Bonner County, ID Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Occupancy under § 12-484(C)(3) of the Bonner County Revised Code is set by formula, not by a flat number. The maximum is two (2) persons per bedroom plus an additional two (2) persons, up to a total of twenty (20) persons, regardless of age. Children count. The maximum occupancy is also limited by available off-street parking as set forth in the section, whichever is less, and § 12-484(C)(6) provides one off-street parking space for each three (3) persons of occupancy, so a lot with too little parking has a lower occupancy ceiling than its bedrooms would give.

The requested maximum occupancy is part of the permit application under § 12-484(B)(1)(d), and the permit has to be posted inside the dwelling unit within five feet (5') of the front door with the maximum occupancy permitted. Advertising for the rental must also state the maximum occupancy along with the County permit number.

If the cumulative total occupancy exceeds twenty (20) persons allowed per lot or parcel, a High Occupancy Vacation Rental permit is required. Under § 12-484(C)(4) that application is reviewed against three standards: adequate evidence that the use and appurtenant structures are arranged to minimize adverse effects on surrounding properties and create no particular hazards to adjacent properties, the Performance Standards For All Uses in section 12-421, and the Planning Director's option to forward the application to the Hearing Examiner or Zoning Commission for a public hearing and decision under section 12-267.

Extra sleeping space cannot be added with temporary structures. No recreational vehicle, travel trailer or other temporary shelter or accessory building can be used as a vacation rental, or with one to provide additional sleeping areas, except structures permitted as Recreational Vehicle Dwelling Units under section 12-496 that are connected to septic or sewer.