Overview

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Lakeside, Montana, but they are subject to comprehensive county regulations and licensing requirements. Lakeside is located within Lake County, Montana, and short-term rentals (also called vacation rentals, tourist homes, lodging facilities, roominghouses, or hotel/motels) must comply with all applicable Lake County and Montana state regulations. Vacation rentals are considered public sleeping accommodations and require proper licensing before operation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lakeside, MT

The process for establishing a legal short-term rental in Lakeside involves a systematic sequence of approvals and licensing. The process is designed to ensure compliance with health, safety, zoning, and building requirements.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Zoning Verification and Planning

   • Contact Lake County Planning Department (LCPD) at 406-883-7235 to determine if vacation rentals are allowed under current zoning and density regulations
   • Some districts within the County do not allow vacation rentals
   • Obtain Zoning Conformance Permit Application with Checklist

2. Environmental Health Review

   • Submit Public Sleeping Accommodation Plan Review Application to Lake County Environmental Health Department (LCEH)
   • LCEH will review the application alongside LCPD zoning compliance

3. Wastewater Treatment System Assessment

   • Obtain Wastewater Treatment System (WWTS) Alteration with No New Components Permit from LCEH
   • LCEH will determine allowable number of bedrooms based on WWTS size and capacity

4. Water Supply System Review

   • Public water supply systems require pre-approval from LCEH
   • Private water supply systems require Source Water Assessment including lab analysis for coliform bacteria and total nitrate + nitrate levels

5. Building Permit Requirements

   • Building permits are only required for new construction or remodels
   • Contact State Building Inspector Rob Morris at 406-202-1324 for "Change of Use" or "New" construction if applicable

6. State Registration and Licensing

   • Register with Montana Department of Revenue at 406-444-6900 to obtain seller's permit
   • Contact Montana DPHHS Environmental Health Facility Safety Section at 406-444-2837 for Public Accommodation License
   • Complete pre-opening inspection with LCEH and DPHHS

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Applications and Permits

1. Public Sleeping Accommodation Plan Review Application

   • Fee: $150
   • Submitted to LCEH for comprehensive review

2. Wastewater Treatment System Permit

   • Fee: $150
   • Required for any WWTS alterations or bedroom determinations

3. Zoning Conformance Permit Application

   • Fee: Varies
   • Submitted to Lake County Planning Department

4. Building Notification Permit Application

   • Fee: Varies
   • Required only for new construction or remodels

5. Montana Public Accommodation License

   • Annual fees: $100 (1-10 rooms), $175 (11-25 rooms), $250 (26+ rooms)
   • Issued by Montana DPHHS

6. Department of Revenue Registration

   • Lodging Facilities Form required
   • Obtain seller's permit through DOR

Supporting Documentation Requirements

• Property ownership documentation
• Wastewater system documentation
• Water supply assessment results
• Building plans (if applicable)
• Insurance documentation
• Emergency contact information

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Lake County Regulations

Property Use Classification:

• Vacation rentals are classified as Tourist Homes, Lodging Facilities, Roominghouses, or Hotel/Motels
• Must comply with all Public Accommodation standards

Inspection Requirements:

• Pre-opening inspection by LCEH is mandatory
• No annual inspections required unless complaints are filed
• Additional inspections may be required if complaints are received by LCEH

Density and Zoning Compliance:

• Some zoning districts explicitly prohibit vacation rentals
• Requires zoning approval before licensing
• Must verify compliance with local covenants and planning requirements

Wastewater and Water Standards:

• Bedrooms limited by WWTS capacity
• Source water assessment required for private systems
• Must meet Montana water supply standards

Montana State Regulations

Public Accommodation Standards:

• ARM 37.111.101-135: Comprehensive public accommodation regulations
• Governed by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Building Codes:

• ARM 24.301.101-190: Montana Building Codes Bureau requirements
• Building permits required for new construction or significant remodels

Taxation Requirements:

• MCA 15-65-101: Lodging Facility Use Tax
• MCA 15-68-101: Lodging Facility Sales Tax
• ARM 42-14-106: Registration and permit requirements
• Registration with Department of Revenue mandatory

Additional State Laws:

• MCA 50-51-102: General provisions and definitions
• MCA 50-51-103(1)&(2): Governing operation requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Lake County Environmental Health Department (LCEH)

• Address: 500 1st Street East, Polson MT 59860
• Phone: 406-883-7236
• Email: envhealth@lakemt.gov
• Primary Contact: For all health-related approvals, plan reviews, and licensing

Lake County Planning Department (LCPD)

• Phone: 406-883-7235
• Primary Contact: For zoning verification, density requirements, and conformance permits

Building Codes Bureau

• Inspector: Rob Morris
• Phone: 406-202-1324
• Primary Contact: For building permits, plan reviews, and construction requirements

Montana Department of Revenue

• Phone: 406-444-6900
• Website: mtrevenue.gov
• Primary Contact: For seller permits, lodging facility registration, and tax compliance

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

• Environmental Health Facility Safety Section
• Phone: 406-444-2837
• Primary Contact: For public accommodation licensing and renewals

Lake County Sheriff Department

• Phone: 406-883-7301
• Primary Contact: For access, noise, and nuisance complaints

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Lake County Vacation Rental Requirements: www.lakemt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/167/Overview-of-Vacation-Rentals-and-Tourist-Home-Requirements-in-Lake-County-PDF?bidId=
• Lake County Website: lakemt.gov
• Montana Department of Revenue: mtrevenue.gov

Supporting Documents and Applications

• Zoning Performance Standards: Available through Lake County Planning Department
• Public Accommodation Guidelines: ARM 37.111.1 through Montana DPHHS
• Building Code Requirements: ARM 24.301.146
• Lodging Facility Tax Guidelines: ARM 42.14

Important Operational Considerations

Annual Compliance:

• DPHHS sends renewal notifications by mail several months before year-end
• Annual licensing fees vary based on room count
• Must maintain current contact information with authorities

Complaint Management:

• Access, noise, and nuisance issues: Lake County Sheriff Department (406-883-7301)
• Garbage and health-related complaints: Lake County Environmental Health (406-883-7236)
• Additional inspections may be required if complaints are substantiated

Local Authority Coordination:

• Multiple agencies are involved in vacation rental oversight
• All approvals must be obtained in proper sequence
• Non-compliance can result in operational suspension

Property-Specific Requirements:

• Verify local covenants and homeowners association restrictions
• Confirm zoning allowances before investing
• Assess wastewater system capacity for intended bedroom count
• Evaluate water supply system adequacy

This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that short-term rentals in Lakeside operate safely and in compliance with all applicable health, safety, and zoning standards. Investors should budget adequate time for the approval process and maintain ongoing compliance monitoring to avoid operational disruptions.