Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Ashton, Idaho

Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ashton, Idaho. The city has enacted specific regulations requiring licensing and compliance with safety standards. Investors can operate legitimate STR businesses within the city limits, though they must navigate specific municipal requirements that include registration, safety equipment, and operational guidelines.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ashton

Step 1: Understand Your Property's Eligibility

Before proceeding, ensure your property meets Ashton's basic requirements:

• Only homes or other business buildings may be used as short-term rentals
• Recreational vehicles, travel trailers, tents, or temporary shelters are explicitly prohibited
• Properties must have functional windows for emergency egress

Step 2: Obtain City Registration

• Deadline: Registration must be completed by September 30 (for existing operators) or before beginning operations (for new ventures)
• Process: Contact Ashton City Clerk Cathy Stegelmeier to obtain registration materials
• Cost: $50 for the first year, $25 for each subsequent year

Step 3: Prepare Required Information

Your permit application must include:

• Name of local representative and telephone number where they can be reached
• Property owner name and telephone number
• Maximum number of occupants permitted to stay in the dwelling
• Solid waste and recycling collection day information

Step 4: Install Required Safety Equipment

• Fire extinguisher in each unit
• Smoke alarms in each room and on each floor
• Carbon monoxide detectors in each room and on each floor
• Ensure all windows are functional for emergency egress

Step 5: Establish Local Representation

• Appoint a local representative who must be within 20 miles of the property
• Ensure this representative can respond promptly to issues

Step 6: Maintain Compliance

• Monitor for violations: two warnings permitted, but a third violation in one year can result in license revocation
• Keep registration current with annual renewals
• Maintain all safety equipment in working order

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Municipal Requirements

1. Ashton Short-Term Rental License

   • Initial registration: $50
   • Annual renewal: $25
   • Contact: City Clerk Cathy Stegelmeier

2. Property Information Form

   • Property address and description
   • Owner and local representative contact details
   • Maximum occupancy limits
   • Waste collection schedule

State-Level Considerations

While Ashton has specific local regulations, Idaho state law provides the framework that allows short-term rentals. The state permits STRs and prevents cities from banning them entirely, though municipalities can impose reasonable regulations for community safety.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Ashton Regulations

Property Types:

• Only homes and business buildings permitted
• No recreational vehicles, travel trailers, tents, or temporary shelters

Safety Requirements:

• Fire extinguisher required in each unit
• Smoke alarms required in each room and on each floor
• Carbon monoxide detectors required in each room and on each floor
• Windows must be functional for emergency egress

Operational Requirements:

• Local representative must be within 20 miles
• Maximum occupancy limits must be specified
• Solid waste and recycling collection information required

Enforcement:

• Two warnings permitted for violations
• Third violation in one year can result in license revocation
• City tracks STR locations for police awareness

Zoning Considerations: Planning and Zoning has recommended expanding residential use along Main Street in the Community Core Zone, which would allow:

• Residential use on first floor as accessory to commercial operations
• Residential use limited to less than 50% of building square footage
• Additional parking requirements for residential units

County and State Regulations

Fremont County and Idaho state regulations primarily defer to local municipal control for short-term rental operations. State law ensures the right to operate STRs while allowing municipalities to implement reasonable safety and operational regulations.

Contact Information

City of Ashton

Primary Contact:

• Ashton City Clerk: Cathy Stegelmeier
• Phone: (Contact city hall for direct number)
• Email: Not specified in provided materials
• Physical Address: City Hall, Ashton, ID
• Website: Not specified in provided materials

Ashton Planning and Zoning:

• Administrator: Sara Bowersox
• Phone: (Contact city hall for direct number)

Ashton Police Department:

• Phone: (Contact city hall for direct number)
• Must be included in STR permit information

City Services:

• Solid Waste and Recycling: Contact city for collection schedules
• Emergency Services: 911

Additional Resources

Regional Planning Support:

• Upper Valley regional planning resources
• Rexburg Standard Journal (local news source for updates)

Important Considerations for Investors

Current Market Landscape

As of the provided information:

• 17 Airbnbs currently operating in Ashton
• 3 located in Main Street buildings (classified as residential homes)
• Airbnb lists 326 rentals in and around Ashton starting at $139/night
• VRBO lists 221 properties starting at $184/night

Financial Projections

While specific revenue data isn't provided, the market shows active demand with properties achieving nightly rates in the $139-$184 range, suggesting potential for profitable operations given Ashton's tourist-oriented economy.

Regulatory Compliance Priority

The city's proactive approach to STR regulation indicates a business-friendly environment with clear rules. The registration requirement helps legitimize operations while providing the city with necessary oversight information.

Source References

1. Ashton short-term rental owners must register by Sept. 30 - Primary source for STR regulations and registration requirements

2. Ashton Planning and Zoning recommends expanding residential use along Main Street - Planning and zoning considerations affecting STR operations

3. Proper Insurance - Idaho STR Coverage - General Idaho STR insurance framework (includes Ashton coverage)

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided source materials and reflects regulations as reported at the time of publication. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making business decisions.