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

Short-term and vacation rentals in Meridian are governed primarily by Idaho state law rather than a restrictive local licensing scheme. Idaho Code section 67-6539 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,' and that 'a short-term rental or vacation rental shall be classified as a residential land use for zoning purposes subject to all zoning requirements applicable thereto.' Cities retain authority to 'implement such reasonable regulations as it deems necessary to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare in order to protect the integrity of residential neighborhoods.' This means Meridian cannot ban short-term rentals outright and must treat them as residential uses, but it may apply generally applicable rules such as building, fire, life-safety, parking, and nuisance standards, and the city's noise ordinance (6-3-6) still applies to rental guests. In 2026, Idaho enacted House Bill 583, which the governor signed in March 2026 (effective July 1, 2026), further limiting local governments' ability to impose permits, fees, and density caps that have the practical effect of making short-term rentals unworkable. Operators should also note Idaho requires collection of applicable state and local sales and lodging taxes. Because the regulatory landscape is shifting, hosts should confirm current Meridian requirements with the city before listing.