Idaho Falls, ID Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

The City of Idaho Falls treats short-term rentals (rentals of less than 30 days, typically booked through Airbnb or VRBO) as a permitted residential use rather than a separately licensed business. The city's Community Development Services Short-Term Rentals FAQ answers the question of whether an operator must notify the city or file an application directly: "Because the use is a permitted use in any zone that allows a residential use the city does not require an operator to submit an application for review." The same FAQ confirms that "Short term rentals are allowed in all zones where residential uses are also allowed." There is no Idaho Falls STR license, conditional-use permit, registration number, or inspection requirement before a host begins renting. This light-touch approach reflects Idaho Code 67-6539, which provides that "Neither a county nor a city may enact or enforce any ordinance that has the express or practical effect of prohibiting short-term rentals or vacation rentals," while allowing only "reasonable regulations... to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare." Operators are still responsible for ongoing compliance with generally applicable city rules. The FAQ stresses that "as the property owner they are responsible to ensure that their property is in continued compliance with city regulations," including property maintenance, legal parking, and nuisance issues such as noise. A short-term rental also may not occupy an accessory structure not designed for human habitation, and may not operate from a recreational vehicle or travel trailer except in an approved travel trailer court.