Jackson Hole Short-Term Rental Regulations

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Basic Use Permit (BUP) and Business License

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Short-term rentals are prohibited in most of Teton County; only specific approved resort developments and, within the Town of Jackson, the Lodging Overlay plus listed residential zones (NL-1 to NL-5, NM-1, NM-2, NH-1, R, MHP, OR) are eligible.

Application Process

Town of Jackson: obtain both a Business License from the Finance Department and a Basic Use Permit (BUP) from the Planning Department. Inside the Lodging Overlay, the BUP is a one-time approval submitted by email to [email protected]. Outside the Lodging Overlay (residential zones), a BUP-Short Term Rentals is filed through the SmartGov Portal, expires each December 31, and must be renewed annually with neighbor noticing. BUPs may take up to 45 days after the application is deemed sufficient; business licenses up to 30 days.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Rental Limits

Jackson Hole annual day limit: Up to 60 nights/year in Town of Jackson residential zones; unrestricted in resort/overlay zones and unincorporated Teton County.

Zoning & Restrictions

Teton County: STRs of less than 31 days are prohibited countywide except in specific resort developments approved before May 9, 1994 (The Aspens, Crescent H, Golf Creek, Teton Shadows, Teton Pines, Spring Creek Ranch, Teton Village Areas I & II, Snake River Sporting Club, Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis, and Grand Targhee). Town of Jackson: inside the Lodging Overlay / Planned Resort Zone STRs need a one-time Basic Use Permit; outside it, STRs are allowed only in zones NL-1 to NL-5, NM-1, NM-2, NH-1, R, MHP, and OR, capped at 3 stays and 60 nights per year with annual BUP renewal and neighbor noticing.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Jackson Hole does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Town of Jackson residential STRs require annual neighbor notification within 200' of the STR property each year of operation
• STRs within a Homeowner's Association must provide the HOA proof of notification of intent to use the property as a short-term rental

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalty: $750 per offense per day (Teton County); minimum 5-year BUP ineligibility (Town of Jackson).

Platform Requirements

Listings on Vrbo, HomeAway, or Airbnb that violate the regulations are forwarded to the County Attorney as a violation of the Teton County Land Development Regulations

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Jackson Hole:

1. Meet safety requirements. Town of Jackson residential STRs require annual neighbor notification within 200' of the STR property each year of operation. STRs within a Homeowner's Association must provide the HOA proof of notification of intent to use the property as a short-term rental.
2. Apply for Basic Use Permit (BUP) and Business License. Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Wyoming Department of Revenue (state sales tax); Wyoming Office of Tourism and Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board (lodging tax).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Jackson Hole?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Jackson Hole requires a Basic Use Permit (BUP) and Business License.

Does Jackson Hole require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Jackson Hole allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole's annual rental limit depends on the situation: Up to 60 nights/year in Town of Jackson residential zones; unrestricted in resort/overlay zones and unincorporated Teton County.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Jackson Hole?

Short-term rental stays in Jackson Hole are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 4% Wyoming State Sales Tax + 3% Teton County Local Sales Tax + 5% (3% Wyoming Office of Tourism + 2% retained by Teton County) Wyoming Statewide Lodging Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.