Polson, MT Now Requires STR Permits: What Airbnb Hosts Must Do

Short-term rental hosts in Polson, Montana, now have a new obligation: get a city permit or operate without legal standing. The Polson City Commission approved the second reading of an ordinance creating a mandatory short-term rental permit on September 21, 2026, a move that brings Airbnbs and other vacation rentals under city oversight for the first time. If you rent out your home in Polson, this is no longer optional.

What the Commission Actually Passed

The ordinance establishes what city officials describe as a "simple annual verification" permit. It is not a sweeping crackdown on the industry. The focus is narrow: public health, life safety, emergency contact information, and tracking who is operating short-term rentals within city limits. Commissioner Lisa Rehard, who moved to approve the ordinance, framed the stakes plainly: the city currently lacks jurisdiction over these rentals, and approving this will allow them to ensure people coming to the city are safe.

The vote was not unanimous in spirit, even if the motion carried. Commissioners Jen Ruggless and Carolyn Pardini had pushed to table the item at the start of the meeting, arguing the commission had not received sufficient public comment. Pardini went further, saying she had spent considerable time speaking with the City of Columbia Falls and believes the fee should be higher. The motion to table failed, and the ordinance moved forward.

The Fee Is $30, But It May Not Stay That Way

The current annual permit fee is $30. That number already has a target on it. Commissioner Pardini said openly during the meeting that the fee does not cover the staff time required to complete the permit paperwork, calling it a major concern. Community Development Director Rob Edington and Mayor Laura Dever both signaled that changes, including a fee increase, could come once the permit system is established.

In other words: lock in the $30 rate while you can. Hosts who get ahead of this now will be compliant at the lowest possible cost. Those who wait may face a higher fee when the city revisits the schedule.

What This Means for Hosts Operating Today

At least one Polson host is already on board. Local resident Lisa Linnenkohl, who rents out her home as a short-term rental, spoke during public comment and said she "strongly" supports the ordinance. She noted she already complies with county and state requirements and called it reasonable for the city to have a permit as well. Her position reflects the reality for many hosts: city registration is simply the next layer in a compliance stack that already exists.

On the tax side, hosts should know that both Airbnb and VRBO collect lodging tax on your behalf in Polson, but manual tax submission is still required. The local accommodation tax rate is 8%. A Seller's Permit is also required to operate legally. The new city permit adds to, rather than replaces, these existing obligations.

What Hosts Should Do Right Now

• Watch for the city's official rollout of the permit application process. The ordinance has passed its second reading and is moving toward enactment.
• Budget for the $30 annual fee now, and expect that figure to rise in a future revision.
• Make sure your emergency contact information is current and ready to submit. That is a core requirement of the new permit.
• Confirm you have a Seller's Permit and that your lodging tax obligations are being met, including any manual submission requirements beyond what your platform collects.
• Stay tuned to city communications. Officials have indicated they plan to bring more details to this permit as it is implemented.

For the complete Polson compliance guide including tax calculator, checklist, and daily monitoring, see Polson, MT STR Regulations.