Billings to Crack Down on Short-Term Rentals

The City of Billings is taking a proactive stance on enforcing compliance with its short-term rental (STR) ordinance by preparing to send courtesy letters to property owners found in violation of City Code regulations.

STR Permit & Business License Requirements

To rent out your home for less than 30 days in Billings, you need an STR permit and a City business license. Following these rules is important to keep neighborhoods in line with zoning laws and handle the effects of short-term rentals on nearby communities.

Identifying Violations

The City has found over 300 properties that are not following the short-term rental rules such as properties listed with Airbnb, Vrbo, Flipkey, and so on.

To fix this problem and make sure all properties follow the rules, the City is starting a notification process to let property owners know what they need to do to obey the City's regulations.

Importance of Local Contact Information

One important rule for getting an STR permit is to give a local contact who can handle any complaints or problems with the rental property. Having a specific person to contact helps the City and property owners communicate better and makes it easier to deal with any issues raised by neighbors or the public.

Licensing Costs & Renewal

Owners who want to rent out their property for short stays must pay for a City business license and an STR permit. The first-time fees are $55 for the business license and $300 for the STR permit, and both must be renewed every year to stay compliant.

Code Enforcement Procedures

After getting courtesy letters detailing the violations, property owners have 60 days to fix any issues before their property is referred to the City's Code Enforcement Division for more action. Not obtaining the required licenses and permits can lead to civil penalties, with increasing fines for each day the property is not in compliance.

Encouraging Compliance Through Education

Anna Vickers, the City's Planning Division Manager, highlights the significance of outreach and education in encouraging compliance with the STR regulations. Through sending courtesy letters and giving property owners the chance to fix violations, the City aims to promote proactive adherence to licensing requirements and prevent unnecessary penalties.

Proactive Enforcement Measures

Using specialized software, the City compares data from STR websites with its own records to find properties that are operating without the required permits. This method helps the City efficiently identify non-compliant properties and allows for targeted enforcement actions to ensure compliance.

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Acknowledging Responsibility

As part of the STR permit application process, property owners must agree to a set of terms, which include adherence to noise regulations, safety requirements, and limitations on large gatherings. By acknowledging these obligations, property owners show dedication to following City regulations and encouraging responsible rental practices.