Overview: Are STRs allowed in Harrison, ID?

Short‑term rentals (defined as rentals of less than 30 days) are allowed in Harrison, Idaho. As of 2022, the City of Harrison adopted an ordinance requiring a short‑term rental permit and a business license before operating. Enforcement is active, and violations can lead to fines and revocation of permits. Harrison is situated within Kootenai County; county‑level STR rules were not present in the provided sources. State‑level Idaho rules apply, but Idaho statutes (Idaho Code §§ 67–6516, 67–6519) defer regulation to cities and counties and do not mandate a statewide STR license or tax. A state sales tax registration may apply if you charge for lodging. Always confirm any city or county updates directly with the city.

Key sources:

• AirROI market report noting “Low” STR regulation level in Harrison (2025) www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/idaho/harrison
• Gazette Record coverage of Harrison’s STR permit ordinance (2022) www.gazetterecord.com/news/article_feb6f8c2-c0c6-11ec-9634-872d8126c22a.html
• Idaho statutes (deferral to local governments) legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title67/chpt65/
• Idaho lodging registration/tax guidance tax.idaho.gov/businesses/business-license-and-registration/
• State business licensing guidance (context) business.idaho.gov

How to start a short‑term rental business in Harrison, ID

• Select a compliant property in city limits (rentals of less than 30 days require a permit; 30+ nights generally not considered STRs).
• Obtain a Harrison business license (city requires this for operating a business). Purchase one license even if you hold multiple permits.
• Apply for a Harrison STR permit before hosting. Permits are annual and must be renewed (e.g., existing hosts needed to be permitted by Jan 30, 2023 under the original timeline).
• Appoint a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to complaints within one hour when the unit is occupied. Maintain documentation of contact responsiveness.
• Operational setup:
  • Post a notice in the unit with emergency contact information and the Good Neighbor Policy.
  • No signs indicating the property is a rental.
  • Keep trash out of view except on collection days; use enclosed storage.
  • Do not use RVs, tents, or temporary shelters for additional sleeping space.
  • No marketing or rental for weddings, receptions, or similar events.
• Post‑permit steps:
  • List on platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) with accurate pricing and rules aligned to local rules.
  • Maintain occupancy documentation, emergency procedures, and compliance records.
  • Implement conservative cancellation policies consistent with market norms (e.g., “Firm”) to protect revenue.
• Tax and registration:
  • Consider registering with the Idaho State Tax Commission for sales tax and any lodging‑related taxes if applicable.
  • Maintain accurate records for state/local tax filings and renewals.

Source: Gazette Record ordinance reporting (business license; permit requirements; local contact; signage; trash; event restrictions; enforcement) www.gazetterecord.com/news/article_feb6f8c2-c0c6-11ec-9634-872d8126c22a.html; Idaho lodging registration guidance tax.idaho.gov/businesses/business-license-and-registration/

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Harrison Business License (required before or alongside the STR permit; one license covers multiple permits you own).
• Harrison STR Permit (annual, per rental unit; obtain prior to hosting).
• Local Contact Person designation with 24/7 availability and one‑hour response commitment.
• In‑unit postings:
  • Emergency contact information.
  • Good Neighbor Policy (specific policy language was noted as available at city hall).
• Operational alignment:
  • Compliance with signage, trash, event, and temporary shelter restrictions.
  • Maintain guest records sufficient to demonstrate rules adherence and contact responsiveness.

No special city fees were reported at the time of the ordinance; however, verify current fee schedules with the city before issuance. Sources: Gazette Record ordinance reporting www.gazetterecord.com/news/article_feb6f8c2-c0c6-11ec-9634-872d8126c22a.html

Specific regulations: City, County, and State

• City of Harrison (Kootenai County) – key requirements:

  • Short‑term rental defined as rentals less than 30 days.
  • Permit required per STR unit; business license required for operating a business.
  • Local 24/7 contact with one‑hour response time when occupied.
  • Annual permit renewal (initial permits were valid through Jan 30, 2023 for existing operators).
  • In‑unit posting of emergency contact and Good Neighbor Policy.
  • No rental signage; trash must be stored out of view except on collection days.
  • No renting RVs/tents/temporary structures for sleeping; no marketing/rental for weddings/receptions/similar events.
  • Enforcement: civil penalties; potential misdemeanor charges; permit revocation up to three years.

• Kootenai County STR regulations:

  • No county‑specific STR permitting or licensing requirements were identified in the provided sources. Verify directly if county rules have changed.

• State of Idaho:

  • Cities and counties have authority to regulate land use and zoning, including STRs (Idaho Code §§ 67–6516, 67–6519). No statewide STR license is mandated by Idaho statute; local rules govern.
  • A state sales tax registration and lodging tax registration may apply depending on the nature and duration of your rentals and the property type (see Idaho State Tax Commission lodging guidance).
  • Transient lodging definitions and registrations are detailed by the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Sources:

• Harrison permit ordinance (per unit permits; business license; local contact; posting; signage; trash; event restrictions; renewal; enforcement) www.gazetterecord.com/news/article_feb6f8c2-c0c6-11ec-9634-872d8126c22a.html
• Idaho land‑use enabling statutes (local regulation authority) legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title67/chpt65/
• Idaho lodging registration/tax rules (context) tax.idaho.gov/businesses/business-license-and-registration/
• Idaho business licensing portal (context) business.idaho.gov

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

Primary authority: City of Harrison

• STR permitting and business licensing are administered by the City of Harrison (mayor, city council, and city clerk). Contact the City Clerk or Planning/Zoning department for application forms, current fees, and enforcement questions.
• Public meetings and drafts: A public hearing was scheduled at the Harrison Senior Center, and full draft ordinances were available at city hall (as reported at the time of adoption).
• Annual renewal: Renew your STR permit annually as directed by the city.

Because the provided sources do not include current city phone, email, or website URLs, contact the Kootenai County Emergency Management for initial municipal directory assistance in case city contacts are unavailable, then request the Harrison City Clerk’s office:

• Kootenai County Emergency Management: 208-446‑1300
• City information (general): To be obtained from city hall or the city website (contact details not provided in the sources).

Sources:

• Gazette Record reporting that the clerk and council administer licensing/permitting and that drafts were available at city hall www.gazetterecord.com/news/article_feb6f8c2-c0c6-11ec-9634-872d8126c22a.html

Note: If the city lacks online permit portals, obtain paper forms in person or by mail and verify renewal deadlines directly with the clerk.

Important Links to Source Pages

• Harrison STR market analysis and regulation level: www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/idaho/harrison
• Gazette Record coverage of Harrison’s STR permit ordinance and public meeting notice: www.gazetterecord.com/news/article_feb6f8c2-c0c6-11ec-9634-872d8126c22a.html
• Idaho land‑use enabling statutes (authority for cities/counties to regulate STRs): legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title67/chpt65/
• Idaho lodging registration and tax information: tax.idaho.gov/businesses/business-license-and-registration/
• Idaho business licensing portal: business.idaho.gov

Action items before hosting:

• Confirm whether the city has published updated STR permits, fees, forms, and enforcement processes since 2022.
• Request the full ordinance text and Good Neighbor Policy from city hall.
• Register for state sales tax and any transient lodging taxes if applicable, and set up record‑keeping systems for renewals and compliance.