essential for successful investment outcomes.