Short‑Term Rental (STR) Investor Guide – Clinton, Montana
(Prepared from the provided source material dated Feb 21 2025)

1. Overview – Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Clinton, MT?

Short‑term rentals are permitted in Clinton, MT.
Clinton is an unincorporated community in Missoula County, Montana. The state of Montana does not prohibit short‑term rentals, and Missoula County’s public‑health and zoning framework allows the rental of a single‑family dwelling or a full dwelling unit for overnight guest stays, provided the property meets the health and safety standards imposed by Missoula Public Health.

Important nuance: Missoula City has its own municipal registration program for STRs that became effective December 5 2024. Because Clinton lies outside the city limits, the city registration requirement (including the fee, listing‑site registration number, and city‑issued license) does not apply to properties located in Clinton. However, any STR located inside the city limits of Missoula must comply with those city rules (see Section 4).

2. How to Launch an STR in the Clinton Market

1. Confirm Zoning & Land‑Use Compatibility

   • Verify the property is in a residential district that allows rental of a full dwelling unit. In Missoula County the typical zoning for single‑family neighborhoods (R‑1) permits renting the entire home to guests, whereas “rooms within an owner‑occupied home” are treated as a different use and are not subject to the same registration.

2. Engage Missoula Public Health for a Plan Review

   • Missoula Public Health reviews every proposed STR in the county to confirm potable water, adequate wastewater disposal, proper garbage handling, laundry facilities, chemical storage, pest‑control measures, sufficient bathrooms, and appropriate food‑storage/‑preparation equipment.
   • Submit the health‑department plan‑review application (the exact form is not reproduced here) and be prepared to respond to any questions within the department’s stated 30‑day review window.

3. Obtain a Montana Business License & Register for State Taxes

   • Even though the source material does not list a specific state‑level STR permit, Montana law requires any lodging business to obtain a Montana Business License and to register for the 5 % Lodging Tax with the Montana Department of Revenue. This registration must be completed before any guest stays.

4. Secure Property‑Tax & Insurance Considerations

   • Verify that the property’s tax classification permits short‑term rental activity. Update insurance coverage to include liability for guests (a standard “short‑term rental” or “vacation rental” endorsement).

5. Prepare the Physical Space

   • Meet Missoula Public Health’s health‑safety checklist (water, wastewater, waste, etc.). The city of Missoula has moved away from mandatory on‑site building inspections; a self‑inspection checklist is now accepted for city‑licensed properties and is a useful model for county‑level compliance.

6. List the Property & Collect Guest Data

   • When listing on platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo, ensure that any city‑required registration number is displayed only if the property is located inside Missoula City limits. For Clinton properties, no city number is required, but you must still comply with the hosting platform’s verification processes.