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

EXPLICIT ANSWER: YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Thermopolis, Wyoming. However, there are no specific local ordinances regulating short-term rentals at the city level. Property owners must operate under general state regulations, local zoning laws, and standard business requirements.

This means that while you can legally operate a short-term rental in Thermopolis, you must ensure compliance with broader state statutes, Hot Springs County requirements, and general municipal codes that affect all rental properties and businesses.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Thermopolis

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning Compliance

• Verify zoning compatibility: Ensure your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rental operations
• Review building codes: Confirm your property meets all International Building Code, International Fire Code, and other safety standards adopted by the town
• Check HOA restrictions: If applicable, review any homeowners association rules that might restrict rental activities

Step 2: Business Registration and Licensing

• Register your business: File appropriate business registration with Hot Springs County and the State of Wyoming
• Obtain necessary permits: Depending on your property type, you may need building permits for any modifications
• Consider professional management: Evaluate whether to self-manage or hire a property management company familiar with Wyoming regulations

Step 3: Tax Registration and Setup

• Wyoming state sales tax registration: Register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue
• Local tax compliance: Set up systems to collect and remit both state and local taxes
• Accounting system: Implement proper record-keeping for tax purposes

Step 4: Insurance and Safety Compliance

• Secure appropriate insurance: Obtain liability and property insurance suitable for short-term rental operations
• Safety inspections: Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exits meet code requirements
• Emergency information: Provide guests with local emergency contacts and property-specific safety information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Wyoming)

1. Wyoming Sales Tax License (if not already held)

   • Required for collecting and remitting state sales tax
   • Available through Wyoming Department of Revenue

2. Business Registration

   • Register business entity with Wyoming Secretary of State (if applicable)
   • Obtain EIN from IRS for tax reporting

County-Level Requirements (Hot Springs County)

1. Lodging Tax Registration

   • Required for properties offering accommodations for less than 30 days
   • Registration with Hot Springs County Treasurer's office

2. General Business License

   • May be required depending on business structure
   • Contact county clerk for current requirements

Local Requirements (Town of Thermopolis)

Based on the municipal code analysis, no specific short-term rental licenses are currently required. However, general business regulations may apply:

1. Zoning Compliance Verification

   • Ensure property is in appropriate zoning district
   • May require zoning verification from Building Department

2. Building Permits (if applicable)

   • Required for significant renovations or alterations
   • Adhere to International Building Code standards

3. Fire Safety Compliance

   • Meet International Fire Code requirements
   • Ensure proper egress, smoke detection, and emergency procedures

Professional Certifications (Recommended)

1. Property Manager Licensing (if operating multiple properties)
2. First Aid/CPR Certification (for host responsibilities)
3. Local Tourism Training (familiarity with area attractions and regulations)

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Thermopolis Regulations

• No specific STR ordinances currently exist
• Must comply with general municipal codes including:
  • Building regulations (Chapter 5 of Municipal Code)
  • Zoning requirements (Chapter 15 of Municipal Code)
  • Property maintenance standards
  • Noise ordinances
  • Parking regulations

Hot Springs County Regulations

• Lodging Tax: 4% additional tax on accommodations
• General business regulations may apply
• County planning and zoning oversight for unincorporated areas

State of Wyoming Regulations

• State Sales Tax: 4% on accommodations
• Business registration requirements
• Consumer protection statutes
• Workers' compensation requirements (if employing staff)
• Workers' safety regulations

Tax Obligations

State Taxes

• Wyoming Sales Tax: 4% on gross receipts from accommodations
• Must register with Wyoming Department of Revenue
• Quarterly filing typically required

Local Taxes

• Hot Springs County Lodging Tax: 4% on accommodations
• Separate collection and remittance required
• Local tax registration with county treasurer

Important Tax Notes

• Total tax burden: 8% on short-term rental gross receipts
• Hosts are responsible for collection and remittance
• No local room taxes or additional municipal accommodation taxes identified
• Maintain detailed records for tax reporting purposes

Contact Information

Local Authority Contacts

Town of Thermopolis - Building Department

• Phone: Contact through Town Hall at (307) 864-2331
• Email: Contact through town administration
• Website: www.thermopoliswy.gov
• Address: 531 Broadway, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Town Administrator's Office

• Phone: (307) 864-2331
• Fax: (307) 864-3295
• Address: 531 Broadway, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Hot Springs County

• Treasurer's Office: (307) 864-3215 (lodging tax questions)
• County Clerk: (307) 864-2715 (business licensing)
• Address: 415 Arapahoe St, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Wyoming Department of Revenue

• Phone: (307) 777-5235
• Website: revenue.wyo.gov
• Sales Tax Division: sales.tax@wyo.gov

Links to Source Pages

Official Sources

1. Town of Thermopolis Official Website: www.thermopoliswy.gov
2. Thermopolis Municipal Code: thermopoliswy.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TermopolisCode_2021-1.pdf
3. Wyoming Department of Revenue: revenue.wyo.gov
4. Hot Springs County Website: hotspringcountywy.gov

Reference Materials

1. Checkmate Rentals Analysis: www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/thermopolis-wyoming

Municipal Code Chapters of Interest

• Chapter 5: Building Regulations
• Chapter 9: Licenses and Franchises
• Chapter 15: Zoning
• Chapter 12: Peddlers and Transient Merchants

Important Notes for Investors

Market Considerations

• Seasonal tourism patterns: Peak season June-August
• Tourism drivers: Hot Springs State Park, Wind River Canyon, dinosaur attractions
• Property prices: Relatively affordable compared to urban markets
• Competition: Growing but manageable STR market

Investment Best Practices

1. Zoning verification before purchase
2. Insurance consultation with local providers
3. Property management evaluation (local vs. remote management)
4. Tax planning with Wyoming-licensed accountants
5. Legal review of property-specific considerations

Compliance Monitoring

• Regular regulatory updates at all government levels
• Tax law changes monitoring
• Municipal code amendments tracking
• County and state regulation changes

This guide represents current regulations as of the latest available information. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before commencing operations.