Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Bigfork?

• Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Bigfork, but Bigfork has no municipal STR regulations. As an unincorporated area of Flathead County, STRs are governed by county zoning rules and state health/tax requirements. Whether a permit is needed—and what type—depends on your property’s zoning and location within specific sub‑areas (e.g., Canyon Areas under CALURS).
• Bottom line: You may operate as-of-right in unzoned areas and in designated “permitted” zones (see zoning table below), but most zoned areas require an administrative conditional use permit (CUP). Properties within certain canyon sub‑areas follow CALURS (Canyon Area Land Use Regulations): exempt in Upper Canyon, minor land use review in Middle Canyon. State licensing and taxes still apply in all cases.

How to start an STR business in Bigfork (step‑by‑step)

1. Verify zoning and regulatory path

• Determine your parcel’s zoning using Flathead County resources (e.g., Planning & Zoning office).
• In CALURS areas: Upper Canyon = exempt; Middle Canyon = minor land use review (up to ~30 days).
• In FCZR (Flathead County Zoning Regulations) areas: many zones require an administrative CUP; some zones allow STRs as permitted uses (subject to performance standards). Unzoned areas require no county planning permit.

2. Choose the correct county review track

• Administrative CUP (most FCZR zones): application, agency referrals, neighbor notice within 150 feet, ~2‑week comment period, staff decision within ~10 working days. Up to ~1½ months total if no complications.
• CALURS Minor Land Use Review (Middle Canyon): administrative, no neighbor notification, ~30 days.
• Permitted Use (RR, B‑2, B‑4, BM‑1, BM‑2, BR‑2, BR‑4, CVR, SC, NF): no CUP needed, but you must comply with STR performance standards.

3. Secure state licensing

• Obtain a Montana Public Accommodation License from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Annual license and annual inspection required.

4. Set up tax compliance

• Register for Montana Revenue lodging facility use tax and sales tax to collect and remit lodging taxes. Filing frequency depends on volume (monthly/quarterly). Platforms may collect certain taxes automatically for bookings through their systems; direct bookings require you to collect and remit.

5. Document capacity and infrastructure

• Verify septic capacity and water/wastewater compliance. If on a private well, follow testing requirements. Confirm parking and access meet county performance standards.

6. Implement safety and operations

• Install/maintain required safety equipment (smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguisher), post emergency info, and maintain a guest register for at least one year.

7. File, renew, and maintain

• File tax returns on schedule, renew the Public Accommodation License annually, and keep all permits/compliance documentation current.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• County (as applicable)
  • Administrative Conditional Use Permit (FCZR) for most zoned areas not listed as permitted uses.
  • CALURS Minor Land Use Review (Middle Canyon); CALURS Exempt (Upper Canyon).
  • Compliance with performance standards (FCZR Section 5.11) and CALURS Performance Standards.
• State (Montana)
  • Public Accommodation License (DPHHS): annual license; annual inspection.
  • Montana lodging facility use tax registration and sales tax registration (Montana Revenue).
  • Guest register (names/contact), stored ≥1 year, available for inspection.
• Local/site compliance
  • Proof of potable water and adequate wastewater/septic capacity for intended occupancy.
  • Fire safety equipment records (detectors, extinguishers).
  • Parking plan meeting county standards (if applicable).

Specific regulations by jurisdiction

• Bigfork (municipal): No municipal STR regulations. Bigfork is unincorporated; follow Flathead County and state rules.

• Flathead County (zoning—FCZR and CALURS)

  • Definitions and scope: STR = residential use for <30 days; also called vacation rental, tourist accommodation, or resort dwelling.
  • CALURS areas: Upper Canyon = exempt; Middle Canyon = minor land use review (≤30 days, administrative, no neighbor notice).
  • FCZR zones—permit requirements and notes:
    • Require administrative CUP: AG, SAG, R, RA, RC, B‑3, B‑5, B‑6, AL, LBL, LL, LS, RL, WV.
    • Permitted uses (CUP not required, but must meet performance standards): RR, B‑2, B‑4, BM‑1, BM‑2, BR‑2, BR‑4, CVR, SC, NF.
    • Prohibited/not allowed: All other zones.
  • Performance standards: Apply in all STRs; see FCZR Section 5.11 and CALURS Performance Standards.
  • Review timelines: CUP up to ~1½ months; CALURS minor land use ~30 days.
  • Neighbor notification: For CUPs, notices to property owners within 150 feet; ~2‑week comment period.
  • Unzoned areas: No county planning permit required from Planning & Zoning.

• State (Montana)

  • Public Accommodation License: Required; health/safety baseline; annual inspection.
  • Lodging taxes: State lodging facility use tax and sales tax apply to STRs for stays ≤29 days; register and file returns with Montana Revenue.
  • Guest register: Maintain records ≥1 year; available to health officials.

Key contact information

• Flathead County Planning & Zoning (STR permits and zoning)
  • Phone: (406) 751‑8200
  • Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., M–F
  • Planner on Duty: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., M–F
  • Location: 40 11th Street West, Suite 220, Kalispell, MT 59901
  • Note: Staff may pause reviews if applicant responses to concerns are needed; unresolved cases go to Board of Adjustment.

Source links (direct references)

• Flathead County Planning & Zoning – Short‑Term Rentals: flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/planning-zoning/short-term-rentals
• The Offer Sheet – Bigfork MT STR Regulations: local.theoffersheet.com/legal/bigfork-mt/
• GoSummer – Vacation Rental Management in Bigfork, MT: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/bigfork-montana
• Bigfork Eagle – Article on STRs/housing policy context: bigforkeagle.com/news/2025/apr/02/vacation-rentals-are-destroying-montanas-housing-market/

Practical notes for investors

• Many lakefront and lakeshore parcels around Bigfork fall into zones where a CUP is required (e.g., LS, RL, AL, LBL). Budget time and fees for the CUP process.
• In unzoned areas and permitted zones (RR, B‑2, B‑4, BM‑1, BM‑2, BR‑2, BR‑4, CVR, SC, NF), you can operate without a CUP, but you must meet performance standards and all state licensing/tax obligations.
• CALURS properties: confirm whether you are in Upper Canyon (exempt) or Middle Canyon (minor land use).
• Annual renewals (license, taxes) and inspections are baked into the cost of doing business; maintain a compliance calendar.

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes publicly available information and is not legal or tax advice. Always confirm current requirements with Flathead County Planning & Zoning and the Montana DPHHS/Revenue before operating.