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Yellowstone County, MT Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Occupancy cap
2 guests per bedroom (§ 27-1005.O.2(j))
Permit required
Unlawful to operate without one (§ 27-1005.O.2(b))
Permit holder
Issued to property owner, non-transferable
Max permits per property
Two, one per dwelling unit
Sleeping quarters
Must be a habitable structure, no tents/RVs
Enforcement
County zoning coordinator, § 27-1704

Summary

A short-term rental permit issued in unincorporated Yellowstone County caps occupancy at two guests per bedroom, whether the unit is rented to a single guest or a group. The limit applies to every guest home or tourist home short-term rental operating under Section 27-1005.O of the county Zoning Code, on top of the permit's other health and safety conditions.

City-specific rules exist: Billings has its own occupancy limits rules that differ from Yellowstone County's county-level regulations. If you live in Billings, check the city-specific page instead.

The issuance of a short-term rental permit allows the property to be rented to either a single guest or multiple guests with a maximum limit of two guests per bedroom.

View official code

Full Breakdown

2(b)). 2(j) allows the rental of the unit to a single guest or to multiple guests, but caps the total at two guests per bedroom regardless of how the booking is structured. The permit itself runs to the property owner rather than the unit, so a permit issued for a three-bedroom guest home caps that home at six guests under this rule no matter who books it or how many separate reservations are involved. 3(c). 4(a)).

Violations & Fines

Operating an unpermitted short-term rental, or exceeding the two-guests-per-bedroom cap, is a Zoning Code violation. Because § 27-1005.O.2(b) makes operating without a valid permit unlawful, the county can pursue the general Zoning Code penalties in § 27-1704.G: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to the state statutory limit or up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of the violation treated separately, plus a possible stop-use order or permit revocation under § 27-1704.C and .E.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay at a short-term rental in Yellowstone County?
Section 27-1005.O.2(j) caps occupancy at two guests per bedroom, whether the property is booked by a single guest or a group. A permitted three-bedroom guest home, for example, can host up to six guests at once under this rule, regardless of how the reservation is split.
Do I need a permit before renting my house short-term?
Yes. Section 27-1005.O.2(b) makes it unlawful to operate a guest home or tourist home short-term rental without a valid permit approved under § 27-1620. The permit is issued to the property owner, cannot be transferred to another person or address, and can be managed by a third party on the owner's behalf.
Can I put guests in a converted shed or an RV to raise capacity?
No. Section 27-1005.O.3(a) requires short-term tenant sleeping quarters to be in a habitable structure and specifically excludes sheds, garages without finished living space, commercial or industrial space, tents, and recreational vehicles or travel trailers. Adding sleeping capacity that way is a Zoning Code violation independent of the two-guest-per-bedroom cap.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yellowstone County

Short-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSignificant RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight Restrictions

All Yellowstone County rules

Compare Yellowstone County to another location·View the Montana short-term rentals overview

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Occupancy Limits in Cities Across Yellowstone County

Billings, MT