Billings, MT Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Billings, MT, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Citation
- Sec. 27-1621, Billings zoning code
- Permit term
- 1 year, renew 30 days ahead
- Local contact
- 24/7 phone contact required
- Revocation penalty
- 30-day rental freeze
Summary
Billings requires an annual short-term rental permit from the zoning coordinator for any dwelling rented under 30 days, with mandatory local contact and building code compliance.
Short-term rental (STR) permits are processed through section 27-1620, Permits, with the following additional requirements: ... B. Duration and renewal. 1. Short-term rental permits shall be issued for one year and must be renewed annually. 2. An application to renew a short-term rental permit should be received by the zoning coordinator not less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the expiration of the short-term rental permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under BMCC section 27-1621, hosts must obtain a short-term rental permit before renting a dwelling for stays under 30 days. The application must list the owner, a 24/7 local contact able to fix problems, all units being rented, and every advertising URL, plus proof of building code compliance. Permits run one year and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration. The zoning coordinator can deny or revoke a permit for unresolved code violations, zoning noncompliance, false statements, or a lapsed business license, and a revoked property must sit vacant of short-term guests for 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Renting without a valid permit, letting it lapse, or violating conditions can bring code enforcement action, permit denial or revocation, and a 30-day rental freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to rent my home short-term in Billings?
What happens if my Billings STR permit is revoked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana short-term rentals overview
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