Idaho Permit Requirements Law: Statewide Short-Term Rentals Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Idaho Code 67-6539
Outright Bans: Prohibited
Reasonable Rules: Allowed
Effective: Statewide

Full Breakdown

Idaho's short-term rental preemption law, Idaho Code 67-6539, bars any county or city from enacting an ordinance that has the express or practical effect of prohibiting short-term rentals or vacation rentals. Local governments retain authority to regulate STRs to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare, including occupancy, noise, and parking standards, provided rules are not so restrictive they amount to a de facto ban. Local permits, registration, and inspection programs remain valid if they treat STRs reasonably compared to similar lodging uses. The statute applies statewide and overrides conflicting local ordinances.

Violations & Penalties

Local ordinances violating Idaho Code 67-6539 may be challenged and invalidated; STR operators denied permits unfairly may pursue judicial relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Idaho city ban short-term rentals?

No. Idaho Code 67-6539 prevents any city or county from prohibiting short-term rentals outright, though local governments may impose reasonable health, safety, and welfare regulations.

Does Idaho require a state STR license?

Idaho does not issue a statewide short-term rental license, but operators must collect state sales and travel and convention taxes and comply with reasonable local registration requirements.

Idaho Short-Term Rental Preemption Limits Local Bans