Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Driggs, ID?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Driggs, Idaho with proper permits and compliance with city regulations. Driggs has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits STR operations within city limits while ensuring health, safety, and welfare standards. The city requires all properties rented for periods less than 30 days to obtain a Short Term Rental Permit, and the process is designed to be straightforward for compliant operators.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Driggs

Step 1: Verify Property Location and Zoning

• Confirm your property is within Driggs city limits (city permits are required for properties inside city boundaries)
• For properties in unincorporated Teton County, county permits may not be required, but check with Teton County Planning & Zoning
• Verify no HOA or covenant restrictions that would prohibit short-term rentals

Step 2: Prepare Your Property

• Ensure compliance with building safety codes
• Install required safety equipment (detailed in regulations section below)
• Verify maximum occupancy through building inspection
• Ensure property has adequate off-street parking
• Establish garbage service (required by city ordinance)

Step 3: Designate Local Representative

• Each STR must have a local representative who permanently resides within 20 vehicular miles of Driggs city limits
• This can be the property owner, property manager, friend, or other designated person
• Local representative contact information must be provided with permit application

Step 4: Apply for Short-Term Rental Permit

• Complete the Short Term Rental Permit application
• Pay the $80 initial permit fee
• Submit to City of Driggs for review

Step 5: Complete Required Inspections

• Fire Marshal inspection (if requested)
• City of Driggs Building Inspector verification of maximum occupancy
• All safety equipment must be in place and functional

Step 6: Register for Tax Accounts

• Idaho State Tax Commission for state sales and lodging taxes
• City of Driggs for local lodging tax
• Set up systems to collect: Idaho sales tax (6%), Idaho lodging tax (2%), and Driggs lodging tax (6%)

Step 7: Begin Operations

• Post valid STR permit on-site
• List property on desired platforms
• Implement house rules and guest communication systems
• Submit annual tax report by March 1 annually

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

• City of Driggs Short-Term Rental Permit ($80 initial, $50 annual renewal)
• Idaho State Tax Commission Registration (for sales and lodging tax collection)
• Liability Insurance (adequate coverage documentation required)

Documentation Required for Permit Application

• Complete property information (address, bedrooms, bathrooms, parking)
• Owner contact information and mailing address
• Property manager/company details (if applicable)
• Local representative designation with contact information
• Maximum occupancy verification
• List of all platforms/marketplaces that will collect taxes on your behalf
• Construction/remodeling plans (if applicable)

Ongoing Compliance Documentation

• Posted STR permit (must be visible on-site)
• Current liability insurance documentation
• Local representative contact information
• Annual tax reports (number of stays and tax collected by entity)
• Safety equipment records
• Platform registration confirmations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Driggs Regulations

Permit Requirements:

• Mandatory for all rentals less than 30 days within city limits
• Initial application fee: $80
• Annual renewal fee: $50
• Renewal deadline: March 1 each year
• Permit must be posted visibly on-site
• Non-transferable by sale, lease, or assignment

Tax Obligations:

• Idaho Sales Tax: 6% of gross rental receipts
• Idaho Lodging Tax: 2% of gross rental receipts
• Driggs Lodging Tax: 6% of gross rental receipts
• Total tax rate: 14% of gross rental receipts

Operational Requirements:

• Property must have garbage service
• Local representative within 20 miles of city limits
• Maximum occupancy must be verified by Building Inspector
• Annual report required showing number of stays and tax collection by entity
• Property may be inspected for building safety

Safety Standards:

• Smoke detectors on each level and in each bedroom
• Carbon monoxide detectors if property has gas appliances or fireplace
• Fire extinguishers (at least one per level, including kitchen)
• Emergency exit plans clearly marked and posted
• Address clearly visible for emergency services
• Adequate exterior lighting for nighttime access

Teton County Regulations

County Level: Teton County does not currently have zoning requirements for short or long-term rentals, with two exceptions:

• Campgrounds/RV Parks: Require permits through Planning Department
• Bed & Breakfast Establishments: Require permits through Planning Department

Idaho State Regulations

State Protection: Idaho State Code Section 67-6539 prohibits counties and cities from enacting ordinances that prohibit short-term rentals while allowing reasonable health, safety, and welfare regulations.

State Building Codes: Driggs uses the 2018 International Building Code as adopted by the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Contact Information

City of Driggs - Primary STR Authority

City Clerk Department

• Address: 60 South Main Street, P.O. Box 48, Driggs, ID 83422
• Phone: (208) 354-2362
• Email: kschuehler@driggsidaho.org
• General Email: info@driggsidaho.org
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Fridays and Federal Holidays)

Specific Contacts:

• City Clerk: Kreslyn Schuehler, CMC
• Phone Extension: 2103
• Email: kschuehler@driggsidaho.org

Teton County Planning & Zoning

• Address: 150 Courthouse Drive, Driggs, ID 83422
• Phone: (208) 776-8100
• Fax: (208) 776-8190
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Note: County does not regulate standard STRs, only campgrounds and B&Bs

Idaho State Tax Commission

• Taxpayer Services: (800) 972-7660
• Website: tax.idaho.gov
• Note: Required for state sales and lodging tax registration

Code Enforcement

• City of Driggs Code Enforcement Department
• Contact through main city number: (208) 354-2362
• Email: info@driggsidaho.org

Links to Source Pages

City of Driggs Official Resources

• Main STR Information Page: driggsidaho.org/departments/city-clerk/short-term-rental/
• STR Permit Application (Online): driggsidaho.org/departments/city-clerk/forms/short-term-rental-permit
• STR Permit Application (PDF): library.municode.com/id/driggs/munidocs/munidocs?nodeId=839149ae214b8
• STR Renewal Application (Online): driggsidaho.org/departments/city-clerk/forms/short-term-rental-renewal
• STR Renewal Application (PDF): library.municode.com/id/driggs/munidocs/munidocs?nodeId=839149296a646
• Short Term Rental Dwelling Ordinance 423-21: library.municode.com/id/driggs/munidocs/munidocs?nodeId=4289b9c58b4b8
• City Code and Ordinances: www.municode.com/resources/gateway.aspx?productID=16167

Teton County Resources

• Planning & Zoning Department: tetoncountyidaho.gov/departments/planning_zoning_department/
• County FAQ (includes STR information): tetoncountyidaho.gov/departments/planning_zoning_department/faqs.php
• Teton County Code: tetoncountyidaho.gov/government/teton_county_code.php

Additional Resources

• Idaho State Tax Commission: tax.idaho.gov
• Teton County GIS Maps: tetoncountyidaho.gov/departments/gis_-_mapping/index.php
• City Building Permits: driggsidaho.org/departments/planning-and-building

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of STR regulations in Driggs, Idaho. Always consult with local authorities and legal professionals before making investment decisions, as regulations may change over time.