Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Manhattan, MT?

• Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed to operate in Manhattan, MT. There are no city‑specific STR ordinances identified in the materials provided; therefore, investors must comply with state requirements (Montana Public Accommodation License; lodging taxes) and any applicable town-level rules, including a general business license. Because Gallatin County and the Town of Manhattan do not publish separate STR codes in the sources here, treat an STR as a standard business operation and follow the state framework. Note that nearby jurisdictions (e.g., Bozeman, Missoula) have stricter local rules; those do not apply to Manhattan unless you are operating in those cities.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Manhattan, MT

1. Confirm zoning and property suitability

• Short‑term rental use must be consistent with the underlying zoning on your property. If you have any doubt, verify allowable uses and building/fire requirements with the Town of Manhattan Building/Zoning Department. STRs are subject to standard residential use, parking, and nuisance provisions at the city level.

2. Obtain a Town of Manhattan business license

• Per Manhattan Code Reminders, “Any business or person conducting business within the Town of Manhattan is required to have a business license from the Town.” Short‑term rentals qualify as a business.
• Contact the town clerk to confirm any required application, fee, renewal cycle, and whether zoning clearance or occupancy documentation is needed with the business license.

3. Secure Montana Public Accommodation License (state health licensing)

• Montana requires STR operators to obtain a Public Accommodation License from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
• Compliance items typically include potable water, wastewater disposal, hygienic amenities (showers, laundry), cleanliness and maintenance standards, and guest registry maintenance for at least one year.

4. Register for and remit Montana lodging taxes

• Register for Montana lodging facility sales and use tax (often referred to as “bed tax”) through the Montana Department of Revenue.
• File and pay lodging taxes as required (statewide). If the town ever adopts a local lodging tax in the future, you would register for and remit that as well.

5. Establish safety and operations protocols

• Prepare to meet the health and safety standards referenced by the state Public Accommodation License.
• Maintain a guest registry (see “Required documents” section).
• Adopt nuisance and community‑friendly practices (e.g., parking and quiet hours) to avoid violations.

6. Monitor for city and county updates

• City‑specific STR rules can change. Check the Town of Manhattan’s Code Reminders and the full code library periodically for updates. Likewise, review any Gallatin County updates if adopted. Nearby city examples (Bozeman, Missoula) show how local rules can become stricter; Manhattan has not published such rules in the sources provided.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Town of Manhattan Business License (application via Town Clerk/Building & Zoning)
  • Information typically includes: property address, owner contact information, property manager contacts (if any), emergency contact, number of bedrooms/guest capacity, and compliance with local code (parking, signage, nuisance).
• Montana Public Accommodation License (DPHHS)
  • Evidence of potable water and wastewater disposal arrangements.
  • Hygienic amenities and cleanliness/maintenance standards compliance.
  • Guest registry record‑keeping system (kept ≥1 year).
• Montana Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax registration (Montana Department of Revenue)
  • Registration and periodic filing/payment.
• Zoning/building documentation (Town of Manhattan Building/Zoning Department)
  • Confirmation of permitted use under zoning and any occupancy documentation as required for short‑term occupancy.
• Internal operating documentation (best practice)
  • House rules, check‑in/check‑out procedures, parking details, local quiet hours/nuisance expectations, emergency contacts, and safety procedures.

Specific regulations for STRs: City, County, and State

• City (Manhattan) regulations
  • Business licensing: Required for any person conducting business within town limits (Manhattan Code Reminders, “BUSINESS LICENSES (3‑1‑3)”).
  • General code compliance: Maintain property free of nuisances (“NUISANCE (4‑2‑4)”), comply with water use rules, snow removal requirements, garbage/refuse removal, signage restrictions, and other public health/safety provisions.
  • Camper/RV provisions: “Campers as Residential Dwellings (10‑13‑2a)” allows limited use of RVs on single‑family lots via permit; these are not a substitute for a properly licensed STR in a dwelling unit.
  • Zoning: STR use must align with zoning. Confirm allowances and any occupancy limits with the Town of Manhattan Building/Zoning Department.
• County (Gallatin County) regulations
  • No county‑specific STR rules are published in the sources provided. If/when the county adopts any, you must comply with those requirements as well.
• State (Montana) regulations
  • Public Accommodation License (DPHHS): Required for STRs. Operators must provide potable water, wastewater disposal, hygienic amenities, maintain cleanliness and maintenance standards, and maintain a guest registry for at least one year after each stay.
  • Lodging taxes: Register and remit state lodging facility sales and use tax through the Montana Department of Revenue.
  • County/city flexibility: Montana allows counties and municipalities to adopt additional STR regulations (as seen in Bozeman and Missoula). In the absence of Manhattan‑specific STR rules, operate under the state framework and town business licensing.
• Neighbor examples (not binding in Manhattan, provided for context)
  • Bozeman: Has a detailed local ordinance with types of STRs, zoning restrictions, registration portal, platform enforcement, and safety inspections. This is not applicable in Manhattan unless you operate within Bozeman’s city limits.
  • Missoula: Requires local registration, a business license, a Public Accommodation License, lodging tax compliance, zoning checks, neighbor notifications for certain STRs, and safety self‑inspections. This is not applicable in Manhattan unless you operate within Missoula’s city limits.

Contact information for the local authority in charge of STRs (Manhattan, MT)

• Town Hall / Building & Zoning Department (Business licensing and zoning questions)
  • Address: 207 South Sixth Street, Manhattan, MT 59741
  • Phone: 406‑284‑3235
  • Email: townofmanhattan@gmail.com
  • Website: www.townofmanhattan.com
• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Public Accommodation License)
  • Visit DPHHS licensing resources online or call the general number listed under Montana state government directories.
• Montana Department of Revenue (Lodging Tax Registration and Compliance)
  • Visit the Montana DOR website or call the general number listed under Montana state government directories.

Important notes and investor reminders

• Zoning suitability and occupancy limits vary by district and building type; confirm with the Town of Manhattan before acquiring or converting a property.
• In the absence of city‑specific STR rules in the provided sources, an STR in Manhattan is treated as a business. Secure your town business license, state Public Accommodation License, and lodging tax registration, and comply with all health, safety, and nuisance provisions.
• Monitor city and county updates regularly. As demonstrated in nearby cities, local rules can become significantly stricter; investors should plan for potential compliance changes.
• For financing and insurance, ensure your lender and insurer understand the STR use and that you carry appropriate coverage.

Links to source pages

• Manhattan Town Code Reminders: www.townofmanhattan.com/manhattan-code-reminders
• Full Manhattan Town Code: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/manhattanmt/latest/overview
• Bozeman Short‑Term Rental page (example of stricter local rules, not applicable to Manhattan unless operating in Bozeman): www.bozeman.net/departments/community-development/planning/short-term-rentals
• Missoula Short‑Term Rental Registration (example of stricter local rules, not applicable to Manhattan unless operating in Missoula): www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3289/Short-Term-Rental-Registration
• Montana State Legislature Bill PDF (state framework enabling local STR rules): leg.mt.gov/bills/2021/SB0099/SB0052_1.pdf

This guide reflects the materials provided. Always verify with the Town of Manhattan and Montana state agencies for current requirements.